A second COVID-19 patient has died at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust in September, NHS figures show.

The patient aged between 60 and 79 and with a known underlying health condition died on September 6.

A man who lived in North Watford, also aged between 60 and 79, with an underlying health condition passed away on September 3.

Both patients had tested positive for COVID-19.

The number of patients at West Hertfordshire NHS Trust who tested positive for COVID-19 and died now stands at 374.

On Tuesday afternoon (September 8), a spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said it was not aware of any deaths relating to a “significant” outbreak of COVID-19 in Hertsmere.

There have been at least 88 cases in Hertsmere since August 20, including 46 in September.

However, the spokesperson added it normally takes around two weeks for an infected person to be hospitalised, if it reaches the stage where a patient needs hospital treatment.

The county council also said that as of Tuesday afternoon, new acute hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Hertfordshire were in single figures and acute bed occupancy remains around 20.

Government data as of Tuesday shows in the eastern region of England, which includes Hertfordshire, there are currently 25 COVID-19 patients in hospital, including one patient who is on a ventilator.

However, the council did say childrens’ emergency departments in Hertfordshire have reported an increase in children being taken in with fever and other COVID symptoms, while NHS 111 calls have also increased.

Last night, it was confirmed the government will be introducing new laws from Monday September 14 which will see social gatherings reduced to just six people due to a rise nationally in the number of COVID cases – although there are exemptions.