Five more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in hospitals in Suffolk and north Essex as another 178 deaths were announced across England.

Latest government figures show that as of 5pm, May 9 two more people have lost their lives at Ipswich and Colchester hospitals having tested positive for Covid-19.

Another three people, who also had the virus, died at West Suffolk Hospital.

The local figures came as it was announced that 178 people have died with coronavirus in hospitals across England.

The local figures came as it was announced that 269 people have died with coronavirus in all settings across the UK.

In total 31,855 people have now died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for the virus.

The number of daily coronavirus tests also fell below Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s 100,000 target for the eighth day in a row.

The Department of Health and Social Care said 92,837 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday, down from 96,878 the day before.

Nick Hulme, Chief Executive for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said:“We can confirm that two patients, both in their 70s and both of whom had underlying health conditions, have sadly passed away at Ipswich Hospital. They had both tested positive for COVID-19.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patients’ families and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Later this afternoon Prime Minister Boris Johnson will update the nation on coronavirus lockdown measures.

He is also expected to launch a new threat level alert system and has updated the government’s coronavirus slogan to “stay alert” rather than “stay at home”, leading to criticism from some who say the new message in ambiguous.

In total, 290 people have now died at Colchester and Ipswich Hospital since the start of the coronavirus outbreak.

A further 52 people have died at West Suffolk Hospital and 96 at James Paget Hospital.

There has also been two deaths at Clacton Hospital, three deaths at Beccles Hospital, one death at Aldeburgh Hospital and one death at the region’s mental health trust, the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

Despite these figures, it is widely understood that the death toll from coronavirus across the UK is likely to be higher.

It has also been reported that deaths in care homes could see the total number of deaths related to the virus rise significantly.

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