The United Kingdom records another 210 deaths through COVID-19, with cases rising to 34,693

People walk through Oxford Circus, while shops remain closed under level 4 restrictions amid the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in London, UK, December 26, 2020. REUTERS / Henry Nicholls

LONDON (Reuters) – The UK recorded 210 COVID-19 deaths on Saturday, down from 570 the day before, while cases rose to 1,968 to 34,693, the government said, citing partial data.

The latest R number is estimated at 1.1 to 1.3, the government said.

The United Kingdom recorded 70,405 deaths, defined as deaths within 28 days of a positive test. Under the measure, it has the sixth highest tax rate in the world, after the United States, Brazil, India, Mexico and Italy.

A larger measure of those who die with COVID-19 on their death certificates puts the UK death toll at 79,349.

(This story corrects the penultimate paragraph to read “Italy” not “India”)

Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; edited by John Stonestreet

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