Three people have died at Colchester Hospital in the past 24 hours having contracted coronavirus.

One was a person in their 80s with no underlying health conditions, while the two other patients both had underlying health conditions - one was in their 90s and the other in their 70s.

MORE: Join our Suffolk Coronavirus Updates group on Facebook for the latest updatesNick Hulme, Chief Executive for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust said: “We can confirm that sadly, three patients, one in their 90’s, and one in their 70’s both of whom had underlying health conditions, together with another patient in their early 80’s who did not have underlying health conditions, have passed away at Colchester Hospital.

“They had tested positive for COVID-19.

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

MORE: Find all of our Suffolk coronavirus coverage hereThe news comes as the government confirmed that 180 people died across the UK in the past day, making the national total 1,408.

The number of coronavirus cases rose by 2,619 to 22,141, up from 19,522 cases on Sunday.

Despite the official daily figures it is widely accepted that there are more unconfirmed cases across the country.

In Suffolk, 100 people have now tested positive for coronavirus, up 13 from Sunday.

In Essex, the number of confirmed cases has now increased by 57, up to 301.

The total number of cases in the East of England increased by 200, up from 1,139 to 1,339.