Sixth coronavirus patient dies in England as UK cases rise to 373

The patient, who was in their 80s, was being treated at a hospital in Hertfordshire and is believed to have picked up the virus in the UK.

It comes as the total number of UK cases rises to 373 as of 9am on Tuesday, up from 319 at the same point on Monday, the Department of Health said.

England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said: "I am sorry to confirm a sixth patient in England who tested positive for Covid-19 has sadly died. I offer my sincere condolences to their family and friends and ask that their privacy is respected.

"The patient, who was being treated by West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, was in their 80s and had underlying health conditions.

"It appears the virus was acquired in the UK and full contact tracing has begun."

Today's rise is the second largest day-on-day increase since the outbreak began.

It is a jump of 54, which is 17% up on the equivalent figure for Monday.

Five patients in Leeds have tested positive for the virus as 9am on Monday, bringing the Yorkshire total up to 12.

Public Health England is expected to publish the updated Leeds figures later this afternoon.