THE number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Thurrock has risen by eight to 244.

Across the UK there have been 138,078 confirmed cases, a rise of 4,583 today (Thursday, 23 April).

A total of 18,738 patients have died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Wednesday, the Department of Health says, up by 616 from the previous day.

The figures do not include those who died in care homes or in the community.

On the day when the country gets ready once more to applaud NHS staff at 8pm, the BBC has reported that 103 healthcare workers are now believed to have died from coronavirus.

Medical staff account for 22 deaths, nursing and midwifery 34 deaths and allied occupations 47 deaths.

The BBC says it is unclear how many contracted the virus in the course of their work in the health sector.