A FURTHER person in the North-East has died after testing positive for coronavirus in a Teesside hospital.

The latest figures published on Wednesday confirmed the South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust recorded one further Covid-19 death, bringing the North-East total of fatalities linked to the virus to 1,735.

Nationally, a further ten people died with the virus in hospitals across England.

A statement from NHS England said: “Patients were aged between 50 and 97 years old.

“All had known underlying health conditions. Their families have been informed.”

RESIDENTS of care homes will be allowed to welcome one single nominated visitor after the announcement of easing of lockdown restrictions.

Speaking at the final House of Commons sitting of the parliamentary term, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said public health experts would give the final approval, subject to local conditions.

Following social distancing guidelines, meeting out-doors wherever possible, visitors wearing masks could also bring a single gift, but flowers were said to be inadvisable.

GOLF teed-off again on the European Tour in a North-East ‘bio-bubble’ yesterday.

The ‘closed-off’ Close House course, near Wylam, Northumberland, hosted the tour’s first big-name tournament after the coronavirus delay.

Scotland’s David Law begins his second round at 8.20am today as overnight leader of the Betfred British Masters, hosted by course professional Lee Westwood.

A seven-under-par 64 put the Aberdonian a shot up on Northumberland’s Garrick Porteous, fellow Englishman Ollie Fisher and Italy’s Renato Paratore.

THE Queen's visit to her seasonal Scottish retreat, Balmoral Castle, this summer is likely to be different from normal due to coronavirus-related restrictions.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said arrangements for the visit in early August "will be in line with the relevant guidelines and advice".

But Her Majesty will not be able to enjoy the Braemar Gathering, however, as the Highland Games have been called off for the first time since 1945, due to Covid-19.

CORONAVIRUS has strengthened the argument for universal basic income, according to former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell.

In his first significant policy intervention since stepping down from the shadow cabinet following Labour's heavy election defeat, Mr McDonnell has called for, "an immediate minimum income guarantee".

The concept would, if enacted on, see all citizens paid a base amount by the state irrespective of their employment status.

SOCIAL mobility experts have suggested the pandemic could be an opportunity to address "regional disparities" and social mobility in local areas through community development.

It comes as a recent report by the Social Mobility Commission (SMC) revealed that those that move out earn 33-per cent more on average than those who stay.

The "movers”, typically in their 20s, gravitate towards London and the South-East and are 50pc more likely to have a degree.

"Stayers" are also less likely to be in a professional or managerial job and often find themselves with fewer prospects, but also often benefit from greater wellbeing and sense of community.