There are 97 new cases of COVID-19 in Hertfordshire

As of today (Monday) Hertfordshire has had a total of 1,441 diagnosed cases of the potentially deadly virus.

The figures released from Public Health England show 97 new cases in the last 24 hours.

But the true number of cases is thought to be far higher with many people not being tested.

Nationally, the number of coronavirus cases now stands at 88,621. The number of deaths has been recorded 11,329, rising by 717 - according to Public Health England.

The figures for the number of patients recovered from COVID-19 have not been released by Public Health England.

All the figures refer only to people who have been tested in hospital. The true extent of infection among the wider public, who have no access to testing kits, is as yet unknown.

The new figures were recorded between 5pm on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday.

On Monday, March 23, the government announced tougher social distancing measures, with all outdoor activities prohibited except for food shopping, one daily exercise, treatment of a condition and any essential travel for work.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do

- Stay at home

- Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)

- If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times

- Wash your hands as soon as you get home

- Do not meet others, even friends or family.

- You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.

Today, the Chancellor has confirmed that more than £14 billion will go to public services from the government’s coronavirus emergency response fund.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak launched an initial £5 billion spending package for the coronavirus fund in the March Budget, with the funding used to help support the NHS and local authorities with the resources they need.

The funding includes more than £6 billion to support health services, free up hospital beds and deliver vital equipment, including ventilators, diagnostic tests and protective equipment.

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