THE number of Covid-related deaths in County Durham reached a grim milestone this week as the death toll for our area exceeded 1,000 since the pandemic began.

Latest Public Health England data showed that the death toll in County Durham reached 1,006 deaths on Thursday, January 14, an increase of eight from the day previous.

The figures, which are based on the postcode of where that person was registered at time of death, showed Covid-related deaths had increased by 182 in just four weeks.

It also showed how there has been almost more deaths during the second wave than the first, with almost half of deaths taking place in the past three months.

Up until October 8, County Durham had recorded 508 deaths since March - but a further 498 deaths were recorded between October 9 and January 14.

But in a glimmer of hope that the pandemic could soon be brought under control, latest case data showed Covid infection rates had fallen in County Durham.

In the week leading to January 13 cases were down a significant 26.9 per cent, when compared to the rates in the seven days leading to January 6.

Speaking to The Echo, Amanda Healy, the Director of Public Health at Durham County Council, offered her condolences to those who have lost loved ones to Covid.

She said: “I would like to express my sincerest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one as a result of covid-19.

"Each statistic is someone’s family member, friend, partner, or colleague, who will be greatly missed by those who love them.

“While we are seeing positive signs in the county’s infection rates, people may be worried about a rise in the number of deaths.

"However, this increase is because there is some time between a person first testing positive and a death being recorded.

"We hope that as the county’s infection rates continue to decline, we will also start to see a fall in the number of deaths.

“I would like to express my thanks to those who are helping to bring down infection rates by staying at home and following the guidance by maintaining hand hygiene, wearing a face covering and social distancing.

"These efforts are really important to help save lives and protect each other from the virus.”

Earlier this week, Ms Healy urged residents to keep following rules in a bid to continue the "driving down" of infection rates across the area.

She said: "Fantastic progress is also being made in the roll-out of the vaccines, offering hope of a return to some of our freedoms later in the year.

“However, our infection rates remain high and our hospitals are still under a great deal of pressure, which is why it is vital that we all continue to follow the government guidance.

"I know it is challenging but staying at home wherever possible, maintaining hand hygiene, wearing a face covering and social distancing are key to protecting our NHS and continuing to drive down infection rates.”

Figures for County Durham published by the Government on Tuesday, January 19, showed 1,817 cases had been reported in the week leading to January 13.