NEW figures released today (Friday, 1 May) show that 48 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded in Thurrock since the pandemic began.

The biggest single number in one borough area comes in South Ockendon, where eight people have died.

The full breakdown of deaths in the borough is:

Aveley 5

South Ockendon 8

Stifford Clays 6

Orsett, Bulphan and Horndon 3

Grays and Chafford Hundred 5

Little Thurrock and Blackshots 6

Chadwell St Mary 3

Tilbury 5

Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham and Fobbing 7

The figures were released on the day the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Trust, which runs Basildon & Thurrock Hospital, says the numbers of daily deaths there are now declining.

The latest total for deaths at Basildon Hospital is 235.

Across the country there have now been 27,510 coronavirus-related deaths in all settings, not just in hospitals.

Across the country 177,454 people have tested positive, with 276 recorded cases in Thurrock, a rise of just one from yesterday.