Coronavirus: NE confirms first death

The North East has confirmed its first coronavirus-related death as the national death toll has risen to 55.

Of the 1543 people diagnosed with the virus, according to the latest Department of Health figures, eleven are residents of Newcastle and one of the 55 deaths across the UK has been reported in the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust area.

The Sage in Gateshead has announced that it will remain closed until further notice and The Theatre Royal has cancelled all shows until 12 April. Durham Cathedral, like York Minster, has additionally suspended public worship until further notice, with all public events there being cancelled for three months.