THE people of St Helens have been urged to stay at home and save lives as the NHS trust that runs Whiston Hospital recorded its first coronavirus deaths.
On Tuesday, NHS figures revealed St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust had registered its first three deaths related to COVID-19.
These patients passed away on March 22, 27 and 28.
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The latest NHS figures released today (Wednesday) showed that two more patients died on March 28 while one died the following day on March 29.
Following the deaths, Marie Rimmer, MP for St Helens South and Whiston, said: “Each loved one that passes away is a real loss to our community.
“The impact that each individual has had on others throughout their lives is immeasurable.
“They will all be missed by family and friends, and also by the community at large.
“My thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones at this sad time.
“The current situation we find ourselves in is unprecedented, and we all have a role to play to stop this virus.”
The social distancing measures outlined by Boris Johnson earlier this month are some of the greatest restrictions on personal freedoms in the UK in modern history.
In a letter going out to 30 million households in the UK, the Prime Minister said even stricter lockdown measures could be imposed as the worst of the outbreak is yet to come,
This has been echoed by Conor McGinn, Labour MP for St Helens North, who warned many more people will die from the disease.
To help combat this, he said, we must stay home.
Mr McGinn said: “The first reported deaths in St Helens are a stark reminder of the human cost of this virus and the heartache for families who have lost loved ones.
“It also points to the challenge our NHS and community will face in the weeks ahead. COVID-19 does not discriminate.
“Anyone can get it and everyone can spread it. And, sadly, many will die from it. But we can all help combat it by staying at home.
“That is the best way to protect our NHS and quite literally save lives.”
Cllr David Baines, leader of St Helens Council, said the coming weeks could be the most difficult of the outbreak so far, with cases expected to spike.
“It is more important than ever that we all continue to follow the scientific advice – wash your hands more often and for longer, only leave the house for essential journeys, and work from home if you can,” Cllr Baines said.
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“I would like to thank our amazing NHS, our council staff including social care workers, waste collectors and school staff, our shopworkers, delivery drivers and logistics industries, and voluntary sector workers, who are all working round the clock to provide for us, and to protect and save lives.
“We’ll get through this together – for each other’s sake please stay home, protect the NHS, and save lives.”
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