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 While the UK's death toll from the coronavirus rose on Wednesday by
492, the most since mid-May, London's Soho entertainment district
was busy with revellers seeking one last night out before lockdown.
People will be ordered to stay at home from 0001 GMT on Thursday to
combat a surge in new infections that scientists say could, if
unchecked, cause more deaths than a first wave that forced a
three-month lockdown earlier this year.
The United Kingdom has the biggest official death toll in Europe
from COVID-19 and is grappling with more than 20,000 new coronavirus
cases a day. Scientists warned the "worst-case" scenario of 80,000
dead could be exceeded without action.
eter Cooney)
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Even before Wednesday, data from restaurant bookings service OpenTable showed a
surge in demand for London eateries during the run-up to the new lockdown.
Several English police forces used social media to urge people going out on
Wednesday night to follow social-distancing rules.
The rest of the UK - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - have their own
lockdown policies and enacted tougher health restrictions last month.
(Reporting by Henry Nicholls; Writing by Andy Bruce; Editing by P
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