THE total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Thurrock continues to rise, albeit slowly.

The number currently stands at 585 and there were just six new cases in the past week.

According to the latest government figures there have been 148 Covid-19 associated deaths in the borough since the pandemic began.

With a population of more than 170,000, Thurrock sits below the national average of five cases per 100,000 people - with three in 100,000 the current borough total.

However, Thurrock recently came out at the top end of a Government survey which showed the excess mortality rate for every region in the UK.

They survey pinpointed areas where the death rate from all causes earlier this year had leapt significantly from its normal average.

In a survey taking in all 21 European nations, four of the top 20 areas for increased deaths above the norm were in the UK, with Thurrock (286.1%) the highest of any individual local authority - though the top three were London Brent (357.5%), Enfield (327.5%) and Ealing (318%).

Nationally there have been 305,623 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far in the UK and 46,210 people have died. However, these numbers only include people tested, and the actual death toll is certainly likely to be higher.

Meanwhile, in Thurrock the borough's Coronavirus Community Action group, a partnership led by Thurrock Council with Stronger Together Thurrock and Thurrock CVS, says it will continue to help local resdients, despite the government standing down official help.

From Saturday 1 August, the Government paused shielding, and instead is advising that vulnerable residents should follow strict social distancing measures. Food parcels provided by the government, as well as the requirement for local authorities to fill any gaps, will stop.

However Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action (TCCA), will continue to function. TCCA supports Thurrock residents who are self-isolating due to having COVID-19 symptoms, are following guidance from NHS Test and Trace, and who do not have family and friends who can help.

Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "The TCCA helpline has had over 4,720 interactions with residents since Wednesday 1 April and support has been provided to them, whether this be: shopping for food, social interactions, medicine collections, signposting to other support and so much more.

"COVID-19 is still very much part of our lives as we adapt to new ways of living, please take care to minimise contact with others outside your household or support bubble and continue to follow Government and Public Health England advice."

Kristina Jackson, Chief Executive at Thurrock Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) said: "The community response to the TCCA has been incredible. I would like to thank all of the volunteers and voluntary organisations who have helped set up and supported this vital service throughout the pandemic which will not be stopping for our most vulnerable residents or those that need additional support during these continued challenging times."

To contact the TCCA call 01375 511 002, the helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm, or for more information and to complete an online enquiry form click here.

If residents feel they need support with their mental health at this time, support can be accessed online via Every Mind Matters, or by contacting Thurrock and Brentwood Mind or inclusion Thurrock.