Coronavirus cases have begun to increase again in 103 boroughs and districts in England – and the same trend is being seen in south Essex.

Only Southend has seen a drop in infections over the past week, with all other areas recording a week on week rise in cases.

Southend still recorded the highest number of infections in the region, but due to its larger population, it no longer has the highest infection rate in south Essex.

Southend was among 198 areas in England to record a drop in cases and rates in the past week.

Basildon saw the number of new cases increase by 12 in the latest seven-day period ending April 11.

Cases were up by 10 in Rochford and Thurrock, and eight in Castle Point.

Here is the latest weekly data for all districts and boroughs in south Essex showing the number of new cases, followed by infection rate:

Basildon

Newly recorded cases this week - 31 (16.6)

Newly recorded cases last week - 19 (10.1)

Castle Point

Newly recorded cases this week – 21 (23.2)

Newly recorded cases last week – 13 (14.4)

Rochford

Newly recorded cases this week – 19 (21.7)

Newly recorded cases last week – 9 (10.3)

Southend

Newly recorded cases this week – 41 (22.4)

Newly recorded cases last week – 65 (35.5)

Thurrock

Newly recorded cases this week – 37 (21.2)

Newly recorded cases last week – 27 (15.5)

Despite the small rise seen in most areas of south Essex, infection rates remain largely low and just below the UK average of 28.4 cases per 100,000 people.

Corby in Northamptonshire has the highest rate in England, with 66 new cases recorded in the seven days to April 11, the equivalent infection rate of 91.4.

Bradford has the second highest rate, up slightly from 76.7 to 90.8, with 490 new cases.

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Luton has the third highest rate, down slightly from 98.1 to 89.6, with 191 new cases.

Experts have warned Covid cases are likely to rise following the easing of lockdown rules on Monday, April 12.

The data which will show whether this is the case is unlikely to be available until late next week, with Government Covid figures are five days behind.

This is because figures for the most recent four days (April 12-15) as they are incomplete and would not reflect the true number of cases in each area.