THE slow trickle of newly confirmed cases of coronavirus in Thurrock continues and the tally has now risen to 207.

No figures have been given for the specific number of deaths in the borough, but it is known that at least 159 people with the virus have passed away at Basildon & Thurrock Hospital.

Nationally Public Health England has confirmed 108,692 people have tested positive and 14,576 people have died after being hospitalised with the virus.

The latest daily increase in deaths was up 847.

Meanwhile, Thurrock council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill has sent out a message asking everyone in Thurrock to be a 'good neighbour' and he has paid tribute to council staff.

Cllr Gledhill says: "The government has now extended the social distancing measures for at least another three weeks, which means it is vital that we carry on as we have been and stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

"Now, more than ever, community is vital as we dig in and continue the fight against coronavirus. I ask everyone to do what they can to be a good neighbour.

"Over the past few weeks we have seen an increase in complaints from people upset about the levels of noise coming from their neighbours' homes. With almost everyone at home for the majority for the majority of their time now we all have to be mindful of noise levels and all try our best to be good and considerate neighbours.

"Thurrock Council has been playing its part and I have been heartened this week to see some the kind gestures people have made leaving notes and even coming out to applaud our bin crews on their rounds.

"They are not the only ones working hard to help people. All of our front-line teams are out in the community helping the vulnerable and keeping the borough clean and tidy.

"On top of that there is our finance team which has distributed more than £13.6 million in government funding to 1,068 eligible local businesses over the last fortnight. They have been working evenings and weekends to make sure businesses get these vital lifelines as soon as possible during these uncertain times."