THE national increase in confirmed coronavirus cases announced today - which includes a significant spike in deaths - has been reflected in Thurrock, where the number of confirmed cases has risen by six to 26, the largest single day increase recorded in the borough.

Nationally the UK's coronavirus death toll today jumped by a third to 759 after officials announced 181 more victims of the killer infection in the biggest daily rise.

Health chiefs also confirmed almost 15,000 Britons have now caught the virus, with 2,921 new cases of the deadly virus recorded in just 24 hours.

The dramatic rises have been announced on a day when Thurrock Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill has issued a personal message to borough residents - though he has declined to respond to questions about why council staff are flouting the very guidelines laid down by the authority.

Cllr Gledhill says: "We are facing the biggest national challenges of our time and it is vital that we in Thurrock all play our part in making sure we do everything we can to slow the spread of coronavirus.

"The country is now at a tipping-point where our actions will dictate how this epidemic develops.

"We must all heed these rules, take responsibility for our actions and play a role in slowing the spread of this terrible virus, saving countless lives.

"If we ignore the advice from government the most likely outcome is that there will be thousands upon thousands of preventable deaths.

"The message is clear and simple: Stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

"Only go out for essentials such as food or medicine, for work (where this absolutely cannot be done from home), or to exercise. Always keep two metres apart from others.

"Do not meet others, even friends and family.

"By doing this we can help to control the spread and make sure that the number of people getting ill does not overwhelm the NHS.

"I am sure there will be more messages in the coming days and weeks from the government and the council to help residents understand what we are doing and why as well as the support available to those most in need.

"Regrettably there are many rumours which do nothing but spread confusion and misinformation.

"I would ask residents look only to messages directly from the Government and Thurrock Council either in the press, by email or on our social media pages to find out what we are doing to ensure essential services are maintained, that our vulnerable residents are kept safe and supported and that the official advice from government is made available to all."

On Wednesday (26 March) Thurrock Nub News responded to social media questions raised by residents across the borough about the way the council was deploying its staff.

Pictures emerged of teams of workers sharing vehicles and standing close together as they went about litter-picking and grass-cutting.

Residents wondered if this was work that should be classed as 'essential' and asked if workers were being put at risk of cross infection unnecessarily. We put those questions to Thurrock Council - who have not responded.

And today, even more concern was raised. We supplied evidence gathered this morning to the council (and Cllr Gledhill) of council workers sitting in a truck cab together and socialising and chatting for a long period of time - clearly flouting social distancing advice.

We asked what the council's justification for this was - we have not received any response from its communications team or Cllr Gledhill.

Meanwhile the council is working with local organisations to combat the impact of coronavirus. See our story

Council makes changes to waste collection and shut tip: See our story