The number of coronavirus-related deaths has risen to its highest level since June.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 670 people died with the virus in the week ending October 16 – an increase of 232 compared to the week before.

It is the highest number recorded in 17 weeks and the sixth week in a row that figures have risen.

Data showed that coronavirus-related fatalities increased in Wales and across all English regions, with the north-west recording the most with 229.

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The last time England and Wales recorded a tally above this week’s figure was in week 25 in June, with 783 deaths.

The ONS said the number of deaths in private homes and care homes were above the five-year average with 776 and 90 respectively. However, the number of hospital deaths were below the average.

It comes as more areas were plunged into tier three measures this week, as cases continue to rise.

At midnight, Warrington was moved up to the strictest level of measures, meaning all bars and pubs that cannot serve a ‘substantial meal’ will be forced to close.

Nottingham City will also be put under a tier three lockdown from Thursday, along with neighbouring Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe.

Households will also be banned from mixing indoors, while casinos, betting shops, bingo halls adult gaming centres and soft play areas will be forced to close.

Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and South Yorkshire have already been put into the highest tier.

The health secretary yesterday refused to rule out increasing the current three-tier system to include a stricter fourth level in areas where the rules are failing to suppress the virus.

According to reports, civil servants are drawing up plans that would see restaurant and non-essential shops forced to close.

Pressed about speculation of tier four, the health secretary responded: ‘We’ve always said all along we take nothing off the table.

‘Having said that since the introduction of the tier system a few weeks’ ago, we have seen the rise in the number of cases has slowed a bit.’

‘The problem is it’s still going up, and while it’s still going up we’ve got to act to get it under control.’

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