Latest figures show 125 COVID-19 related deaths at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital

There have been 125 COVID-19 related deaths at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, according to NHS England.

Today (April 22), Luton has recorded 16 new cases with a total of 501 people diagnosed with COVID-19.

Central Bedfordshire has 392, up from 379, and Bedford has 340, up from 331.

But the true number of cases is thought to be far higher with many people not being tested.

In Bedfordshire, there have been 213 COVID-19 associated deaths, figures from NHS England show that 125 people, who tested for COVID-19, have died at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital and there have been 88 deaths at Bedford Hospital.

Nationally, the number of coronavirus cases now stands at 133,495 (includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the country totals), rising by 4,451. The number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths in hospital has been recorded as 18,100, rising by 759 today - according to Public Health England.

The figures for the number of patients recovered from COVID-19 have not been released by Public Health England.

All the figures refer only to people who have been tested in hospital. The true extent of infection among the wider public, who have no access to testing kits, is as yet unknown.

The new figures were recorded between 5pm on Monday and 5pm on Tuesday.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do

- Stay at home

- Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)

- If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times

- Wash your hands as soon as you get home

- Do not meet others, even friends or family.

- You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.