CORONAVIRUS cases have fallen across south Essex, new figures show.

The latest statistics released by Public Health England shows all authorities have recorded fewer cases in the seven days up to September 17, compared to the previous seven days to September 10.

The data shows the number of new cases per 100,000 people and is measured by tests in laboratories and the wider community.

In Southend, the number of new cases dropped from 27 to 21, and in Basildon it dropped from 27 to 26.

Rochford saw a drop from ten to six, and Castle Point saw a huge drop from 25 to 14 new cases.

In Thurrock, the number went from 20 to 17.

Data for the most recent three days (September 18-20) has been excluded as it is incomplete and likely to be revised.

In Bolton, 540 new cases were recorded in the seven days to September 17 – the equivalent of 187.8 per 100,000 people.

Bolton continues to record the highest rate in England, though it is down from 213.2 in the seven days to September 10.

Rossendale has the second highest rate, up sharply from 60.2 to 159.5 with 114 new cases.

Hyndburn is in third place, where the rate has risen from 117.2 to 156.7 with 127 new cases.