74 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the latest daily statistics released by the government.

News of the increase of cases within the latest 24-hour period means the total number in Northumberland now stands at 18,204 since the pandemic began last March.

No deaths have been recorded at Northumbria Healthcare hospitals in the latest daily figures released by NHS England, meaning the death toll in the trust’s hospitals remains again at 731.

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In our region, seven wards currently appear on the county’s worse affected list.

The highest ranked is Prudhoe South, who currently have 12 cases of Covid-19 having been confirmed within the latest seven-day period.

 They’re joined on the list by Hexham Central with Acomb who have nine cases, as well as Prudhoe North who have eight cases currently.

Hexham West has seven cases of Covid-19 confirmed within the last seven days, while Ponteland West and Ponteland North both have five cases.

Anyone over the age of 23 can now book their first vaccination against coronavirus.