This is the latest on coronavirus at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

At 11am on Tuesday, there were 54 inpatients with a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 – nine of whom required critical care.

MORE: Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has coronavirus

Just over two weeks ago on December 14, there were 38 coronavirus inpatients and 12 of these were in intensive care.

Sadly, a total of 215 people have died at the Royal after testing positive for the virus.

The hospital expressed its condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one during the pandemic.

On Monday, a record 41,385 new Covid-19 cases were reported in the UK, though it is thought the infection rate was higher during spring when testing was much more limited.

Health officials in some parts of the UK say their hospitals are at risk of becoming overwhelmed.

A spokesperson for Chesterfield Royal Hospital said: “It has been busy across the hospital but along the lines of what we might expect at this time of year.

“However, the message remains the same – we are here to help but please use NHS services appropriately and only visit if it for a pre-arranged appointment or in an emergency.

“If you are in any doubt then you can call NHS 111 where you will be able to speak to a health expert who can give you advice over the phone and direct you to the most appropriate service.

“You can also get advice and help by phoning your pharmacist or GP.”

According to the latest available data, there were 188 cases of Covid-19 in Chesterfield between December 18 and December 24, up 15 compared with the previous week.

The infection rate for the latest period was 179 cases per 100,000 people. The average area in England had 267.

In North East Derbyshire, there were 196 cases of Covid-19 between December 18 and December 24, up 14 compared with the previous week.

North East Derbyshire had an infection rate of 193 cases per 100,000 people for the latest period.

In Bolsover, there were 183 cases of Covid-19 between December 18 and December 24, down 14 compared with the previous week.

That area had an infection rate of 227 cases per 100,000 people for the latest period.

MORE: Celebrating our amazing NHS: Chesterfield matron who was hospitalised with coronavirus and cared for by her own colleagues shares her story

Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.