ONE more person has now died at Royal Bolton Hospital after contracting covid-19.

Public health officials confirmed the latest death yesterday, although the patient passed away on Friday, September 18.

This is the fourth death at the borough's hospital during September, and the 235th recorded since March 23, when the first coronavirus-related death took place.

A further 88 new cases of the virus were confirmed across the borough yesterday, bringing the total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic to 4,070.

Of the new cases, 21 were recorded in people tested on Sunday, whilst 48 people who received a positive result were tested on Saturday.

Yesterday's cases also included 16 people tested on Friday, and two people who were tested last Wednesday.

The latest case data came as Boris Johnson warned new coronavirus restrictions could be in place for six months.

The Prime Minister announced stricter restrictions for the country, including a nationwide curfew on pubs and restaurants, new rules for face masks, and advice to let office staff returning to work from home where possible.