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BRITAIN last night announced its worst daily death toll since the crisis began, with 980 recorded.

The startling figure exceeds those seen on the worst days to date in either Italy or Spain. It means the virus has now claimed 8,958 lives in the UK. The daily toll is exceeded in Europe only by France, where 1,417 deaths were announced on Tuesday.

Italy announced its worst daily death figure of 971 on March 8. Spain’s worst day, April 3, saw 950 deaths.

In the US there were nearly ,000 fatalities on both Tuesday and Wednesday this week. China, where Covid-19 originated, recorded its highest daily death toll of 150 on February 3.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said last night that 19,344 people were in hospital with coronavirus symptoms.

He said of the dead: ‘We never forget that behind this number, behind each one, is a name, a loss, and the family which will never be the same again.’

Mr Hancock announced that 0,000 people were tested on Thursday in a major boost for Britain’s diagnosis programme. He said an increase in capacity finally means every front-line NHS or social care worker who needs a test is now able to get one.

Hospital bosses had previously warned many staff were being forced to self-isolate just because they or their family members had a mild cough.

Experts last night said the fatality figures reported yesterday included deaths that occurred over several days, making it very hard to see a true trend. Oxford University Professor James Naismith said: ‘With an additional 980 deaths reported, today represents an extremely sad day.’