ANOTHER nine cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Worcestershire, bringing the total in the county up to 28.

Figures released by Public Health England say 28 people living in Worcestershire had tested positive for Covid-19 as of 9am on Monday, March 23.

It marks the steepest daily rise in the county so far after seven new cases were confirmed on Sunday.

As the Government is no longer testing people who are self-isolating with mild symptoms, many cases may not be detected.

Worcestershire ranks around the middle of the Government's table of local authorities for cases confirmed. Hampshire remains at the top with 171 confirmed cases.

As of yesterday, there were 6,650 confirmed cases of the disease across the UK, including 335 deaths. This includes one death at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

135 patients have recovered from the virus.

967 cases were confirmed across the country yesterday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a nationwide clampdown on non-essential movement.

This includes shopping only for basic goods and a ban on gatherings.

Police have also been given powers to enforce restrictions and the measures will remain in place for at least three weeks.