Britain's COVID-19 death toll hits 44,650

KUWAIT, July 10 (KUNA) -- Britain's health ministry said on Friday that some 44,650 people have died of coronavirus after 48 new fatalities were reported, confirming its place as one of the worst-affected countries by the pandemic.
The country's tally of cases has reached 288,133 after 512 more people contracted the infectious disease, read a health ministry statement, as authorities continue to ramp up testing and contact tracing to help rein in the spread of the virus.
Most public places in the country, including pubs and barber shops, have now re-opened as Britain progresses along a multi-stage plan of easing the coronavirus-imposed lockdown. (end) kd.nam