Coronavirus latest: Luton cases rise by just two since last week as UK government widens testing criteria

The number of COVID-19 cases in Luton stood at 666 throughout last week, rising by two to 668 yesterday with no new cases today according to Public Health England.

Elsewhere in the county, Central Bedfordshire has 577 (+1) cases, while Bedford was revised down by one to 548 (-1) cases.

After five days without any coronavirus-related deaths, Luton & Dunstable (L&D) Hospital reported eight people had died on Wednesday, May 13. It has reported none further in the past five days.

NHS England figures show a total of 208 people with coronavirus have died at the L&D Hospital over the course of the pandemic.

Of the 188 hospital trusts in England, the L&D has the 42nd-highest death toll.

Today in the House of Commons, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that anyone in the UK aged over five with coronavirus symptoms would be eligible for a test.

Mr Hancock said: "Anyone with a new, continuous cough, a high temperature, or the loss or change of taste or sense of smell can book a test.

"We are looking to put together a plan to make sure we cut in-hospital transmission, including the regular testing of the right staff appropriately in the NHS."

For information about testing availability in Luton or to book a test, click here.