Coronavirus claims the lives of five more people across South Yorkshire

A total of four more people have died in Sheffield’s hospitals, according to the most recent data published this afternoon (Monday, January 25), bringing the total Covid-19 related fatalities in the city to 741.

Elsewhere in South Yorkshire, Rotherham recorded an additional death, bringing the town’s death tally to 497.

There were no further fatalities in Doncaster, where the total stands at 652, or in Barnsley where there have been 501 deaths.

It means 2,391 people have so far lost their lives to the virus in our county.

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Nationwide a further 609 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 67,046.

This was the highest rise in fatalities recorded on a Monday in England since mid-April, with the UK currently holding the highest Covid death rate in the world.

Patients were aged between 30 and 101 years old, said NHS England. All except 14 patients, wo were aged 41 to 96 years old, had known underlying health conditions.

The date of the deaths, 47 of which took place in Yorkshire and the North East, ranges from December 17 to January 24 with the majority being on or after January 15.

A lockdown review is set to take place on February 15, but reports suggest that current restrictions could last until at least Good Friday.

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 digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.