Queen’s Hospital has announced the first death of Covid-19 in Havering.

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Today, Thursday March 12, two more death were announced, totalling 10 deaths of coronavirus in the UK. The country saw its largest day-on-day increase in the number of cases since the outbreak began, as cases went from 456 to 590.

Tony Chambers, interim chief executive, for Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust said: 'We can confirm that a patient, who was in her sixties, and who tested positive for Covid-19 has sadly died at Queen's Hospital. She had been very unwell with significant other health conditions.

'Our thoughts and condolences are with the patient's family at what is undoubtedly a very distressing time.

'We ask that the family's privacy is respected'.

The second death announced was at Charing Cross Hospital in central London.

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust said: 'We can confirm that, sadly, an 89-year-old patient who was very unwell with underlying health conditions has passed away at Charing Cross Hospital.

'The patient had tested positive for coronavirus. Our thoughts and condolences are with the patient's family.'

MP for Ilford South said: 'I am saddened to learn of the Coronavirus-related death in Queen's Hospital this afternoon and am urgently seeking assurances from the government about what steps they are taking to prevent the spread of the virus. I urge them to act swiftly and robustly, learn the lessons from other countries, and take immediate action to contain this public health crisis.

'I have also been in contact with Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust to hear about the hard work they are doing to treat those affected and keep the public updated with the latest advice.

'We are once again indebted to the amazing work that the NHS staff and services provide to our community.'

In the latest Cobra meeting, to discuss the next step to contain the virus, the government decided the UK would not be introducing social distancing measures yet as it was not 'the right moment within the pandemic.'

Chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty said: 'We do not think it is appropriate to make a national recommendation for that at the moment because it is too early in the course of the epidemic.

'If you think about what would happen if you prematurely put elderly or vulnerable in a situation where you're saying, we really want to cut down on your social interactions, to cut back on your contact with others, it has big practical implications for them and may lead to loneliness and other issues which are clearly very undesirable for them.'