A FURTHER patient in the North-East has died after he tested positive for coronavirus.

The 85-year-old, who has not been named, died at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. 

The South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed the death as the number of deaths across the UK rose by a further 39 people overnight.

A trust spokesperson said: "Sadly, we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at the James Cook University Hospital, and had tested positive for COVID-19 has died.

"The patient was 85 years old and was admitted with underlying health conditions.

"His family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.

"The trust is continuing to follow all of the appropriate infection control guidance to provide safe and effective care to our patients."

The trust urged patients with appointments to still attend as normal unless they are told otherwise or have a temperature or new or continuos cough.

A statement from NHS England published this afternoon said: "A further 39 people, who tested positive for the coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in England to 177.

"Patients were aged between 50 and 99 years old and had underlying health conditions. Their families have been informed."