A sixth person in the UK has died from Covid-19 - and NHS England has confirmed the patient was being cared for at Watford General Hospital.

The organisation says he is a man in his 80s and he had underlying health conditions.

Watford General Hospital confirmed on Friday morning that it had one case of Covid-19 at the hospital.

England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said: "I am sorry to confirm a sixth patient in England who tested positive for Covid-19 has sadly died. I offer my sincere condolences to their family and friends and ask that their privacy is respected.

"The patient, who was being treated by West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, was in their 80s and had underlying health conditions.

"It appears the virus was acquired in the UK and full contact tracing has begun."

A statement from West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: "Sadly, we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at Watford General Hospital, and had tested positive for Covid-19, has died.

"The patient, who died in the evening of Monday March 9, was in his early 80s and had underlying health conditions.

"His family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time."

His family have said in a statement: "We have lost a loving, caring father, grandfather and brother. His age and failing health did not stop him from living a full and complete life and always doing things for other people. He was guided by his innate kindness.

"Our father will be sorely missed, not just by us but by those whose lives he touched."

"We can advise that this is the only statement we are going to release at this time with regards to our dearly loved relative."

Watford Observer:

The mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, has said: "I am very sorry to learn of a death related to coronavirus at Watford General Hospital today.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the wonderful medical staff at Watford General Hospital who do such a remarkable job in all circumstances.

"I know that this gentleman had underlying health problems and want to reassure people that we are working closely with Public Health England to support the national effort to combat and contain the virus.

"If anyone is concerned about their health, they should use the NHS 111 service and follow official expert guidance."

The town's MP, Dean Russell, has added: "Very sad to hear that a patient at Watford General that tested positive for Covid-19 has died.

"My thoughts & condolences are with the family at this time. I'd like to thank the amazing staff who are working hard to ensure that the hospital is able to run as usual."

The Department of Health has confirmed as of 9am on March 10 (Tuesday), 26,261 people have been tested in the UK, of which 25,888 were confirmed negative and 373 were confirmed as positive (up from 319 as of 9am Monday).

As of 9am today, (Tuesday) 16 of those 373 confirmed cases are from Hertfordshire.

Six patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have died.