UK government says virus death toll up by 621 to 28,131

The United Kingdom's COVID-19 death toll rose 621 to 28,131 as of May 1, taking the overall cumulative toll to 28,131, just behind Europe's worst-hit country Italy.

"Sadly of those tested positive for coronavirus... 28,131 have now died," housing minister Robert Jenrick told reporters at a Downing Street briefing. "That's an increase of 621 fatalities since yesterday."

Italy reported a death toll of 28,236 on May 1. The United Kingdom's previous death toll was 27,510 as of April 30 at 1600.

(With inputs from agencies)