Chris Long, Chief Executive of Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Although the number of patients dying in our hospitals is stabilizing, we must never forget the devastation COVID-19 has already caused to so many families.

“From March 19 until now, 202 people have died of the virus in our hospitals. Huge numbers of families have been affected and their lives will never be the same again. Our thoughts have been with them since the very start of the outbreak.

“At this point, I want to pay tribute to our staff who have responded with overwhelming compassion and dedication from the very beginning and continue to do so every day. They have cared for the sick and dying as they would for any member of their own family and they have my heartfelt gratitude.

“No one should use the slowing of the death rate as an excuse to ignore the measures in place to reduce the spread of infection. If we are to stand any chance of avoiding a second wave, we must follow the guidance to keep our community as safe as possible.”