THREE more people have died at Royal Bolton Hospital after contracting coronavirus.

Figures released by NHS England this afternoon confirmed that the deaths of one patient yesterday, and two patients on Thursday had been linked to coronavirus.

Statistics released yesterday showed, 211,364 people across the UK had tested positive for covid-19, with 875 cases of the virus confirmed in the borough.

They also revealed that Bolton has an above-average rate of infection, with a higher proportion of the population contracting covid-19.

Across England, 238.7 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed per 100,000 people, whilst Bolton's rate sits at 306.6 per 100,000 people, more than a quarter higher.

At least 190 people have now died in the borough's hospital after contracting covid-19, although this may rise as some positive results can be received days after the patient's death.

Figures do not include deaths in the community, such as those in care homes, where at least 56 deaths in Bolton have been linked to covid-19.

NHS England also announced 207 new deaths of people who tested positive for covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 22,972.