THE total number of people to have tested positive for coronavirus in Hampshire has risen to 55.

Figures published by Public Health England show that, as of 9am on Sunday, March 15, 53 people in the Hampshire County Council area had been confirmed as having coronavirus.

Both Southampton and Portsmouth had their first positive cases following tests, with one person, respectively.

The update comes as the UK death toll for people diagnosed with coronavirus increased from 21 to 35.

Health secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed people over 70 will be asked to self-isolate for up to four months from some point in the coming weeks in an effort to limit the most vulnerable people from becoming infected.

Measures are expected to ramped up by the government over the next few days.

Supermarkets have seen another day of panic buying waves as some residents took the decision to stockpile goods.

The current government advice remains unchanged from Thursday.

Anyone who develops symptoms of a high temperature (37.8°C or above) and/or a new continuous cough should self-isolate for seven days.

They do not need to call 111 to say they are going into self-isolation. If symptoms deteriorate while in self-isolation or have not improved after seven days, contact NHS 111 by visiting 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. In a medical emergency, call 999.