Coronavirus latest: Bucks cases reach 300 as UK death toll passes 5,000

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Buckinghamshire has reached 300 today. The number does not include data from Milton Keynes.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Up to date figures also show that the death toll in the UK has passed the 5,000 mark, with 5,373 now having died from coronavirus across the country.

51,608 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK since the outbreak emerged, but as only 0.3% of the population has currently been tested it is expected the true number is far higher.

Buckinghamshire Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Health and Culture, Gareth Williams, has implored residents and businesses to follow the Government's instructions in order to fight the spread of the virus.

CoronavirusCoronavirus
Coronavirus

Mr Williams said: "Let's remain resolute. Stay at home and stay closed to protect ourselves and others, protect the NHS, and save lives.”

Globally, nearly 1.3 million people are known to have contracted coronavirus, with 70,659 people having died from the disease.

On Sunday evening it was revealed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had been taken to hospital with “persistent symptoms” having tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday 27 March.

The latest NHS advice to help stop the spread of coronavirus is that you should only leave the house for one of the four following reasons:

- Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible

- One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household

- Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

- Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home

- Ensure you are two metres apart from anyone outside of your household

You should also:

- Wash your hands with soap and water often – for at least 20 seconds

- Wash your hands as soon as you get home

- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

- Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands

- Not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper when you do your weekly shop.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you