THE number of patients discharged from the East Lancashire Hospital Trust’s care after recovering from coronavirus has risen by 122 in seven days.

Last week, the trust published its first figure of 259 — the number of Covid-19 victims well enough to return home after treatment. Yesterday it revealed that had risen by 122 to 381.

They had been treated at the Royal Blackburn and Burnley General teaching hospitals.

Tony McDonald, ELHT’s director of integrated care, said: “The advice on social distancing and staying at home, wherever possible, seems to be paying off. It’s really important that people continue to do this, no matter how tempting it may be to venture out.

“We have now safely discharged from our care 381 people who have recovered from coronavirus, or who have tested positive for the virus and are isolating at home. People are better able to recuperate in their own surroundings, where they are most comfortable, and begin to get back to their own routine.

“Our staff continue to carry out incredible work throughout this pandemic and we are all very grateful to them. It is sad that throughout the United Kingdom we have now lost 16,509 people. Our condolences go to their families and loved ones.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council public health director Professor Dominic Harrison said: “Brilliant. This excellent news shows that we have got very good local NHS services and hospitals that are enabling people who have got Covid-19 infections to recover and resume their lives.

"This will give us confidence that our health and social care system can manage the coronavirus outbreak and that we can return to normal as soon as possible.”