The trust which runs NHS hospitals across north Cumbria has shared the good news that more than 300 patients have been discharged having recovered from coronavirus.

The North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC), which runs the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven and a number of community hospitals across north Cumbria including Penrith Community Hospital, Workington Community Hospital and Keswick Community Hospital, has now seen the successful recovery of 344 patients from Covid-19 since the pandemic began.

The NCIC trust said that the successful discharge of 344 patients from the trust's hospitals, after having recovered from coronavirus, is "positive" news.

However, the trust has stressed that this good news does not mean that the threat from the coronavirus pandemic has passed, and that people must continue to remain vigilant and mindful of the risks posed by Covid-19.

A spokesman for the NCIC trust said: "We need to remember the threat of the virus is still very real and we all need to act responsibly, follow guidance, socially distance and isolate if we have any symptoms."

The NCIC trust is continuing to ask anyone who comes to any of its hospital sites to follow the strict rules put in place in order to minimise the risk of transmitting Covid-19.

A spokesman for the trust said: "When entering our hospital sites as a patient or visitor face coverings must be worn.

"We also have face masks available at all of our hospital entrances if preferred.

"Patients and visitors entering hospital sites will be required to wash or sanitise their hands on arrival and departure.

"We have a one way system around our hospitals and designated Covid and non-Covid areas.

"Everyone should following social distancing guidance of two metres."

The trust is also continuing to undertake testing for Covid-19 as part of its admissions process, as well as every seven days following admission to hospital.

"If anyone tests positive following admission they are immediately isolated and strict deep cleaning is undertaken," the trust spokesman added.

"Patient safety is our highest priority and these new ways of operating have been enforced to keep everyone safe.

"We really appreciate your support at this time."

This week the total number of deaths involving Covid-19 at hospitals run by the trust rose to 159 after a further death was confirmed to have occurred on June 18, though no new deaths have occurred for more than two weeks.

The most recent death involving Covid-19 at the North Cumbria Integrated Care trust occurred on June 23.