The UK’s coronavirus hospital death toll has increased to 30,553 after 177 more fatalities were reported in 24 hours.
England reported 149 new deaths, Scotland had 15, Wales recorded 10 and Northern Ireland had three, according to Mirror reports.
Previous Friday totals were 155 on May 22, 256 on May 15, 414 on May 8 and 427 on May 1.
The Government’s official toll – previously 37,837 deaths in all settings, including care homes – will be updated later. It is the second highest total in the world and the highest in Eurpe.
However, the UK’s true Covid-19 death toll is more than 47,300 based on death certificates from each UK nation.
The latest figures came as Chancellor Rishi Sunak prepared to tell employers they will need to contribute to their furloughed workers’ salaries from August as the Government admitted the scheme cannot run “indefinitely”.
A total of 2,331 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, up by 15 from 2,316 on Wednesday, Nicola Sturgeon said.
Speaking at the Scottish Government’s coronavirus briefing, she announced 15,327 people have tested positive for the virus across Scotland, a rise of 39 from 15,288 previous day.
There are 1,216 patients in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a fall of 22 in 24 hours from 1,238.
Of these, 40 were in intensive care, an increase of three.
Meanwhile, Mr Sunak was set to announce changes to the job retention scheme, which has so far covered the wages of 8.4 million staff unable to work during lockdown – costing £15 billion.
Ministers have said they will extend the scheme covering 80% of workers’ salaries up to £2,500 per month until the end of October, with employers expected to make a contribution.
It comes after Boris Johnson announced a gradual easing of the lockdown in England, with friends and families able to meet in parks and gardens in socially distanced groups of six from Monday.
The Prime Minister said all five of his tests to move into the next phase had been met, allowing schools to begin reopening and greater contact to be permitted from Monday.
In Scotland, a gradual relaxation of lockdown begins on Friday with a similar plan to allow outside gatherings.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is permitting groups of up to eight people.
Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford, announced that, from Monday, an unlimited number of people from two different households would be able to meet as long as they do not travel more than five miles.
The easing of restrictions also means the gradual reopening of the economy, with outdoor retail and car showrooms opening in England from Monday ahead of a greater opening of non-essential shops.
