15 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in Lancashire after 6,650 test positive in UK

Figures released by Public Health England reveal 6,650 people have tested positive for Covid-19 as of 9am today (March 23) - an increase of 967 from the day before (March 22).

There are now 59 confirmed cases in areas managed by Lancashire County Council, six in Blackpool, and one Blackburn with Darwen case.

This brings the total number of cases to 66 in the county.

335 people in the UK have now died after testing positive for Covid-19 - an increase of 54 since yesterday.

Scotland and Wales also reported another four deaths each, taking the totals to 14 and 16 respectively.

Two people have died in Northern Ireland.

Patients were aged between 47 and 105 years old and all had underlying health conditions,” said an NHS England statement.

“Their families have been informed.”

Today it was confirmed Bill Smith, from Great Harwood, died at Royal Blackburn Hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.

Mr Smith was in his 80s and suffered from underlying health conditions. He passed away on the intensive care unit.

His death is the first to be confirmed in Lancashire.

As the number of cases of coronavirus in the UK continues to climb, the government is urging people to follow its guidance on social distancing in an effort to contain the spread.