THE number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Cheshire has risen to more than 70, according to the latest Public Health England data.

The figures from Thursday, March 25 show there have been a total of 73 cases in the county – 31 in Cheshire East, 24 in Cheshire West and Chester, 10 in Warrington and eight in Halton.

Four people have died from the Covid-19 coronavirus in Leighton Hospital, Crewe, the latest one a patient in his 60s who had underlying health conditions.

One man in his 80s with underlying health conditions died from coronavirus at the Countess of Chester Hospital earlier this month.

As of 5pm on March 25, 578 patients who tested positive for coronavirus have died across the UK.

As of 9am yesterday (March 26), a total of 104,866 people have been tested – 93,208 negative and 11,658 positive.

The Department of Health and Social Care says it is moving to a new system for the publication of deaths.

In a social media update, the department posted: "We've revised our reporting approach to help ensure we provide more timely updates going forward. The reporting time period for deaths will be changed.

"To ensure data can be verified and published in a timely, consistent way, we are moving to a new system for publication of deaths.

"The latest figures counted from the previous day (for a period from 5pm-5pm) will be published at 2pm the following day.

"Yesterday’s figures did not cover a full 24-hour period while we adjust to the new system. These figures comprised the period from 9am 24 March to 5pm on 24 March.

"Figures issued today (March 26) are recorded as of 5pm 24 March to 5pm 25 March.

"Going forwards, figures on deaths will be recorded for the 24 hour period as of 5pm the previous day.

"Figures on tests remain as of the 24 hour period from 9am that day."