The Midlands has recorded a higher number of coronavirus deaths than London as 212 people died in the region in the 24 hours to 5pm on Friday.
A total of 637 people died in England over that period, including 127 in London. Speaking at the daily government conference yesterday, Michael Gove said the Midlands was "a particular area of concern".
He added the region has seen the biggest rise in admissions at 47 per cent while Yorkshire and the North East have had a 35 per cent rise.
The Cabinet minister also said he had spoken to the mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street about the ongoing crisis. The first coronavirus fatality among frontline NHS hospital staff was recorded as a Midlands doctor.