Four neighbourhoods in the Maldon district have seen a drop in Covid infections, according to the latest interactive map published by the Government.

This is the first time in weeks that a number of areas in the district have recorded falling cases, following a continued surge in infections due to the spread of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant.

The Great Totham, Wickham Bishops and Woodham area alongside Burnham-on-Crouch, Maldon North and Maldon South all recorded a drop in cases in the seven-day period ending on Wednesday, 5 January.

Each area continues to have an infection rate above 1,000 cases per 100,000 people, however, according to the figures.

It comes as new lateral flow and PCR test rules are brought in to free up tests for people with Covid symptoms.

As of today (Tuesday, 11 January) in England, asymptomatic people who test positive for Covid using a lateral flow test will no longer require a confirmatory PCR test.

Those who test positive will still need to self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status, and register the result on GOV.UK.

Anyone who has one of the core symptoms of Covid - a high temperature, a new and continuous cough or a change to your taste or sense of smell - should self-isolate and take a PCR test.

There are still some situations where people will need a confirmatory PCR after a positive lateral flow test. These are:

• People who wish to claim the Test and Trace Support Payment.
• People who have received an email or letter from the NHS because of a health condition that means they may be suitable for new Covid-19 treatments.
• People who are taking lateral flow tests as part of research or surveillance programmes.
• People who have a positive day 2 lateral flow test result after they arrive in England.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said these measures are temporary as Covid rates remain high across the UK. Here's a full breakdown of the figures for the Maldon district: The figures are for the seven-day period ending on Wednesday, 5 January. Heybridge Total cases: 162 (0)

No change on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,885.7. Southminster, Bradwell and Dengie Peninsula Total cases: 158 (0)

No change on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,714.4. Tollesbury, Tolleshunt and Goldhanger Total cases: 111 (+3)

Up by 2.8 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,708.5. Great Totham, Wickham Bishops and Woodham Total cases: 118 (-25)

Down by 17.5 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,572.5. Mayland, Althorne and Cold Norton Total cases: 164 (+6)

Up by 3.8 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,531.9. Burnham-on-Crouch Total cases: 120 (-19)

Down by 13.7 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,459.7. Maldon North Total cases: 99 (-8)

Down by 7.5 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,430.8. Maldon South Total cases: 110 (-23)

Down by 17.3 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,419.9.