THE Covid infection rate has started to decline in parts of south Essex as latest figures reveal a downwards trend in cases.

All council areas across our part of Essex have recorded more cases than the week before.

But figures show some areas have seen a fall in the past seven days with fewer cases being reported. 

The figures, which show the picture in the seven days to July 21, show the picture just two days after 'Freedom Day,' when almost all restrictions were relaxed.

That means there is still the potential to see "improving" areas begin to see case rates climb as more data becomes available.

Read more >> Restrictions could come in before the end of summer if Covid cases keep rising

The infection rate in Southend was 492 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to July 22. 

Echo:

In Basildon it was 485, Castle Point was 534.4, Rochford 504.8 and Thurrock 385.5. 

The areas that have seen a fall in new cases:

  • Steeple View & Noak Bridge

Number cases this week: 34 (down 10)

Covid infection rate: 377 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 22.7 per cent

  • Benfleet Appleton

Number cases this week: 54 (down 13)

Covid infection rate: 795.8 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 19.4 per cent

  • Canvey Island South West

Number cases this week: 38 (down 6)

Covid infection rate: 455.4 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 13.6 per cent

  • Ashingdon

Number cases this week: 23 (down 12)

Covid infection rate: 278.7 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 34.3 per cent

  • Thorpe Bay

Number cases this week: 44 (down 2)

Covid infection rate: 474.4 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 4.3 per cent

  • Eastwood Park

Number cases this week: 63 (down 3)

Covid infection rate: 662.4 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 4.5 per cent

  • Chalvedon

Number cases this week: 17 (down 1)

Covid infection rate: 206.1 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 5.6 per cent