NEW figures show another 19 deaths linked to Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Braintree district.

It means the official number of fatalities linked to coronavirus in the region stands at 75.

Weekly data released by the Office for National Statistics on Tuesday shows the new deaths were recorded across a number of locations.

Three happened in a care home, one in a private home, another in a hospice and the remaining 14 in hospital.

All 19 deaths were recorded in the week beginning Monday, April 27.

The overall death figure announced by the ONS run up to May 2, meaning newly recorded deaths since then have not yet been counted.

Public Health England has meanwhile released data regarding the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Braintree region.

As of 5pm yesterday, 204 positive tests had been carried out on residents.

In the past week, NHS England has confirmed another death related to Covid-19 has been recorded at Braintree Community Hospital, taking the total to six.

The death occurred back on April 14.

Chelmsford’s Broomfield Hospital has meanwhile had 168 patient fatalities after contracting coronavirus.

The updated figures come as the Government urged employees unable to work from home to return to work from yesterday.

Many social distancing rules remain in place but unlimited exercise is now permitted, as is sunbathing and playing sports within the same household.

The Government's lockdown exit strategy will see a review carried out in early June, when a phased reopening of schools will be considered.

Another review will then be carried out in July when consideration will be given to opening some parts of the hospitality industry.

However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists the plan is dependent on the rate of infections in the UK.

Speaking in an address to the nation on Sunday, Mr Johnson said: “If we can’t do it by those dates, and if the alert level won’t allow it, we will simply wait and go on until we have got it right.

“We will come back from this devilish illness. We will come back to health, and robust health.

“And though the UK will be changed by this experience, I believe we can be stronger and better than ever before.

“More resilient, more innovative, more economically dynamic, but also more generous and more sharing. But for now we must stay alert, control the virus and save lives.”