A surge in coronavirus cases means there are now several neighbourhoods in Southend that are recording more than 100 infections a week.

The latest data shows there were 1,550 new cases confirmed in the borough in the seven days ending December 14 – that was up 271 from the week before.

It is not yet known exactly how many of those cases were the Omicron variant, but Southend’s director of health, Krishna Ramkhelawon, estimates it could be around 20 per cent.

The borough’s infection rate now stands at 848 cases per 100,00 people.

It is broadly similar to this time last year when the Delta variant caused a surge in infections and saw Southend placed into lockdown before Christmas.

The rise in cases in recent data means there are now five neighbourhoods in Southend recording more than 100 infections a week.

They were:

Kursaal

106 cases - up 27 from last week

Infection rate: 867.8

St Lukes

119 cases – up 34 from last week

Infection rate: 1,059

Westborough

102 cases – up 28 from last week

Infection rate: 910.3

Blenheim Park

110 cases – up 21 from last week

Infection rate: 985.8

Leigh

101 cases – up 27 from last week

Infection rate: 981.7

Reports of an impending lockdown in England surfaced over the weekend amid a surge in infections and the rise of the Omicron variant.

Dominic Raab has said he cannot make any “hard, fast guarantees” that more restrictions will not be needed ahead of Christmas Day.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the data is “always under review” but claimed the country is in a “better position to enjoy Christmas with loved ones” this year.

But he was unable to offer any guarantees as he advised people to be “careful and cautious” in the coming days.