LANCASHIRE'S coronavirus cases have risen to 66 as the UK goes into a lockdown period.

The number for the Lancashire County Council area - which includes Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale - stands at 59 which is up from 44.

This is still one confirmed in Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool has six cases, bringing the total to 66. 

There are 6,650 cases currently in the UK.

The Department for Health and Social Care tweeted: "As of 9am on 23 March, a total of 83,945 have been tested:

"77,295 negative.

"6,650 positive.

As of 1pm, 335 patients who tested positive for coronavirus have sadly died."

Yesterday Blackburn with Darwen had their first death at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Bill Smith, from Great Harwood, was in his 80s and suffered from underlying health conditions.

He was the first victim of the covid-19 pandemic to pass away from the infection at the Royal Blackburn’s intensive care unit.

East Lancashire residents are no longer advised to go out unless for essential things, as detailed in the Prime Minister's speech yesterday.

Boris Johnson concluded that the UK would step up its measures, allowing travel only for essential work, shopping for food and medicine, to aid a vulnerable person, and to exercise once a day.

This comes after many people ignored advice on social distancing over the weekend, with packed out beaches and shopping places.

The cases are rising all over the country and Mr Johnson hopes this will prevent it spreading further.