BARROW’S MP has said locking down the country is ‘the right move’ in order to prevent FGH from being overwhelmed.

Simon Fell has issued a rallying call to his constituents across Furness as hospital bosses confirmed another death at Barrow's hospital.

Aaron Cummins, chief executive of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, confirmed yesterday that a man in his 70s had died at FGH.

He said: "We can confirm that, sadly, a male patient who tested positive for COVID-19 has died at Furness General Hospital. He was in his 70s and he had an underlying health condition.

"Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patient’s family and loved ones and we would ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."

The Mail:

Simon Fell backed the government's strict lockdown policy, which restricts residents to only one outdoor exercise session a day, making journeys only for food shopping or for health reasons, and banning gatherings of more than two people unless they are in the same household.

"This is absolutely the right move," he said.

"Too many people treated last weekend like a bank holiday when the priority now must be stopping the spread and relieving the pressure on the NHS in order to save lives.

"You may feel fine, but you might still be carrying this virus.

"And if we ignore this advice then Furness General will be overwhelmed and those who most need it won’t get the treatment they should. So, look after your neighbours and stay at home."

Streets in Barrow, Dalton, Ulverston and Millom were eerily quiet yesterday on the first full day of the lockdown announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday night.

The Mail:

Construction on the Beehive Retail and Employment site in Ulverston is continuing while work is also ongoing at Oakmere Homes' Dalton Lane housing development.

Most shops have closed apart from those allowed to remain open which includes supermarkets, newsagents, corner shops, health food shops and DIY stores.

Other businesses allowed to stay open include pet shops, supermarkets, petrol stations, launderettes, bicycle shops, car rentals, post offices and banks.

The Mail:

All restaurants and cafes must close eat-in areas but can still offer a delivery service, while pubs, hair salons, car showrooms, auction houses, caravan parks, libraries, playgrounds, community centres, churches, cinemas, bingo halls, and swimming pools are also banned from opening.

Prisons are no longer allowing visitors.

You are allowed to leave home, other than for daily exercise, to buy food, or for health reasons, to donate blood, to travel to and from work where it is absolutely necessary and under-18s of separated parents can visit both homes.

The lockdown rules are set to last for at least three weeks but will be under constant review.