Coronavirus in Portsmouth: Rallying cry issued to look after city's vulnerable after woman dies

That’s the message that is to the fore after a sad day on which Portsmouth saw its first death from Covid-19.

The 59-year-old woman, who had underlying health conditions, was being looked after by Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Queen Alexandra Hospital. She died on Tuesday.

Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth South MP, was heartbroken by the news and said: ‘My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the Portsmouth woman who has tragically died from Covid-19.

‘I pay tribute to the dedicated NHS and social care staff who are working tirelessly to deal with this public health emergency and all those across Portsmouth in the public sector for their efforts to keep us all safe.’

Charlotte Gerada of Southsea set up the Portsmouth Coronavirus Support Group on Facebook. It now has nearly 3,400 members offering emotional support and volunteers to look after the most vulnerable.

Speaking after the death was announced, Charlotte said it was 'absolutely crucial' people look out for their neighbours. She said: 'It's really important that people follow the government guidelines and take responsibility for their actions, it's not just about them and their families, it's about everyone they're coming into contact with.’

Steve Bonner, from the Pompey Pensioners Association, said: ‘It's concentrated a few minds and will see people taking it a bit more seriously then perhaps we might have done.’

Mr Bonner, from Southsea, said: ‘Clearly we're taking the isolation quite seriously.

‘I think this does underline the fact that with associated illnesses this can be extremely serious, it’s not just people of our age.’

His association is doing everything it can to support members in the current circumstances.

‘We will do what we can to keep in touch and make sure everyone has got everything that's necessary - shopping or carrying them to hospital in our transport,’ he said.

Concerns among pensioners remain access to groceries rather than the virus itself, Mr Bonner added.

John Knighton, medical director at the trust, said: ‘Sadly, we can confirm that a woman who was being cared for at Queen Alexandra Hospital, and had tested positive for COVID-19, has died.

‘The patient, who died was 59 and had underlying health conditions.

‘Her family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.’

It comes after a further 32 people in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus have died, NHS England have announced.

A statement said: ‘Patients were aged between 59 and 94 years old and had underlying health conditions.

‘Their families have been informed.’

It brings the number of confirmed deaths in the UK related to the virus to 104.

Penny Mordaunt, Portsmouth North MP, added; ‘This is extremely sad news and my thoughts are with her family and friends.’