国际英语新闻:UK COVID-19 deaths rise to 40,597 as another 55 patients die

LONDON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Another 55 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain as of Sunday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 40,597, the British Department of Health and Social Care said Monday.

The figures include deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.

The daily rise in the number of coronavirus deaths was the lowest since before the lockdown on March 23. No new deaths were announced in both Scotland and Northern Ireland for the second consecutive day.

Figures reported on Mondays tend to be lower due to reporting delays over the weekend.

As of Monday morning, 287,399 people have tested positive in Britain, a daily increase of 1,205, according to the department.

Chairing Monday's Downing Street daily briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the R rate, the number of people infected by one person with COVID-19, is below one in all British regions.

"Coronavirus is in retreat across the land", but people must be "cautious" and take a "safety-first approach", Hancock said.

The number of coronavirus-related deaths in care homes has fallen by 79 percent from its peak during the week ending April 24, he said.

Hancock also announced a new social care task force with its focus on stopping infection, while also trying to ensure the well-being of all those who receive care and support, whether they live in care homes or at home.

The task force will "oversee delivery of the next phase of our plan for social care, ensuring care homes have the support, training and resources they need," he added.