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Coronavirus Kent: Live updates on the impact of Covid-19 pandemic across the county

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The number of people with coronavirus who have died in England has risen by 758.

This number includes at least 89 people in Kent, although the actual number is likely far higher as that figure only accounts for deaths in hospitals.

The numbers of people in Kent who have died now stands at at least 89
The numbers of people in Kent who have died now stands at at least 89

On Sunday there were 3,802 new cases, a lower figure than in recent days. Meanwhile Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to intensive care after his symptoms worsened.

At the press briefing Professor Angela McLean, chief scientific adviser for the Ministry of Defence, said the rate of infection was starting “we hope, to slow down”

But, she hastens to adds it really is "too soon" to know the impact of social distancing and other measures.

Dominic Raab said the government has brought home 20,000 people from Spain, 13,000 from Egypt and 8,000 from Indonesia.

He said: "For those travellers still stuck abroad, we are doing everything we can to keep airports open, commercial flights [running] and to charter flights."

Follow our live blog for today's coronavirus updates:

9.20pm - Lockdown review

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plan to review lockdown on Monday has been shelved.

5.00pm - Foreign Secretary deputises for PM as Boris Johnson continues coronavirus treatment

Dominic Raab paid tribute to those who had died as he confirmed the death toll in the UK has now reached 6,159.

Standing in for the PM, he said Boris Johnson remains in hospital but does not require ventilation.

The Foreign Secretary said they had been taking "evidence-based" decisions and would not be altering course until confident the country was "beyond the peak".

He added 14,000 tests in a single day had been a record with nine drive thru testing sites now in place for NHS workers

Care and nursing homes continue to present biggest challenge despite excellent work from staff, nurses and doctors, says Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical adviser.

2.15pm - NHS England announce latest number of deaths

758 more people with coronavirus have died in England as of 5pm last night. The death toll now stands at 5,655.

1.57pm - Police issue fines

A total of six fines have been issued to people in Kent flouting social distancing guidelines during the Covid-19 outbreak.

It follows new legislation being introduced under the Coronavirus Act giving police the ability to fine or arrest people who fail to comply with the rules. Read more here.

1.48pm - PM update

Downing Street has said Boris Johnson remains in "good spirits" after he was admitted to intensive care.

His condition has stabilised and he is breathing without assistance.

1.42pm - 'This evil virus has broken our hearts'

Coronavirus has claimed the life of a 57-year-old man who had dedicated his time to helping and entertaining others

Tributes are pouring in to Tim Mountford, from Margate, who was described as "a true friend to many". Read more.

1.17pm - Cards for NHS staff

Primary school children have been busy drawing get well cards for Maidstone Hospital patients, which are helping to lift spirits and provide a colourful boost.

A member of staff launched the initiative to help to reduce feelings of loneliness among patients. Read more here.

12.38pm - Cathedral u-turn

Canterbury Cathedral has frozen rent for its tenants - two weeks after stating such action would "risk bankruptcy".

As a landlord for more than 60 properties in Canterbury city centre, the Cathedral's Dean and Chapter says it has chosen to "shoulder greater financial risk" by waiving rent demands for two months. Read more here.

12.27pm - Council Tax scam

Conniving criminals are exploiting fears surrounding the coronavirus with a new council tax scam.

The Covid-19 pandemic has left many people facing financial uncertainty, unsure about how the crisis will affect the way run-of-the-mill bills such as council tax are paid. Read more here.

12pm - Tributes to a 'club legend'

A family has paid tribute to a passionate football fan set to become a grandfather for the second time after he lost his life to coronavirus.

Popular Jim Bubb would often be seen at Herne Bay Football Club's Stanley Gardens ground painting dressing rooms, fixing advertising boards or supporting the players during a match. Read more here.

11.10am - Speedway club calling on young fans

With no speedway action due to the coronavirus, The Kent Kings & Royals teams have a new signing but need help with a name.

They are calling on fans to come up with a name for their recently acquired no.8. Read more here

11am - Couple's anger over £1k bill to move wedding

A couple have been left "upset and angry" after being asked to fork out £1,000 to move their wedding due to the coronavirus crisis.

Paula Chappell and Calvin Grainger had spent more than a year planning their big day, and were due to marry at the popular East Quay Venue on Whitstable seafront on Thursday, June 4. Read more here

10.39am - Organiser takes on sponsored walk without crowds

The annual charity Crocus Walk in Deal may have been cancelled this year but that didn't stop organiser Kerry Banks BEM completing it with her partner.

The Breast Cancer Now ambassador was forced to postpone the annual sponsored walk from Walmer to St Margarets for the first time in its 15 year history, on Saturday. Read more here

10.30am - Council helps those struggling to pay council tax

Help is being offered to anyone in the Folkestone district struggling to pay council tax as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) has put together a list of financial support available to residents, some who might have lost work or been placed on furlough.

The online support page also includes a council tax, benefits and budget calculator which can be used to work out your personal budget, any entitlement to benefits and how a change in circumstances can affect your budget.

Visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/financial-support

10.22am - More pictures come in for Snapshot Kent

Our Snapshot Kent photographic competition is proving popular, with more entries coming in.

We want to see what you are doing in the lockdown period; how you spend your time; how you video chat with family and friends; how you spend Friday nights in your home without going out, and above all, how you have fun together. Find out more here.

10.05am - Number of Clarks stores will not reopen after lockdown

Footwear retailer Clarks will not reopen some of its stores once the coronavirus lockdown is lifted.

The high street stalwart, which has about a dozen branches in Kent, says the leases on a number of shops have not been renewed and they have permanently ceased trading.

Read more here

9.58am - Le Mis family returns

In case you missed it yesterday, a Kent family who went viral with a self-isolation adaptation of a Les Misérables track have released another song with lockdown-themed lyrics.

Read more here

9.22am - Young widow begs the nation ‘please stay in’

A week after losing her key worker husband to coronavirus, a young widow is pleading with the nation to be patient and follow the rules.

Claire White, 42, of Fleet Estate, Dartford, last saw her childhood sweetheart husband Dave, 44, on Monday, March 30 when he was taken to Darent Valley Hospital in the afternoon by ambulance. Read more here.

8.53am - Free rugby coaching

Medway rugby star Rachael Burford is offering her coaching tutorials for free during the coronavirus lockdown and everyone is welcome.

The competitive season is over for Burford, after the RFU declared the Tyrrells Premier 15 season cancelled, but the Harlequins player isn’t taking it easy. Read more here.

8.22am - Michael Gove on the Today Programme

Mr Gove has said Mr Johnson has received oxygen support but is not on a ventilator.

Speaking on Radio 4 this morning, the chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster described what the Prime Minister is normally like. He said: "He has amazing energy, great determination and a desire all the time to amke sure that things are moving forward.

"He has a great zest for life and is a bundle of enegery and determination to do the very best for the county he loves."

8.16am - MPs support Boris

Kent MPs have sent best wishes to Boris Johnson and are willing him to fight through after the PM was taken into intensive care.

The 55-year-old was last night moved on the advice of his medical team as his coronavirus symptoms "worsened". Read more here.

8.08am - Too much sugar?

Children in Kent aged between six and 10 are consuming nearly triple the recommended daily sugar intake.

But it's feared living in lockdown could exacerbate the problem as hardship and availability issues push families to buy cheap, unhealthy food. Read more here.

7.47am - Supporting your local team

Fans have been digging deep to help their football clubs through the coronavirus shutdown.

Football below the National League is over for the season but the bills need paying and supporter groups have taken it upon themselves to help. Read more here.

7.12am - ABCs

An artistic husband and wife from Kent have designed an alphabet poster for children, using words fast becoming familiar to families during the coronavirus outbreak.

Will Upfield and his wife Amy are behind creative agency Ideas and That, based in Teynham near Sittingbourne. Read more here.

7am - Boris Johnson leading the headlines

Foreign heads of state have been among the people sending messages to the Prime Minister after he was admitted to intensive care.

German chancellor Angela Merkel has said she hopes he can leave hospital soon and Donald Tump said he is 'strong, resolute and doesn't quit'.

Sir Keir Starmer, the new Labour leader, also sent support to Mr Johnson, saying: "All the country's thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family"

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

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