There have been three further coronavirus-related deaths at Dorset hospitals over the past few days.

The deaths all occurred at Poole Hospital, the latest of which was reported in NHS figures released yesterday.

A total of 48 patients have died at Poole after testing positive for Covid-19.

Meanwhile there have been a total of 65 deaths at The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals, 24 deaths at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, and 14 at hospitals run by Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust.

In total 151 patients have died at Dorset hospitals since the outbreak began.

Around the country, a further 179 people, who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 27,044.

Patients were aged between 12 and 97 years old. Four of the 179 patients (aged between 78 and 93) had no known underlying health condition.

Their families have been informed.