A FURTHER five residents living in the Braintree district have died after contracting coronavirus, new data has shown.

Weekly figures published by the Office for National Statistics show the total number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in the region now stands at 80.

The data is correct up to May 9.

The new figures show two of the five coronavirus deaths happened in care homes, while the other three were recorded in hospital.

It comes as the number of Covid-19 fatalities in mid Essex hospitals has slowed significantly, with just nine new deaths announced at Broomfield Hospital since last week.

There have also been no further deaths recorded at Braintree Community Hospital where the total remains at six.

Here is a list of where the deaths have occurred:

  • Hospital - 64
  • Care homes - 11
  • Private home - 3
  • Hospice - 1
  • Another location - 1

Public Health England has meanwhile revealed 234 coronavirus cases have now been confirmed in the Braintree district – up 31 on last week. The total number of confirmed cases in Essex is more than 3,700.

The Government has announced anyone over the age of five can now be tested for the virus if they are displaying of the symptoms.