This is the latest on coronavirus at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

At around 11am on Wednesday, staff were caring for 119 patients with the virus at the Royal.

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Fourteen of those patients were receiving critical care.

At the end of last week, there were 180 coronavirus patients – 16 of whom were in intensive care – at the hospital.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has now recorded a total of 369 deaths linked to Covid-19.

A trust spokesperson offered their condolences to all those who have lost a loved one during the pandemic, adding: “Demand on our services remains high and we would like to remind everyone to stay vigilant, to follow Government guidance and the safety measures put in place, and to stay at home unless it’s absolutely essential to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 and protect all NHS services.

“Your own health needs is one of those reasons that we consider absolutely essential.

“Think about the right NHS resource to use, whether that’s your local pharmacy, a conversation with your GP or self-care.

“If in doubt, call NHS 111 to speak to a health expert who will be able to give you advice and direct you to the most appropriate service to ensure we have the resources to treat genuine emergencies.”

The update comes on the day a community testing centre opened at Queen’s Park Sports Centre on Boythorpe Road, Chesterfield.

Open between 9am to 7pm seven days a week, the centre will test people without coronavirus symptoms

People will be given a lateral flow tests which gives results within 30 minutes.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The roll-out of community testing, coupled with the speedy vaccine delivery at sites across Chesterfield, is showing there is light at the end of the tunnel and that we will get through this difficult period.”

Derbyshire Covid-19 positive tests per 100,000 people in the latest week (January 30 to February 5)

Amber Valley: 259

Bolsover: 304

Chesterfield: 229

Derby: 287

Derbyshire Dales: 163

Erewash: 238

High Peak: 200

North East Derbyshire: 202

South Derbyshire: 217

England national average: 188

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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.