AIREDALE Hospital NHS Trust has confirmed the death of a coronavirus patient announced on Saturday was the second such death at the hospital.

Last weekend figures were published that a patient had died, but Airedale bosses would not confirm the claim.

NHS England has now stated there have, in fact, been two deaths at Airedale General Hospital, the first last weekend and the second on Thursday, March 26.

The news came yesterday as the country experienced its highest mortality rate in one day from the disease and further warnings from the government to adhere to the restrictions put in place.

In response to the two deaths in the Bradford district, Brendan Brown, Chief Executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said: “Sadly, we can confirm that two individuals who were being cared for in our (Airedale) hospital, and had tested positive for COVID-19, have died.

“Both patients had underlying health conditions.

“Their families have been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time. We would ask that their privacy is respected.”