No new deaths caused by coronavirus were recorded in London hospitals yesterday, the first time this has happened since the early days of the pandemic.

Figures from NHS England released on June 8 showed 59 hospital deaths reported nationally in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths linked to Covid-19 in English hospitals to 27,490.

But of the 59, zero deaths came from hospitals in the capital, the first day this has happened since March 10.

NHS England said a "small number of people" had died in London over the weekend but their deaths had not yet officially been registered due to the time lag it takes to register deaths.

London has been the hardest-hit region during the coornavirus outbreak ever since some of the nation's first cases were revealed to be in the capital, and now three months later there have been 6,026 coronavirus-related deaths inside London hospitals.

But the news of no new deaths for the first day in nearly three months will add to hopes that the pandemic is dying out and lockdown can continue to be eased.

According to provisional NHS England data, nobody died in hospital in London with Covid-19 on either Saturday or Sunday.

The day before, four deaths were reported in London hospitals – three in Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS trust, which runs Queen’s and King George hospitals, and one of a patient in the care of North East London NHS trust.

The total number of reported deaths in London hospitals of patients who tested positive for Covid-19 remains at 6,026.

There are an additional 178 deaths since April 24 where there was no positive test but Covid-19 was documented as a direct or underlying cause of death.

The true death toll from coronavirus in London is likely to be even higher when deaths in the community and in care homes are taken into account.

A spokeswoman for NHS London said: “No Covid-19 related deaths in London hospitals are being reported for the 24 hour period to 5pm on Sunday.

"However we are aware that a small number of deaths occurred in this period, which will be announced in coming days.

"The trend is encouraging, but it remains vitally important that people stay alert and limit contact with others. Keep your distance if you go out and continue to wash your hands regularly. Please help to control the spread of the virus and save lives.”