DOZENS of patients have lost their fight to Covid-19 at hospitals across south Essex

A total of 38 people died from the virus at both Southend Hospital trust and the Basildon and Thurrock Hospital trust, according to the latest figures.

The newest numbers show 20 people lost their lives in Southend, while 18 passed away in Basildon.

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NHS England figures show 537 people have now died in hospital at Southend Hospital trust, while the figures sits at 670 at the Basildon and Thurrock Hospital Trust.

Official guidance states: "Confirmation of Covid-19 diagnosis, death notification and reporting in central figures can take up to several days and the hospitals providing the data are under significant operational pressure."