Twelve more deaths from Covid-19 as new figures for Preston and South Ribble reported

The drive-through coronavirus testing facility at Preston's College Pic: StePNE — The drive-through coronavirus testing facility at Preston’s College Pic: StePNE

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has announced a further 12 people have died from coronavirus at Preston and Chorley hospitals.

Figures updated this afternoon (Tuesday May 12) reveal the total number of people to have died from the virus at Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley Hospital now stands at 162. The figure reported yesterday was 150.

Of the 12 new cases, one person died on April 29, one person died on May 4, one on May 5, two on May 6, two on May 7 , four on May 9 and one on May 10.

Eight new cases of the virus have also been confirmed this afternoon, in Preston and South Ribble.

In Preston there are now 369 confirmed cases of coronavirus, an increase on one from yesterday. This brings the infection rate to 260.2 per 100,000 people in the city.

South Ribble now has 209 confirmed cases of the virus, representing an increase of seven. The infection rate is now 263.7 per 100,000 people.

The figures come as Preston and South Ribble councils prepare to reopen some facilities as part of the goverment’s plans to begin easing the restrictions in place during lockdown.

On Wednesday some parks and sports facilities will be open to the public – although playgrounds and skate parks will remain off limits.

Parents have been advised to prepare for school reopening for pupils in reception, year one and year six from June 1.