AN MP has warned Southend Hospital is under "considerable pressure" and has urged people to stay home.

James Duddridge, Tory MP for Rochford and Southend East, issued the message as coronavirus infections continue to rise and pressure grows on the NHS.

His plea comes as Southend Hospital face high demands for oxygen due to the number of Covid-19 patients, and that the situation is "critical".

Mr Duddridge said: "Coronavirus cases in our town are extremely high, our hospital is under considerable pressure and it is therefore vital that every single person plays their part by sticking to the rules.

"While we are vaccinating more and more people every day, the weeks ahead will be difficult and we must re-double our efforts to protect the NHS and our doctors and nurses working on the frontline against Covid-19.

"The new variant of this disease is spreading fast and around one in three people with Covid-19 don’t have any symptoms, but can still pass it on.

"I appreciate lockdowns are tough, but your compliance is imperative. Please stay at home, and give the NHS the best chance of saving lives.

"If it’s essential to go out, remember the basics of washing your hands, covering your face and making space."