The number of deaths reported in English hospitals is the lowest since lockdown began, latest NHS figures show.

NHS England has announced 122 further deaths in hospitals across the country - with none reported at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

In England, 27 deaths occurred yesterday (Sunday), and 59 occurred on Saturday.

The total number of coronavirus deaths in English hospitals now stands at 24,739.

This figure of 122 does not take into account deaths in all settings, while the NHS has warned that the Covid-19 patient notification system did not operate for a period of time on Saturday.

At West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, the number of patients who tested positive for coronavirus and died currently stands at 334.

No new deaths have been confirmed to have taken place on Sunday yet, while four patients died on Saturday.

The NHS data shows only May 11, 12, 14, and 17 have had no reported deaths.

It takes time for deaths to be confirmed as post-mortem examinations need to be processed and data from the tests need to be validated.

Data does show that at least one coronavirus patient died each day at the trust between March 21 and May 10.

April 4, the day Watford General Hospital declared a critical incident, has recorded the most Covid deaths in one day at the trust, with 15.

On April 17 and April 19, there were 14 deaths recorded on each day at the trust.

April 17-19, the Observer understands, was the peak of the coronavirus crisis in Hertfordshire, and not April 8 which is considered to be the national peak.