Coronavirus death toll rises to 578 as 11,658 test positive in the UK

Public Health England confirmed that as of 9am on Thursday, March 26 104,866 have been tested.

93,208 have tested negative.

As of 5pm on 25 March, of those hospitalised in the UK, 578 have sadly died.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that three coronavirus patients in Scotland have died, bringing the total to 25,

She also said the number of people who had tested positive for Covid-19 had risen by 175 from Wednesday's total, from 719 to 894.

Dr Robin Howe, incident director for the coronavirus outbreak at Public Health Wales, also said 113 people had tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Wales to 741.

Dr Howe said: "Novel Coronavirus is now circulating in every part of Wales.

"Six further deaths have been reported to us of people who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus, taking the number of deaths in Wales to 28.

"We offer our condolences to the family and friends affected, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality."

Coronavirus testing in Northern Ireland has resulted in 32 new positive cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 241.

The Public Health Agency said that ten people in Northern Ireland have died after testing positive for Covid-19.

The Department of Health and Social Care have changed they way that they report new cases.

In a statement, the department said: "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 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. We're working hard with colleagues at Public Health England and NHS England to provide you with reliable and timely data."