Coronavirus deaths in the UK rise to 233 and more than 5000 people test positive for Covid-19

The number of deaths has risen by 56 since Friday.

The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that 5,018 people have tested positive for coronavirus.

A spokesman said: "UPDATE on coronavirus (COVID19) testing in the UK: As of 9am on 21 March, a total of 72,818 have been tested: 67,800 negative. 5,018 positive.

"As of 9am, 233 patients who tested positive for coronavirus have sadly died. The digital dashboard will be updated later today."

Regional statistics have not yet been released.

NHS England said that the patients who have died were were aged between 41 and 94 years old and all had underlying health conditions.