Coronavirus: Further 2,988 cases confirmed in UK

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A further 2,988 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the UK in the past 24 hours, government data showed.

It is the highest daily number of new cases since 22 May and a rise of 1,175 on Saturday’s figure, according to the UK government’s coronavirus dashboard.

Scotland recorded 208 new cases on Sunday, its highest daily increase for more than 17 weeks.

Two further deaths within 28 days of a positive test were recorded in the UK.

Overall, 347,152 cases have been confirmed with 41,551 deaths recorded.

Wales recorded a further 98 cases, its highest daily rise since 30 June, and Northern Ireland recorded 106 new cases, its highest rise since 25 April.

Commenting on Scotland’s increase, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “While this reflects the substantial opening up of the economy, it reminds us of the need to deploy counter measures.”

She added that the “first line of defence” is to “take greater care on face coverings, hygiene and distance”.