Latest figures show 334 people confirmed to have had coronavirus in Luton

The number of officially confirmed coronavirus cases in Luton has risen to 334, the figures from Public Health England show 21 new cases in the last 24 hours.

Neighbouring Central Bedfordshire has 256 (+17) cases and Bedford stands at 208 (+23).

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

A temporary mortuary is being prepared at RAF Henlow to help relieve the Luton an Dunstable Hospital and other nearby hospitals.

Nationally, the number of coronavirus cases now stands at 88,621. The number of deaths has been recorded 11,329, rising by 717 - 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 Saturday and 5pm on Sunday.

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.