Council bosses confirm Doncaster Covid-19 care home deaths figure now stands at 60

Council bosses confirmed the number of residents who lost their lives to coronavirus now stands at 60.

The deaths relate to a time period between March 18 and May 7, when Doncaster first had confirmed cases of the virus.

The council could not provide exact figures on where people lost their lives.

The statistics include those that died in care homes and in hospital.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed that 11 people died inside Doncaster care homes between April 11 and May 1.

Overall, the total death toll stands at 133 - the vast majority in hospital with a total positive Covid-19 infection count of 591 as of Monday, May 11.

A Doncaster Council spokesman said: “Our records show that 60 care home residents have died due to Covid-19 since the coronavirus emergency began.

“This information has been gathered through our regular monitoring of care homes.

“This is incredibly sad and our thoughts are with all of the families who have lost loved ones. We continue to provide extensive support for all of our care homes and care providers.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now outlined a three-step plan in beginning to ease the lockdown.

In step one, workers who cannot work from home should travel to work if their workplace is open providing they try and avoid public transport.

In step two, which will begin no earlier than June 1, nurseries and primary schools could start a phased return beginning with early years, Reception, and Years 1 and 6.

Some businesses will be able to reopen and sporting events will be able to take place behind closed doors.

In step three, which will start no earlier than July 4, more businesses will be able to open - although some, which are crowded by design, will not be able to open.

The aim is to reopen businesses such as hairdressers and beauty salons.