THE Countess of Chester Hospital Trust reported a daily increase of two coronavirus deaths for the third consecutive day, according to the latest NHS England data.

Figures released this afternoon (April 29) show that, as of 5pm yesterday, the trust – which covers both the Chester and Ellesmere Port hospital sites – has now registered a total of 122 deaths.

That represents another increase of two deaths in 24 hours – with both patients who tested positive for the virus sadly passing away yesterday.

Last week, the trust confirmed that it has discharged a total of 96 coronavirus patients so far this month.

The Cheshire hospital death toll now stands at 378 – a daily reporting increase of five compared to 16 the previous day – with Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recording the second highest amount with 110.

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has recorded 80, while the East Cheshire NHS Trust figure stands at 66.

There are now 2,438 confirmed cases of coronavirus across Cheshire, with Cheshire West and Chester recording 743, Cheshire East (812), Warrington (575), and Halton (308).

Across England, a further 445 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 19,746.

Patients were aged between 14 and 101 years-old. A total of 27 of the 445 patients were aged between 14 and 94 years-old, and had no known underlying health condition.

NHS England states: "NHS England and NHS Improvement publish the number of patients who have died in hospital and tested positive for COVID-19 in England.

"From Tuesday 28 April, NHS England and NHS Improvement also reports the number of patient deaths where there has been no COVID-19 positive test result, but where COVID-19 is documented as a direct or underlying cause of death on part 1 or part 2 of the death certification process. This change has been introduced for deaths that occurred on 24th April and subsequently.

"This means the NHS England and NHS Improvement data collection provides information on all COVID related (suspected and confirmed) deaths in England hospitals. Today, 30 deaths are reported with no positive COVID-19 test result."