No new virus deaths in region for second day running

It means the death toll stands at 2,566 people who have died in hospitals in the region with confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases.

A total of 698 people have died in care homes across the Black Country, Birmingham and Staffordshire, although no new deaths have been reported for a week.

A further 11 people who tested positive for the virus have died in hospitals in England – bringing the total to 29,596. The UK-wide figure will be released later.

A total 975 have people have now died at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Queen Elizabeth Hospital and three other hospitals in Birmingham.

Elsewhere in the region 288 people have died at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, which runs New Cross and Cannock Chase hospitals, and 230 people have died at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust which runs Walsall Manor.

A total of 264 Covid-19 patients have died at Russells Hall Hospital, run by The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, and 383 people have died at the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which runs Sandwell General and City hospitals.

In Staffordshire 355 people have died at the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust which runs the major hospitals in Stafford and Stoke.

A spokesman for NHS England said: "A further 11 people, who tested positive for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,596.

"Patients were aged between 48 and 95 years old. All had known underlying health conditions.

"Date of death ranges from August 2 to September 2, with the majority on September 2. Their families have been informed."