NO new patient deaths at Royal Bolton Hospital have been linked to coronavirus for the fifth day in a row.

Figures released by NHS England yesterday afternoon revealed the last death at the hospital of someone with the virus occurred on June 10.

This death was reported the next day, on June 11, meaning that no new coronavirus-related deaths have been reported for five days.

A total of 221 people have died at the hospital with the illness since the pandemic began, with an estimated 41,736 people in the UK succumbing to the illness.

Almost 300,000 cases have been confirmed across the country, with 1,044 people testing positive in Bolton.

The news came as England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said the trial of dexamethasone “will save lives around the world”.

The cheap steroid was found to reduce deaths by up to a third among patients with the worst symptoms.

Prof Whitty said: “This is the most important trial result for Covid-19 so far.

“Significant reduction in mortality in those requiring oxygen or ventilation from a widely available, safe and well known drug.

“Many thanks to those who took part. It will save lives around the world.”