Northamptonshire coronavirus cases now up to 20

Public information signs across Northamptonshire are warning people with symptoms to stay at home

The number of recorded covid-19 cases in Northamptonshire has risen by four in the past 24 hours.

It was announced tonight (Saturday, March 21) that there are now 20 patients who have been treated for the virus in the county, although the actual figure is likely to be much higher as only those taken to hospital are currently being tested.

This is a rise of three cases from the 17 reported on Friday evening.

The government has told people not to go out unnecessarily and to stay at home where possible.

The two local NHS trusts have not yet revealed if there have been any deaths in the county since yesterday. There has currently been one reported death from the illness at each of the hospitals since the outbreak began.

Since yesterday the number of cases nationally has risen by 1,035 in a single day, bringing the UK’s total to 5,018. There have been 233 deaths, a rise of 56 from yesterday.

The news came as people defied government social distancing advice to continue packing into supermarkets and public places this weekend.

Meanwhile Kettering General Hospital, where staff are busy treating coronavirus patients, have been forced to tell local school heads that they cannot issue keyworker letters to allow the children of staff to continue to attend school.

At midnight on Thursday (March 19) the government issued a list of key workers which included all hospital staff. Some schools in the borough have asked parents to prove that they are key workers after being inundated with pupils requiring places.

A statement tonight from KGH said: “We are extremely grateful to our colleagues in the education sector providing childcare/education support to our staff as Key Workers #WeAreInThisTogether so we can support caring for patients.

“We are aware that some schools are requesting letters from our staff to say that they are key workers.

“Unfortunately we cannot issue letters, given our focus is on caring for patients and supporting our staff.

“Staff are able to provide an ID badge as a valid form of identity. We take ID badges from staff as they leave our employment.

”Staff are also able to provide a copy of their latest payslip. Please be aware that we issue payslips electronically so this will be a copy print out.”