Number of Covid-19 cases in Northamptonshire tops 300 as hospitals face predicted surge in pandemic

105 more patients confirmed in county in just 72 hours
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The number of known Covid-19 cases has soared to more than 300 in Northamptonshire.

Officials revealed another 38 positive tests in the county's two hospitals during the 24 hours to 9am this morning (Saturday April 4) — a rise of 105 in the space of 72 hours — taking the total to 302.

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So far, 32 coronavirus-related deaths have also been confirmed in Northamptonshire as at 5pm last night.

But Public Health England admit the true figures of people contracting the deadly bug are much higher since they only count patients being treated for Covid-19 in hospital, not those in care homes or those self-isolating with symptoms but have not been tested.

The UK epidemic is not predicted to peak for a week or two and police, Government ministers and health officials are pleading with the public not to flout the stay-at-home order and as temperatures rise to around 18 °C today.

At today's daily Government briefing, Michael Gove said:“I know life under lockdown can be challenging. Some will be tempted on this sunny weekend to venture out and about.

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"But, as the health secretary underlined yesterday, if we relax our adherence to the rules, we increase the risk for others. That’s why it’s so important to stay at home, to protect the NHS and to save lives.”

Northants' two acute hospitals are facing a surge in Covid-19 casesNorthants' two acute hospitals are facing a surge in Covid-19 cases
Northants' two acute hospitals are facing a surge in Covid-19 cases

Mr Gove also revealed the ventilator engineered by Formula One boffins at the Mercedes-AEG factory in Northamptonshire is now in production.

Engineers from Brixworth worked with University College London to produce a new non-invasive respirator would be vital in helping treat patients.

The minister added: “They produced 250 yesterday, they will produce the same number today and tomorrow, rising to 1,000 a day next week.”.

A message from the Editor:

Respirator designed by Mercedes engineers at Brixworth is now in productionRespirator designed by Mercedes engineers at Brixworth is now in production
Respirator designed by Mercedes engineers at Brixworth is now in production
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