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A further 39 people who tested positive for coronavirus in England have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported UK deaths to 177.

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.”

There have been six deaths in Scotland, three in Wales and one in Northern Ireland, bringing the UK total to 177. 

The first person in the UK to die after being diagnosed with coronavirus was announced on March 5.

Early cases identified had involved people connected to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China.

Experts believe the virus is spread in cough and sneeze droplets. The virus can survive on surfaces for several hours, but it is unclear exactly how long for.

Government scientists say a small proportion of people will pass on the virus while having no symptoms themselves.

General medical advice is to wash your hands with soap and hot water more often. Do this for at least 20 seconds each time.

The NHS says people should also wash their hands when they get home or arrive at work. Hand sanitiser can be used if soap is not available.

Anyone with coughs and sneezes should catch them in a tissue, which is then put in a bin. Wash your hands afterwards.

People should also avoid close contact with people who are unwell, and avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth if their hands are not clean.

Initial symptoms include fever, cough, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

More severe cases can cause pneumonia, sepsis and septic shock, which can lead to death. There are no specific treatments or vaccines as yet but symptoms can be treated.