More than 700 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK in the last 24 hours – the highest rise during the pandemic.

As of 9am Friday, March 20, 3,983 people are confirmed to have contracted the virus – a rise of 714 cases compared to the same time Thursday.

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The NHS carried out 2,355 new tests, bringing the total number of those tested to 66,976.

Sadly, 177 of those who have tested positive have since died.

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Regional figures are yet to be released by Public Health England, although are expected later in the day.

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