Six more Covid-19 deaths recorded in South Yorkshire, one in Sheffield

In Sheffield hospitals, one Covid-19 patient has died, according to the latest daily statistics. This brings the total deaths to 894.

Figures released by NHS England on March 4 also show that Doncaster recorded two more deaths, bringing the total fatalities to 745.

In Barnsley, the total deaths have reached 606 deaths with two new fatalities and in Rotherham, one Covid death has been recorded, bringing the total fatalities to 562.

Nationally, a further 184 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths reported in hospitals to 83,917.

NHS England said the patients were aged between 19 and 98. All except six, aged between 47 and 85, had known underlying health conditions.

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The deaths were between November 19 and March 3, with the majority being on or after February 28.

There were 50 other deaths reported with no positive Covid-19 test result.

However, Covid-19 case rates are continuing to fall in all regions of England, according to the latest weekly surveillance report from Public Health England.

In the East Midlands, the rate of new cases stood at 120.8 per 100,000 people in the seven days to February 28 – the highest rate of any region, but down from 170.5 the previous week.

Yorkshire & the Humber recorded the second highest rate at 113.6, down from 154.0.

South-west England recorded the lowest rate of 43.2, down from 68.5.

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Case rates in England are also continuing to fall among all age groups, according to the Public Health England.

The highest rate is among 30 to 39-year-olds, at 121.1 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to February 28, down week-on-week from 178.3.

Among 20 to 29-year-olds the rate dropped from 161.3 to 111.3, and for 40 to 49-year-olds it fell from 148.0 to 102.0.

For people aged 80 and over, the rate fell from 101.8 to 65.0.

NHS England data also indicated that a total of 18,469,922 Covid-19 vaccinations took place in England between December 8 and March 3, including first and second doses, which is a rise of 275,003 on the previous day’s figures.

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