FIVE coronavirus deaths have been announced in Lancashire's hospitals today as the country is preparing for a second wave.

The UK has seen a further 55 deaths today after NHS England have confirmed 44 deaths; six in Wales, three in Scotland and two in Northern Ireland, taking the countries' total deaths to 42,198.

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust which operates the Royal Blackburn Hospital and Burnley General recorded two deaths on September 29 after recording three deaths due to the virus in yesterday's figures.

The hospital trust has now recorded 221 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals which operates Preston Royal Hospital, Lytham Hospital and Chorley and South Ribble Hospital recorded one death on September 30.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation trust has recorded a further two deaths, one on September 29 and one on September 30.