SEVEN more people have died of coronavirus in south Essex.

In total there were a further 15 confirmed deaths at hospitals across the county yesterday 

Six were at Basildon, one at Southend and eight at the Princess Alexandra, Harlow.

This means seven people have now died from the virus in Southend and 20 in Basildon.

The latest figures show there are now 526 cases in the county - 420 cases in the Essex County Council area, a further 44 cases in Southend and 62 in Thurrock.

This is a 53 case rise from the 473 cases the day before. It is now estimated the Essex death toll stands at 80.

The figures were released as the UK saw its highest day-on-day rise in deaths.

Figures from the Department of Health show a total of 2,352 patients have died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Tuesday.

This is up by 563 from 1,789 the day before.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma told a daily press conference said: “All over the world we are seeing the devastating impact of this invisible killer.

“We recognise the extreme disruption the necessary actions we are asking people to take are having on their lives, their businesses, their jobs, and the nation’s economy.

“And, I want to thank everyone across our whole country for the huge effort that is being made collectively.”

Mr Sharma said £12 billion in grants for businesses was now with local authorities and urged them to pay it out to businesses in need “as quickly as possible”.

He added: “On Saturday, I said we had provided funds to councils in England to provide grants to small businesses.

“As of today, these local authorities have received more than £12 billion.

“This afternoon I held a call with hundreds of local authorities across England and made clear this money must reach businesses as quickly as possible. I know businesses across England have already started to receive these grants.”

Mr Sharma said: “We are also taking unprecedented action to increase NHS capacity by dramatically expanding the number of beds, key staff and life-saving equipment on the front line.”