Further 14 coronavirus deaths confirmed at region's hospitals

It means 7,413 people have now died with the virus in the region's hospitals.

On top of this, a further 1,374 have died in the region’s care homes in the Black Country and Staffordshire after contracting coronavirus.

NHS England confirmed a further 159 deaths on Thursday, meaning 84,935 have now died in the country's hospitals after testing positive for Covid-19.

Four deaths were announced at the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, which runs the main hospitals in Stafford and Stoke, where the total increased to 1,355.

Three deaths were confirmed at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Russells Hall Hospital, where the total increased to 715.

Three deaths were recorded at the Walsall Healthcare Trust, which runs Walsall Manor Hospital, taking the total to 711.

Two deaths were reported at the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which runs Sandwell General and City hospitals, where the death toll now stands at 1,140.

And two deaths were announced at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Queen Elizabeth Hospital as well as Heartlands, Solihull and Good Hope hospitals, taking the death toll there to 2,547.

No new deaths were confirmed at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, meaning the death toll at New Cross Hospital remains at 786.

Elsewhere, nine deaths were recorded at the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

A spokesman for NHS England said: "A further 159 people, who tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 84,935.

"Patients were aged between 35 and 99 years old. All except 11 – aged 64 to 91 years old – had known underlying health conditions.

"Date of death ranges from December 11 to March 10, with the majority being on or after March 5.

"Their families have been informed."

Meanwhile, 20,526,312 coronavirus vaccinations have been carried out across England to date – including first and second doses.

In the Midlands, 3,831,782 first doses of the coronavirus vaccine has been administered, while 162,795 second doses have been carried out.

The data includes vaccinations carried out between December 8 and March 10.