UK's coronavirus deaths rise by 684 to 3,605 in biggest one-day jump so far

London: The UK's coronavirus death toll has soared to 3,605 after 684 patients died in just 24 hours - the biggest single day increase yet.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have reported additional deaths since the Department of Health's daily update, taking the total to 3,663.

The previous total stood at 2,921 deaths.

Most of the deaths have been in England (3,302), followed by Scotland (172), Wales (141) and Northern Ireland (48).

The number of confirmed cases has increased to 38,168 after 4,450 more people tested positive.

Two NHS nurses, who were both mothers in their 30s with three young children, are among the latest patients to die after battling Covid-19 in hospital.

The grim news came as Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who is back at work after battling the virus, said the Government expects the virus to peak in Britain in the next few weeks and Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is still infected with Covid-19 and isolating, urged people to stick with social distancing in a bid to flatten the curve.

The Department of Health said: "As of 9am on 3 April 2020, 173,784 people have been tested, of which 38,168 were confirmed positive.

"As of 5pm on 2 April 2020, of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 3,605 have died."

The figure does not include infected people who have died at home.

Public Health England said 11,764 tests were carried out on Thursday in England, while testing capacity for inpatient care in the country currently stands at 12,799 tests per day.

Two NHS nurses were among the latest patients to die.

Mum-of-three Areema Nasreen, 36, was in intensive care on a ventilator after testing positive for the virus.

She worked at Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands.

In Kent, Aimee O'Rourke, 38, died at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, where she worked.

The mum-of-three was hailed as a "brave angel" as her family said in a tribute: "Aimee was a beautiful woman and a valued NHS nurse."

Commenting on the death of Ms Nasreen, Mr Hancock said: "I pay tribute to the NHS staff who've died serving the NHS, serving the nation.

"It shows the incredible bravery of every member of the NHS who goes into work knowing that these dangers are there.

"I think it is a testament to every doctor and nurse and paramedic and other health professional who is working in the NHS in these difficult times.

"And I think the whole nation is grateful."