A 94-year-old man who had tested positive for coronavirus has died at Weston General Hospital, it's been confirmed today (March 24).
Health bosses said the elderly patient did have underlying conditions.
He was also in the 'at risk' group because of his age - anyone over 70, with underlying health condition, has been ordered to stay home for three months.
A Weston Area Health NHS Trust spokesperson told Somerset Live: “Sadly, we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at Weston General Hospital, and had tested positive for COVID-19, has died.
“The patient who died was aged 94 and had underlying health conditions.
“His family have been informed about the cause of death and are following national guidance.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time. Out of respect for their privacy we will not be commenting further.”
It comes as coronavirus-related deaths across the UK rose from 335 to 422, a jump of 87.
This is the largest day-on-day increase in the number of deaths since the outbreak began.
In Bristol, the number of cases rose by a third today.
The man's death comes in the same month retired police officer Nick Matthews died in Bristol Royal Infirmary on Saturday, March 14, after testing positive for COVID-19.
The 59-year-old, who had underlying health issues, died shortly after returning from a holiday in the Canary Islands.
His wife has decided to keep the date and time of his funeral secret.
Yesterday Boris Johnson banned any gathering of more than two people. This has meant all weddings and other ceremonies have been postponed but funerals are still allowed.
Everyone has been ordered to remain in their homes and only venture out for food shops, which they should do infrequently, and one daily walk.
