Two patients at Torbay hospital who tested positive for the coronavirus have died.
Both patients were in their 80s and had underlying health conditions.
As it stands, 167 people have died in England, six in Scotland, three in Wales and one in Northern Ireland – taking the total in the UK to 177.
All fatalities were aged between 50 and 99 years old and had underlying health conditions.
A statement from NHS England said: “A further 39 people, who tested positive for the coronavirus (Covid-19) have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in England to 167.
“Patients were aged between 50 and 99 years old and had underlying health conditions.
“Their families have been informed.”
Schools closed to most students today and will only open to children of ‘key workers’ from Monday, 23rd March to try and slow the spread of the virus.
Strict rules on avoiding social contact may need to last “at least most of a year”, the government’s scientific advisors have revealed.
Updates as more information becomes available.
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