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The number of people who have died in the UK from coronavirus has now risen to 578.

The new figures were released this evening (Thursday, March 26) showing an increasing of 115 over the past 24 hours.

As with most new updates, it is understood that the majority of the new deaths are people who had underlying health conditions.

In total, the number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus across Britain stands at 11,658.

Here in Essex, at least 13 people have now died after being treated for COVID-19 in hospitals across the county.

The latest government advice on the coronavirus outbreak You can find the latest government advice on what to do during the COVID-19 outbreak here. For the latest updates on coronavirus in Essex and breaking news across the country, join our dedicated Facebook group here. For more information, go to Public Health England's website here or NHS 111 here.

Nine people have died at Romford's Queen's Hospital, two have died at Colchester Hospital and one person has died at both Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow and Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

It is not yet known whether any of the new deaths have been recorded in Essex.

Earlier this week, the government announced that London's ExCel Centre would be transformed into a new temporary hospital capable of providing an extra 4,000 beds.

NHS Thanks a Million It is something that has, at some point, touched all our lives. From cradle to grave, the National Health Service, and the incredible professionals within it who care for us, is a part of British life. Today, more than ever, we should cherish those who dedicate themselves to our care, heedless of own health as they work tirelessly to care for people in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. We have never needed our doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other carers more. So let’s show them some love, and create a living map of gratitude from every corner of Britain - visit www.thanksamillionnhs.co.uk to drop a heart on the map wherever you are in the world. By dropping a heart on the map, you’re saying you appreciate the efforts undertaken daily in the NHS. Thanks a million, NHS workers - we love you.

Technology firm Dyson also announced that they are dropping everything to produce thousands of extra ventilators for the NHS and other health services around the world.

The whole of the UK is currently on lockdown, with all resident being asked to stay indoors unless they are travelling to and from work - and this work cannot be done from home - carrying out a shop for essentials, caring for vulnerable people or going on one daily form of exercise.

For live updates on the coronavirus crisis, click here.