Coronavirus update: 82 more people test positive in Herts as UK death toll passes 12,000

Across the country the death toll has risen by 778, taking the total to 12,107, all in the past 40 days.

At least 93,873 have contracted the disease in the UK, but only about 0.5% of the population has been tested so the true number is expected to be far higher.

Globally, nearly 2 million people are known to have been infected with coronavirus and 121,793 have died.

The latest Government lockdown restrictions to help stop the spread of coronavirus mean that you should only leave your home for one of the four following reasons:

- Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible

- One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household

- Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

- Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home

You should also ensure that you are always at least two metres apart from anyone outside of your household.

Other precautions recommended by the NHS are:

- Wash your hands with soap and water often – for at least 20 seconds

- Wash your hands as soon as you get home

- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

- Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands

- Not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean