Kent newsagent dies after contracting coronavirus

Tributes have been paid to a newsagent in Dartford, Kent who has died after testing positive for coronavirus.

Krishnasamy Chiyamalan of Templeton News is believed to be one of the first retailers in the UK to die from the deadly virus.

Chiyamalan, 41, passed away at his home on 4 April. He is survived by his wife Gopika, and their two children.

“It is with great sadness that we report the death of one of our North Kent members and our thoughts and sympathies are with his wife and family at this time,” said Stuart Reddish, national president of NFRN.

Reddish added that retailers like Chiyamalan are going above and beyond during the crisis to deliver essential goods to elderly and vulnerable customers and to people who are self isolating.

“In these most challenging of times, NFRN members are going above and beyond so they can continue to provide their communities and customers with a vital lifeline and I am tremendously proud of them,” he said.

Total UK hospital deaths from coronavirus rose by a daily record of 938 to 7,097 as of 1600 GMT on April 7, health officials said on Wednesday.