AT least 30 patients in Basildon Hospital are now being treated for Covid-19 at Basildon Hospital, it has been revealed.

The Echo has learned of the sharp rise in numbers this morning, which comes only days after 25 cases of Covid were confirmed across all three mid and south Essex hospitals.

The leader of Basildon Council, Gavin Callaghan, told residents in a live stream that Basildon "is not a million miles off being in a position where we are stretched again."

As part of the Covid ward at Basildon Hospital, there are 26 intensive care beds available for Covid patients, with a further 26 available.

Gavin Callaghan, said: "We already have 30 people in need of Covid treatment at the hospital."

Bosses at the mid and south Essex NHS trust yesterday told visitors to stay away from the hospital because medical chiefs reported an "extremely busy day."

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Mr Callaghan also revealed last night that the tougher coronavirus restrictions in Essex 'won't be put into affect until next week at the earliest'