Coronavirus latest: Downturn continues with no new cases in Luton for second day

There was three-day peak of 52 new instances of COVID-19 in Luton at the end of last week, more than the rest of May's figures combined.

Yesterday (Sunday) and today, Luton has recorded no new cases - with the total still standing at 722.

Neighbouring Central Bedfordshire's figures has been revised down to 619 (-1), while Bedford's figure has been revised to 609 (-2).

Across the country, 261,184 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, increasing by 1,625 since yesterday.

A total of 36,914 people with coronavirus in the UK have died, rising by 121 in the last 24 hours.

Today's coronavirus daily briefing has been delayed due to a public statement from the Prime Minister's advisor Dominic Cummings, who remains under fire after travelling to Durham with his family last month while suffering COVID-19 symptoms.#

Mr Cummings has denied any wrongdoing, telling reporters: "In this very complex situation, I had to exercise my judgment as best I could."

The furore around the government's top advisor has overshadowed its plans to ease the lockdown, with further details about reopening primary schools due to be unveiled on Thursday, May 28.

Yesterday, Boris Johnson stood by his aide and said he had he acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity".