Another four people have died after testing positive for coronavirus at Suffolk and Essex hospitals.

Two patients who were being treated by the East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust, which runs Ipswich and Colchester hospitals, were confirmed to have died as of Friday afternoon.

Two more West Suffolk Hospital patients have also died after testing positive for the illness.

It brings the total number of deaths at ESNEFT to 288, while 49 have died at the West Suffolk Hospital.

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Another death has been confirmed at the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, and the Essex Partnership University Trust, a mental health trust, has also confirmed a further death.

Across England, another 207 deaths have been confirmed, one of the lowest numbers for some time.

Nick Hulme, Chief Executive for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We can confirm that two patients, one in their 90s and one in their 80s both of whom had underlying health conditions, have sadly passed away at Colchester 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.”

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.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to outline the road out of lockdown tomorrow afternoon.

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