An interactive Covid map published by the Government reveals the areas where infection rates have risen the most steeply in the Maldon district, as Omicron cases surge across the country.

The map from the Government shows the case rate per 100,000 people for the seven-day period ending on Wednesday, 15 December.

The figures below are for Covid cases in general and are not broken down into variants.

Here's where the latest figures stand:

Great Totham, Wickham Bishops and Woodham

Total cases: 82 (+43)

Up by 110.3 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,092.8.

Maldon South

Total cases: 82 (+32)

Up by 64 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,058.5.

Maldon North

Total cases: 48 (+18)

Up by 60 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 693.7.

Heybridge

Total cases: 69 (+25)

Up by 56.8 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 803.2.

Mayland, Althorne and Cold Norton

Total cases: 71 (+6)

Up by 9.2 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 663.2.

Tollesbury, Tolleshunt and Goldhanger

Total cases: 52 (+4)

Up by 8.3 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 800.4.

Southminster, Bradwell and Dengie Peninsula

Total cases: 55 (+4)

Up by 7.8 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 596.8.

Burnham-on-Crouch

Total cases: 74 (-12)

Down by 14 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 900.1.

A series of measures to combat the spread of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant came into force across England earlier this month, including the return of mandatory face coverings to most indoor venues, the introduction of Covid passes to large venues and mandatory vaccinations for NHS workers.

Health secretary Sajid Javid has refused to rule out further restrictions for England before Christmas.

Speaking to Andrew Marr yesterday (Sunday, 19 December), he said: "There are no guarantees in this pandemic, I don't think. At this point we just have to keep everything under review."