Northamptonshire coronavirus cases rise by eight in a single day

The number of recorded cases of a Covid-19 has risen to 29 today (Monday, March 23) - the biggest increase in any single day since the global pandemic began.

The county’s two general hospitals are recording all the cases that come through their doors. No town-based data has been made publicly available by health bosses.

The true infection rate in the county is thought to be much higher but no community testing has happened for two weeks.

Northamptonshire’s first case came just 20 days ago on March 3, while Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital have recorded one death each.

The government this afternoon confirmed that, as of 9am today, a total of 83,945 people have been tested across the UK, of which 77,295 were confirmed negative and 6,650 were confirmed positive.

As of 1pm today, 335 patients in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus have died.

People are being urged to stay in their homes unless they are making essential trips.

The news came as Prime Minister Boris was tonight preparing to address the nation on further measures the government intends to take in order to try to slow down the spread of the virus. He is due to speak at 8.30pm.