IT has now been confirmed that there are 315 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Thurrock, out of a local population of 172,525.

So far, the number of deaths attributed to the virus in the borough is 107 – but the figures are only updated weekly.

A new figure is sure – and in line with national figures it is expected to rise.

There are more than 248,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and 35,341 people have lost their lives, government figures show.

However, the total number of deaths relating to coronavirus is thought to be higher, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data suggesting there had already been more than 41,000 such deaths by the week beginning 8 May. Other estimates put the tally as high as 54,437.