The relatives of people who died after becoming infected with the coronavirus have expressed their heartbreak at not be able to be with their loved ones in their final moments.

Caroline Hopton's mother had been put into isolation because of the virus meaning relatives couldn't be by her side before her death.

Ms Hopton wrote on Twitter: "COVID-19 stopped me holding my dearest mum's hand in her final moments last night.

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"She died alone in isolation after being admitted early Saturday AM (sic) and was put in isolation 'just in case'.

"It made losing her even more devastating.


"How many other families will go through the same?"

Father-of-one Darrell Blakelely, 88, was also isolated in hospital after contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

His daughter-in-law Allie Crewe said it was a "difficult and tragic death" for the family on Friday due to Mr Blakeley's separation in quarantine.

She added that Mr Blakeley could not be treated for an underlying health condition "due to coronavirus restrictions".

Image: Darrell Blakeley died after contracting the coronavirus

Ms Crewe wrote on Facebook: "The hospital were really super and tried to support us as much as possible, their kindness helped a lot.

"Not being able to sit with him was very hard for us. He remained in quarantine in an air locked room.

"This has been quite a difficult and tragic death, so send love and light."

Friends of Mr Blakelely, a church choir singer from Middleton, Greater Manchester, said he contracted the virus at a restaurant after coming into contact with a skier returning from Italy.

The granddaughter of a 97-year-old coronavirus patient who died in northern Italy has told Sky News of her devastation that she never had the chance to say goodbye.

Dr Vanessa Diaz, who lives in the UK, was unable to make the trip to be with her grandfather.

She said: "It is difficult for me because my family were in the epicentre of the outbreak.

"My mum kept me updated while I was here in the UK, but there was very little I could do.

"This is such a strange situation to be in. It is so hard losing a family member. Knowing what I know first-hand, I am worried about what will happen in the UK next."

Image: Grieving families have been unable to say goodbye to loved ones. File pic

Dr Diaz, a professor of healthcare engineering at University College London (UCL), said her grandfather had underlying health conditions.

She continued: "My grandfather was 97. He woke up in the morning around seven with a high temperature and when my mum rang for an ambulance, she was told the hospitals were swamped and the virus was everywhere.

"They said it was better for him to stay at home, with the people he loved. By eight o'clock that evening he was dead."

The man's daughter and other relatives who had come into close contact with him are in self-isolation and have since been tested for the coronavirus.

They are now awaiting results.

Dr Diaz continued: "My family live in a relatively small town, so my grandfather was buried very quickly.

"Those who die go directly to the burials and only a few family members can attend."

Dr Diaz said she knows people who are so concerned "they are leaving the country to be with their families in Italy", despite the foreign office warning against all travel to the country.

She added: "In Italy they are battling to save everyone, even though not everyone can be saved. There is a very large elderly population there and I want to remind people this virus has hit Italy in the north, which is very wealthy and well equipped with healthcare, so we need to look here at the situation and not take any chances."