A patient at Leicester hospitals has died after testing positive for coronavirus.
They are among the 10 people to have died in the space of 24 hours across England after testing positive for COVID-19.
The death toll almost doubled to 21 on March 14.
NHS England said a number of patients had underlying health conditions, and the 10 patients were being cared for by nine trusts including Leicester.
Leicestershire Live said the other trusts include Buckinghamshire, Sandwell and West Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Barts, London, north Middlesex and Chester.
It was reported yesterday that two patients at Nottingham hospitals had tested positive for the virus, and they were subsequently transferred off the ward.
There are now 1,140 cases across the country, including five in Nottingham and a further six in Nottinghamshire.
Jet2 flights were also cancelled amid the worsening condition in Spain, affecting passengers from East Midlands Airport.
Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, said: "I am sorry to confirm 10 further patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in England have died.
"All 10 individuals were in the at risk groups. I understand this increase in the number of deaths linked to COVID-19 will be a cause for concern for many.
"The public should know every measure we are taking is seeking to save lives and protect the most vulnerable.
"Every single one of us has a role to play in achieving this. If you have a new continuous cough or high temperature, please stay at home for seven days.
"I also encourage everyone to be washing their hands for 20 seconds regularly.
"I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends who have received this difficult news. I ask that their privacy is respected at this time."
The UK is dealing with a rising number of cases of the illness and this announcement sees the death toll in the UK double.
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