Coronavirus: 48 confirmed cases in Oldham

There are currently 48 confirmed coronavirus cases in Oldham

As the strict crackdown on social distancing and advice for self-isolation really starts to kick in, the Coronavirus crisis throughout the UK continues to deepen.

In the UK, as of this morning (Friday), confirmed cases now stand at almost 12,000, while at least 578 people have died.

The actual number of people with the respiratory infection in the country is estimated to be much higher, while more than 93,000 people have been tested for the virus but were found not to have it.

On a more local level, there are currently 48 confirmed cases in Oldham, out of a local population of 235,623.

Ashton MP and Labour's education spokeswoman Angela Rayner - whose constituency includes Failsworth - has Tweeted that she has been diagnosed with the virus, and she joins UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has tested positive after displaying "mild" symptoms.

He is continuing to work in his Downing Street office, although he will not be taking part in today's daily government briefing.

His fianceé Carrie Symonds, who is several months pregnant, is self-isolating elsewhere.

The UK's Health Secretary Matt Hancock has also contracted the virus and is in self-isolation.

In Spain, the death toll has risen sharply in the last 24 hours.

There were 769 new fatalities, up from 655 the previous day, taking the total toll to 4,858.

Meanwhile, firefighters in the UK are to take on extra duties during the pandemic, including driving ambulances and delivering food and medicines.

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