FIVE more cases of borough residents contracting the Covid-19 virus have been recorded in the latest Public health England figures released today (Monday, 4 May) but the death tally in Thurrock has remained unaltered at 51.

The number of new cases nationally is 3,985, taking the total UK number of those who have contracted the infection to 190,584.

Meanwhile today's statistics show the government has failed to maintain its target of 100,000 coronavirus tests for people who report symptoms for the second day in a row.

The latest figures for the 24 hours up to 09:00 on Monday showed 85,186 tests. The government had previously announced on Friday and Saturday that it had hit the 100,000-plus target.

At today's government briefing England's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam referred to the latest figure as "completed" tests. But as on previous days, thousands of tests sent out by post - and which may not all be returned - were included in the figures.

Locally, Thurrock residents have reported some problems in booking a test. One local man contacted Thurrock Nub News to tell us he met the key worker requirements and was told he was eligible for a test – but the nearest available was in Birmingham.

Mr Van-Tam was able to report on positive news that indicate his assertion that the government's assertion that the peak of the crisis has passed. Another 288 deaths have been announced across the UK today, - the lowest 24-hour toll reported in a month. The total number of deaths is now to 28,734.

Numbers in hospital are down as well - to below 14,000, down from over 20,000 at the peak.