UK sees COVID-19 death toll hit 10,612, to donate $81m to WHO

LONDON -- A total of 10,612 people who were hospitalized in Britain and tested positive for the novel coronavirus have died as of Saturday afternoon, a daily increase of 737, the Department of Health and Social Care said on Sunday.

As of Sunday morning, some 84,279 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, said the department, adding that 352,974 tests have concluded, with 18,000 tests on Saturday.

Hours before the update was released, a Downing Street spokesman confirmed that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson "has been discharged from hospital to continue his recovery at Chequers".

In a video on Twitter, Johnson praised NHS (National Health Service) staff for saving his life.

"It is hard to find the words to express my debt to the NHS for saving my life. The efforts of millions of people across this country to stay home are worth it," said the prime minister.

"Together we will overcome this challenge, as we have overcome so many challenges in the past. #StayHomeSaveLives," said Johnson.

The prime minister was moved to a general ward on Thursday evening after spending three days in intensive care. He was taken to the hospital on April 5, 10 days after testing positive for the novel coronavirus.

In the meantime, the government announced on Sunday that a package of 200 million pounds ($248.9 million) will back British charities and international organizations to help reduce mass infections in developing countries which often lack the healthcare systems to track and halt the virus.

The new aid includes 130 million pounds ($162 million) for UN agencies in response to their urgent appeal for support. Of this, 65 million pounds ($81 million) will go to the World Health Organization (WHO) which is coordinating international efforts to end the pandemic sooner, according to the government.

"Coronavirus does not respect country borders so our ability to protect the British public will only be effective if we strengthen the healthcare systems of vulnerable developing countries too," said International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan in a statement.