Yahoo Sport 
UK records 13 more Covid deaths as London’s lockdown restrictions ease
The country also recorded a further 3,568 new coronavirus cases
(REUTERS)The UK has recorded 13 more coronavirus deaths as London’s pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, and non-essential shops reopen.
This compares to 26 deaths recorded on the same day last week. It brings the UK's official death toll total to 127,100.
Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have been 150,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
The Government also said that, as of 9am on Monday, there had been a further 3,568 lab-confirmed cases in the UK.
The vaccine rollout continues to skew towards second doses of the jab with 189,665 given on Monday. This comapres to just 69,223 first doses given on the same day.
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the nation to “behave responsibly” as life took another step back towards normality, with indoor gyms, swimming pools, nail salons and zoos also welcoming customers back.
Retail analysts Springboard said that footfall across all retail destinations in the UK was up 116% by 3pm on Monday compared to the same time a week ago.
London’s main shopping streets saw around 44% of the pre-pandemic level of April visitors, slightly up on expectations.
In England, pubs and restaurants have been making changes during lockdown to maximise their ability to serve customers outside.
But the British Beer and Pub Association estimates that just 40% of licensed premises have the space to reopen for outdoor service.
In response to the easing of restriction, the Metropolitan Police said it will be “stepping up” patrols in high footfall areas from Monday.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jane Connors said: “Of course, where we need to take action against those who dangerously flout the rules we will do.”
The next significant date is May 17, when socialising indoors will be permitted under the “rule of six”, if the Prime Minister judges that the vaccination programme is safely breaking the link between infections and deaths.
Read More
