THE Omicron Covid wave peak may hit in the “next two weeks”, a public health boss has warned.

Southend’s director of public health Krishna Ramkhelawon issued the warning after case rates in the borough fell significantly for the first time since early December.

In the seven days to January 6, the rate of infection – expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people – fell to 1,579 after 2,886 new infection were recorded.

The seven days prior, the rate of infection had stood at 1,920.4 and had been setting new record highs every day.

“I welcome the reduction in Covid-19 infection rates seen over the past seven days and rates are stabilising, but it is anticipated that the peak of the infection may be reached in the next two weeks,” Mr Ramkhelawon said.

“We will have a clearer picture once we receive results from early testing in schools and we need to see if infection rates will continue to fall at least two weeks after the return to schools.

He added: “Of particular concern is rising Covid-19 cases in over-60s, who are most vulnerable.”

The falling infection rates in Southend are mirrored in nearby Basildon. The borough has seen its infection rate fall to 1,734.4 from 2,054.3.

And nationally more and more local authorities are reporting falling cases, albeit the majority are still reporting rising cases.

Of the 377 local areas in the UK, 64 per cent have seen a week-on-week rise in rates 36 per cent have seen a fall and one is unchanged.

Essex County Council’s director of public health has urged residents to get their booster vaccinations to slow the spread of the virus.

Dr Mike Gogarty said: “Booster, first dose and second dose appointments are available across Essex and I would encourage all residents who have not done so already to book theirs.”

Data from the UK coronavirus dashboard shows 11,141 Basildon residents received a booster or a third vaccine dose between December 20 and January 9 and 11,537 Southend residents in the same period.