THE number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Swindon has jumped by two – to 18.

The latest Public Health England figures show 58 people living in Wiltshire have tested positive for coronavirus, a rise of four compared to Friday.

Across the country, more than 17,000 people have tested positive. Earlier today, it was announced that a further 260 people diagnosed with the virus have died - taking the total number to over 1,000. Many had underlying health conditions.

READ MORE: Live Swindon coronavirus updates on March 28

NHS England medical director Prof Stephen Powis this afternoon called on people to heed Government advice and stay at home.

He said: "If we do reduce the deaths below what we initially thought, I want to be absolutely clear, that won't be because we are somehow lucky.

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"It won't be because somehow the virus is acting in this country differently from any other country, it will be because every citizen in this country, the British public, have complied with the instructions the Government has given based on the best scientific evidence to reduce the transmission of the disease.

"We can beat this virus, we can reduce the number of deaths, but only if we reduce the spread and the transmission."