Coronavirus: UK death toll rises to 463

Increased death toll comes as Prince Charles becomes highest profile person to contract the virus

The number of deaths in the UK as a result of the Covid-19 coronavirus has risen to 463, after authorities in England reported a further 28 deaths in the past 24 hours.

They included a 47-year-old who did not have an underlying health condition. The others who died, including one person aged 93, did have underlying health conditions, NHS England said. Their families have been informed.

It comes as emergency powers to tackle the virus in the UK became law. The Coronavirus Bill 2020 swiftly passed through Westminster, and grants ministers, councils, police, health professionals and coroners wide-ranging powers that are due to last for up to two years.

However while being rushed through over the course of three days, concerns were raised over measures that will reduce oversight on some officials while also impacting civil liberties.

The changes include reducing the number of doctors required to sign off on sectioning those with mental health issues from two to one, while police would be given authority to force those infected with Covid-19 to self-isolate.

Health Minister Lord Bethell expressed his "profound thanks" to those involved with the Bill and ensuring its swift passage through Parliament, including other political parties, who he said had "worked in a collaborative and supportive way during this whole process".

He added: "I would like to thank those who work in Parliament and House of Lords who are here today at considerable risk to themselves and have displayed amazing commitment to this remarkable organisation."

Meanwhile the Prince of Wales has become the highest profile person to contract the virus in the country, after Clarence House said he had tested positive for the virus.

Prince Charles, 71, is displaying "mild symptoms" of the Covid-19 illness but is in good health and spirits as he self-isolates at Birkhall in Scotland, a spokesman said.

A source added "medical advice is that it is unlikely to escalate into a more serious case".