Number of tested coronavirus cases rises siginificantly in Milton Keynes

There is now a total of 221 people who have tested positive for the infection at Milton Keynes hospital, according to Public Health England.

Yesterday's (Wednesday's) figure was 195, an increase of nine from the previous day. On Tuesday there was a rise of just five.

Today's increase is thought to be the biggest since the start of the pandemic.

The death toll at MK hospital since the start of the pandemic currently stands at 39 but the figure is due to be updated shortly. It does not include elderly people who have died at nursing or care homes.

The age range of the victims has not been disclosed and neither is it known how many had underlying health conditions.

Nationally, another 881 people have died in hospitals after contracting coronavirus, taking the UK death toll to 7,978.

All the figures refer only to people who have been tested in hospital. The true extent of infection among the wider public, who have no access to testing kits, is as yet unknown.