A further five people were reported to have died due to Covid-19 at Ipswich Hospital over the weekend.

The loss of lives takes the tally reported at Ipswich hospital alone to 75 since the outbreak began.

Three deaths were recorded by the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust last night, following two reported the day befire.

Colchester hospital, which is part of the same Trust, has recorded 91 deaths there.

Nick Hulme, Chief Executive for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We can confirm that two patients, one in their 80s and one in their 70s, who both had underlying health conditions, have sadly passed away at Ipswich Hospital.

"Five patients, one in their 90s, three in their 80s and one in their 40s, all of whom had underlying health conditions, have sadly passed away at Colchester Hospital. They had all tested positive for COVID-19.  

"Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patients' families and loved ones at this difficult time.†

Three of the patients, one in their 80s and two in their 70s died at Ipswich Hospital. All of them had underlying health conditions.

At Colchester Hospital, seven people – three in their 90s, one in their 80s and three in their 70s, also died. They too all had underlying health conditions.

The UK's coronavirus death toll rose by 596 to 16,060, the Department from Health confirmed on Sunday.

The latest death toll comes as Brits are being asked to observe a minute's silence next week to remember all the health, care and other key workers who have died from Covid-19.

Almost 100 health and care workers are believed to have died after contracting coronavirus.

The Department of Health has named 43 NHS workers as victims.