South Yorkshire's coronavirus death toll continues to rise

According to the latest data, released daily, three more Covid-related deaths have been recorded in Sheffield, five in Barnsley and one in both Doncaster and Rotherham.

Nationally, a further 372 people who tested positive for Covid-19 have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 41,310.

The patients were aged between 19 and 103 years old. All except 17 – aged 19 to 93 years old - had known underlying health conditions.

Their families have been informed.

Across South Yorkshire, 1,595 people who tested positive for coronavirus have now died in hospital. Of that number, 487 deaths have occurred in Sheffield, 447 in Doncaster, 339 in Rotherham and 320 in Barnsley.

It comes as the UK became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, paving the way for mass vaccination.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.