THE UK's Covid death toll today passed 140,000 as another 207 people lost their lives to the virus.

       A further 43,941 virus cases were also reported in the latest 24-hour period.

       The figures bring the total the number fatalities since coronavirus first hit to 140,041.

       But this number could be as high as 165,000, according to separate data published by the Office for National Statistics.

       The UK has also recorded a total of 8,897,149 infections.

       Today's death tally is down on yesterday's 263, but a huge spike since the 136 reported a fortnight ago on October 13.

       Daily cases have increased on the 40,954 on October 26, and have soared since September 29 when 36,722 were recorded.

       The rising figures sparked fears another lockdown could be on the cards.

       Health experts have urged ministers to reintroduce restrictions to stop the NHS from spiralling into crisis over winter.

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       NHS Confederation chief Matthew Taylor said: "It is better to take relatively easy precautions now than risk things getting worse.

       "It’s not just about Covid but about several pressures combined and it is still only late October and has not yet got cold in most places."

       But despite the warnings from scientists, there is a "less than 20 per cent chance" Boris Johnson will need to trigger new another lockdown, insiders claim.

       Whitehall officials are increasingly confident the PM won't need to reach for Plan B which would impose masks, working from home, and vaccine passports.

       And they say the best way to help prevent further lockdowns is get vaccinated against the virus.

       It comes as...

       Rishi Sunak urges Brits to get Covid boosters ASAP as the UK faces challenging months ahead Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer tests positive for Covid as he isolates for FIFTH time There are fears for Benidorm holidays as tourist bosses blame its Covid spike on Brit holidaymakers MPs admit NHS Test and Trace was ￡37 billion flop that failed to stop Covid spreading Pupils will likely be ordered to wear masks in communal areas in schools to tackle rocketing Covid rates A jabs chief claims high Covid cases doesn't spell a disaster this winter as the UK is just testing more Eamonn Holmes reveals he’s caught Covid despite being double jabbed and is forced to isolate at home

       A total of 49,794,120 first doses of Covid-19 vaccine had been delivered in the UK as of October 26, a rise of 41,083 on the previous day, government figures show.

       Some 45,605,922 second doses have now been delivered, an increase of 23,031.

       A combined total of 6,706,468 booster and third doses have also been delivered, a day-on-day rise of 264,468.

       Separate totals for booster and third doses are not available.

       All Brits eligible for their boosters have been urged to come forward, with The Sun having launched its Give Britain a Booster campaign earlier this month.

       The NHS has now given a booster to half of eligible people aged 50 and over.

       High Covid cases DON’T spell disaster this winter – UK’s just testing more, says jabs chief