ESSEX County Council will ask Health Secretary Matt Hancock to move much of the region up to the new ‘high level’ banding of Covid-19 restrictions.

Mr Hancock is expected to make a decision tomorrow and if approved, new rules on social interaction could be enforced in much of the county by the weekend or early next week. 

This would mean a ban on people mixing with anyone outside their household in an indoor environment.

The rule of six would remain in place outside but people would be encouraged to cut the number of journeys they make each day, particularly on public transport.

Under the Government’s new three-tier lockdown system, which is based on infection rates, Essex is currently in the ‘medium’ category.

But the county’s health chief, Dr Mike Gogarty, has called for tougher restrictions amid concerns about the rise in cases in Essex.

He said: “Across the county we have moved from gradual to exponential growth with number of cases rising exponentially.

“We want act now to minimise the impact on the public health and the economy and by doing so we believe we can shorten the period of enhanced restrictions.”

Bosses say the majority of cases are in the younger age groups but rates are now increasing in older age groups.

They also say hospital admissions are rising, and deaths are being reported.

Basildon Hospital has now reported its second coronavirus-related death in the second wave of the pandemic. 

County Hall’s health boss John Spence has revealed plans are in place to improve Essex’s “already brilliant” track and trace programme and warned tougher enforcement action will be taken to ensure residents comply with the new rules. 

He said: “Everyone is tired of this pandemic and we all want it to be over. But we are asking the people of Essex to go with us on this and help get the number of new cases down. 

“We can’t promise this will be over before Christmas but we believe this will give us the best possible chance. 

“It’s not a good thing that we are the first county to voluntarily want tougher restrictions but we are being courageous. We don’t want to wait on the national advice to go into the ‘high’ category.

“The longer we leave it to take action, the higher the second peak is going to be to overcome.”

The move has been backed by Basildon council leader Gavin Callaghan. He said:

“We cannot risk anyone who falls ill, not having access to an ICU bed, treatment or ventilator.

“I understand this will hit many people hard and I don’t make the call lightly, but I believe action now will help prevent a worse situation in the coming weeks and help reduce cases sooner.

“I also call on the Government to make sure those affected are properly supported.

“The people of Basildon responded fantastically during the national lockdown and I know they will respond again.”