THERE have now been more than 600 deaths from coronavirus recorded by Cheshire East and West councils.

Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show that 350 deaths from Covid-19 were registered with Cheshire East Council, Middlewich’s local authority, by May 16 – up from 294 by May 9.

The figures include deaths that occurred up to May 8 which were registered up to eight days later.

Of those, 154 occurred outside hospital – including 142 in care homes, seven at private homes and five at hospices or other community sites.

There were 112 deaths from coronavirus recorded in care homes across the borough by May 9.

In Cheshire West, Winsford’s borough, the council has registered 268 deaths from Covid-19 by May 16 – up from 232 one week earlier.

That latest figure includes 76 deaths in care homes, nine at private homes and five in hospices or other community sites.

There were 62 deaths from coronavirus recorded in care homes across the borough by May 9.

The Health Foundation says the figures suggest that ‘action has come too late to stem the avoidable loss of life for care home residents, and social care staff’.

Meanwhile, latest figures from Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Leighton Hospital, show that 161 of its coronavirus patients have died as of 5pm on Monday, May 18.

A week ago, there had been 151 deaths recorded.

A total of 2,128 cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed across the two boroughs as of 9am on Tuesday, May 19 – 1,119 in Cheshire East and 1,009 in Cheshire West.

That is an increase of 34 from the same time on Monday – 17 for each council – and an increase from 1,978 in total at the same time last week.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: "Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our deepest sympathies go out to the families who have sadly lost relatives.

"Supporting the social care sector throughout this pandemic is a priority. We are working around the clock to give the social care sector the equipment and support they need."