Number of Covid-19 patients at Chesterfield Royal Hospital around the same as during April peak

At around noon on New Year’s Eve, staff were caring for 77 inpatients with a positive diagnosis of Covid-19, a spokesperson for the Royal told the Derbyshire Times..

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Eleven of those were being cared for by critical care teams.

The hospital spokesperson added: “The current number of inpatients with coronavirus is around the same as it was during the peak of the first wave in April.”

Sadly, a total of 217 people have died at the Royal after testing positive for the virus.

The hospital expressed its condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one during the pandemic.

Derbyshire entered Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions on New Year’s Eve.

As well as continuing to wash hands regularly, stay apart and wear a face covering unless exempt, the restrictions mean:

- people should stay at home unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse’ such as work or education

- people should not mix indoors with anyone outside their household or support bubble but individuals can meet one other person from another household in an open, public space

- childcare bubbles are allowed with one other household to provide informal care to children under the age of 13

- all non-essential shops, hairdressers, nail salons and indoor entertainment venues must close

- pubs, cafes and restaurants must close but can continue to offer takeaway, drive-through or click and collect services until 11pm

- gyms and indoor swimming pools, indoor sports courts and dance studios must close

- people should not leave Tier 4 areas or travel abroad, except for legally permitted reasons. Overnight stays are not permitted

- weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are only allowed in exceptional circumstances

- people who are classed as ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ are advised to work from home. If they are unable to work from home, they are advised not to go to work

The Government is urging everyone in England to stay at home and see in the new year safely.

People should not meet up with friends or family indoors, unless they are in the same household or support bubble, and they should avoid large gatherings of any kind.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “With our NHS under pressure we must all take personal responsibility this New Year’s Eve and stay at home.

“I know how much we have all sacrificed this year and we cannot let up. Over 600,000 people have now been vaccinated and we are close to beating this virus.

“Now more than ever, we need to pull together to save lives and protect our NHS.

“If we continue to do our bit by staying at home, we can get through this together.”

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director, added: “We can all play a part in fighting this terrible virus: stay at home, mark the New Year with just nearest and dearest within the rules.

“This action will reduce infections, relieve pressures on hospitals, and that’s how everybody can help to save a life.

“Covid loves a crowd – so please leave the parties for later in the year."

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Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.