SCHOOLS across Basildon must be shut until after Christmas to curb the rising tide of coronavirus, the borough’s council leader has warned.

The infection rate in Basildon has hit a new high of 290.6 after 544 new cases were confirmed in the latest seven-day period.

It is the highest number of new cases recorded in the borough since the pandemic began and has seen the area enter the “top 20” most affected areas in England.

It is now also the worst-hit Essex district after Thurrock, Epping, Harlow and Brentwood all saw a reduction in the number of cases.

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Gavin Callaghan, Labour Basildon Council leader, acknowledged there was a problem and called for a special emphasis on people under 18.

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Basildon is one of few areas not seeing a reduction in cases

He said: “I am concerned about schools as it is spreading fast in young people.

“It’s clear from the number of schools shutting and year groups being sent home there’s a real issue in the borough schools and that’s a huge concern. Schools should all go to home school and allow it to get out people’s system before Christmas.

“We need to work with the county council and Public Health England to find an innovative solution.”

Among the schools across the borough hit by closures, partial closures or been affected are: Basildon Lower Academy, De La Salle, Mayflower High School, Lee Chapel and Bromford School.

Mr Callaghan’s calls come as a major study found coronavirus infections have been cut by 30 per cent in two weeks, with some research suggesting the R-number has dropped to 0.88, meaning the virus is in retreat.

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Calls - Gavin Callaghan

The figures – from Imperial College London – suggests the tier system in place across the country before lockdown, as well as the national lockdown, have helped to significantly cut cases.

In Southend there has been a significant drop in infection rate, from a second wave high of 181.8, on November 14, to 115.8 on November 25 – the latest day figures are available for.

The rate is presented as the number of new cases per 100,000 people and is the lowest it has been since the beginning of November.

The second wave in Castle Point peaked on November 18, when the rate was 219.1. As of November 25, it had been cut to 173.7.