THE number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Somerset rose by nine in the 24 hours to 5pm yesterday (Monday), Public Health England has just announced.

It takes to 539 the total number of confirmed cases in the area covered by Somerset County Council. There have been 55 deaths in the county from the virus.

The total across the UK now stands at 194,990, while a total of COVID-19 related 29,427 deaths has been recorded in hospitals, care homes and the community.

Of the individual nations, England has recorded 128,188 cases and 26,441 deaths; Scotland 12,437 (1,576); Wales 10,669 (1,023); and Northern Ireland 3,881 (387).