ONE part of south Essex has reported more than four times the number of Covid cases than anywhere else, according to the latest figures.

The Government's hotspots map shows the number of Covid cases in each part of the area.

In the week to April 4, Leigh recorded 27 cases.

Leigh's infection rate in this week was 258 cases per 100,000 people - the highest rate in Essex.

The last time Leigh recorded more Covid cases in one week was back in January during the peak of the second wave.

The area in south Essex with the second highest number of cases during this week was West Leigh, which recorded six.

Dozens of parts of south Essex recorded less than three cases during this week, meaning they are not included on the Government's hotspots map.

The virus is classed as "suppressed" in these areas according to the hotspots map. 

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The Southend borough is now recording the highest number of coronavirus infections in Essex.

Here are the latest average infection rates for each part of south Essex compared with a week earlier:

  • Southend-on-Sea - 34.9 cases per 100,000 people (64 cases) - 38.8, (71)
  • Castle Point - 15.5 cases per 100,000 people (14 cases) - 21.0 cases per 100,000 people (19 cases)
  • Thurrock -14.9 cases per 100,000 people (26 cases) - 33.8 cases per 100,000 people (59 cases)
  • Basildon - 11.2 cases per 100,000 people (21 cases) - 16.6 cases per 100,000 people (31 cases)
  • Rochford - 8.0 cases per 100,000 people (7 cases) - 35.5 cases per 100,000 people (31 cases)

Lockdown rules will be eased further on Monday, with outdoor hospitality reopening.

Non-essential retailers will also be allowed to reopen as part of the latest stage of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.

The next stage, which will see hospitality venues open their indoor areas, is such to come into force on May 17.

However, a number of strict tests must be met for this to go ahead as planned.

These includes the number of people in hospital and the infection rate across the country.