The U.K. on Friday confirmed 980 new deaths in the country over the past 24 hours, the largest rise on record in the country.

Axar.az informs citing foreign media.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the countrywide death toll from the coronavirus reached 8,958.

“This Easter will be another test of the nation's resolve,” Hancock said. “But no matter how tempting the weather, how tempting your local park, we must stay home.”

His comments come as the weather has improved and warmed ahead of the long bank holiday weekend. The government has emphasized the need for Brits to stay at home in accordance with lockdown.

Earlier in the day, the prime minister’s spokesman said: “The prime minister is back on a ward and continuing his recovery which is at an early stage. He continues to be in very good spirits. Decisions such as this will be on the advice of his medical team. They have given him brilliant care.”

“The Prime Minister has been able to do short walks, between periods of rest, as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery,” the spokesman said.