THERE has been the biggest single day rise in the number of recorded cases of coronavirus in Thurrock.

In the latest figures announced by Public Health England, the latest total for the borough is 79 confirmed cases, a rise from yesterday (1 April) of 17.

No specific details of the deceased has been released but in the latest release of information, Basildon & Thurrock Hospital confirmed 17 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded there to date.

Nationally the latest figures showed 569 have died from coronavirus in the last 24 hours - not much changed from yesterday. There are 33,718 confirmed cases in total across country and the national death tally is 2,921.

This afternoon Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who has recovered from coronavirus, took the government's daily press conference and he assured journalists the government is taking urgent steps to increase testing of NHS staff and ensuring all required supplies are delivered to hospitals and other care centres.

NHS England medical director Prof Stephen Powis said it may be "a few weeks" before the number of deaths in the UK begin to decrease, when he says the benefits of measures start to "bear fruit".

He adds that while cases are increasing, hospital admissions in England are not increasing sharply. "There is some indication" that we might see this reduce, he adds.

Tonight residents across the country are expected to show their appreciation for health service workers when the second 'Clap For Our Carers' event takes place at 8pm.

Please send us clips of your efforts to [email protected] or via our Nubit button.

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