FIVE new coronavirus deaths have been recorded at University Hospital Southampton Trust in the latest 24-hour period, the latest official figures show.

NHS England figures show 209 people had died in hospital at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust as of 5pm on Monday (October 26).

That was an increase of five compared to Sunday, when there were 204.

It means there have been eight deaths in the past week, up from one the previous week.

The victims were among 3,699 deaths recorded across the South East.

Daily death counts are revised each day, with each case backdated to the actual date of death.

This means some of the deaths that were first recorded in the latest period may actually have taken place days earlier.

NHS England guidance states: "Confirmation of Covid-19 diagnosis, death notification and reporting in central figures can take up to several days and the hospitals providing the data are under significant operational pressure."

Only deaths that occur in hospitals where the patient has tested positive for Covid-19 are recorded, with deaths in the community excluded, such as those in care homes.

The Daily Echo has contacted the hospital for comment.