Northamptonshire hospitals record another 13 coronavirus-related deaths in two days

Another 13 coronavirus-related deaths were recorded at Northamptonshire hospitals in the last two days, NHS officials have confirmed.

Northampton General Hospital reported six people had tested positive for Covid-19 and died between Thursday (December 3) and Monday, according to figures released yesterday.

While Kettering General Hospital had seven patients pass away between Friday and Sunday - no further details are provided.

All 13 had either tested positive for Covid-19 within the previous 28 days or had the virus mentioned on a death certificate.

A total of 650 people have now died of the virus at Northamptonshire's two NHS hospitals and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust since March.

The deaths come as some the first vaccinations in the world have been administered at NGH to members of staff at most risk of becoming seriously ill from coronavirus.

Countywide director for the covid vaccination programme, Chris Pallot, said: "We are proud to be one of the first vaccination sites in the country.

"It is great news for Team NGH, for Northamptonshire, for the NHS, but most importantly for our patients and their families.

“We look forward to rolling out the vaccine to other sites around the county so we can start vaccinating more members of the public and NHS staff in the coming months as our coverage expands.

“It is the most effective way to protect ourselves from the virus and, hopefully, start our return to normal life again.”

If you have Covid-19 symptoms - high temperature, continuous cough or loss of or change in sense of smell or taste - you should immediately self-isolate and book a test.

New booking slots are available each evening for the next day and more are released each morning. Pre-booking is essential.

If you test positive, you must self-isolate for 10 days – with your household isolating for 14 days - do not go to your workplace, to school or to the shops. Either work from home or report sick.

Those who test positive for Covid-19 will be helped by the NHS test and trace service to identify the people they have recently been in contact with so they can be alerted and also self-isolate if required.

Tests can be booked on the Test and Trace app, online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. Home testing kits can also be ordered subject to availability.