The leader of Sutton Council has looked to reassure residents following the death of a coronavirus patient.

Earlier today it was announced that a patient who had been diagnosed with coronavirus had passed away.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We can confirm that sadly, a patient in their seventies who was very unwell with a number of significant and long-term health conditions has passed away at St Helier Hospital. They had tested positive for Covid-19.

"Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patient's family and loved ones at this difficult time."

Following that, council leader Ruth Dombey issued a statement.

It read: “Today my thoughts and prayers and those of the whole Council go out to the family and friends of the person who died today.

"I want to reassure the community here in Sutton that the NHS, and the Council are working together in support of Public Health England to support the national effort to combat and contain this virus.

"It is really important that everyone takes notice of and shares the public health messages in order to keep themselves, their families and our community safe.

"Residents with any concerns about their own health should visit the NHS 111 website or call NHS 111 for the latest health guidance.

"In the meantime, services continue to run in Sutton as normal and I pay tribute to those working in health and other front-line services for the remarkable job that they are doing."

The symptoms of coronavirus are:

A cough

High temperature

Shortness of breath

But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.

The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.