THE number of patients to have tested positive for coronavirus in Sussex has almost hit triple figures.

In the 24 hours leading up to 1pm yesterday, 42 further people were diagnosed with the disease.

This takes the Sussex total to 98, with three people having died after contracting the virus.

Two patients at Eastbourne District General Hospital passed away last week, and a further death was confirmed by the Sussex Community Foundation Trust yesterday.

The number of coronavirus cases in West Sussex saw the biggest increase in the county yesterday, moving from 28 to 52.

The East Sussex figure jumped from 11 to 21, and the Brighton and Hove total increased from 17 to 25.

Nationally, there was a leap of more than 1,400 cases in yesterday's figures, taking the total to 8,077.

There have been 422 patient deaths.

It is reported that 135 patients diagnosed with the virus have recovered.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal.  Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund