Three new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, according to the latest figures.

There were 939 lab-confirmed cases of the virus in the local authority area as of 4pm on Friday, with that figure rising by three to 942 as of 4pm yesterday.

There have now been 309,763 cases of the virus across the UK – an increase of 758 on the previous day.

The number of deaths in Cornwall's hospitals remains the same today, staying at 91 where it has sat since July 2.

Last week the Office for National Statistics, which has been collating numbers for all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community, confirmed there had been no increase in the overall total of 208.

The most recent ONS figures available relate to deaths in the week of July 11 and July 17, but were registered up to July 25.

Nationally a further ten people who tested positive for Covid-19 have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,411.

Patients were aged between 45 and 89 years old. All had known underlying health conditions and their families have been informed.

No deaths have been reported in the south west in the last 24 hours.

Two deaths have also been reported by NHS England where there was no positive Covid-19 test result, but the virus had been documented as a suspected direct or underlying cause on the death certificate.

The rate of infection in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly stands at 164.7 cases per 100,000 people, far lower than the England average of 474.9.

In today's coronavirus news:

Face masks or coverings are now required in more locations across England as of yesterday, after new Government rules came into force.

Previously, coverings or masks were already mandatory in places such as shops, shopping centres and banks, plus public transport and at indoor bus or rail stations.

But from Saturday, August 8 face coverings are required in a variety of other indoor settings.

View the full list here

Demand at GP surgeries in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly jumped in June, figures show, with activity closer to pre-coronavirus levels.

NHS Digital data shows patients booked 282,721 appointments with practices in the NHS Kernow CCG area in June – 26 per cent more than in May.

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A new exhibition showcasing the work of a group of talented local artists has opened at The Poly in Falmouth.

Situated in the Spring Gallery, it features a selection of work from eight exhibitions that had to be postponed due to The Poly’s temporary closure as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Read the story in full here