A leading doctor at Broomfield Hospital specialising in respiratory infections has indicated Essex is heading for Tier 3 restrictions – warning that January looks "very grim".

In a sober message on Facebook Dr Steve Jenkins, a respiratory consultant at Broomfield Hospital, warned that he could not be certain the NHS will be able to provide comprehensive emergency care as we head into deep winter.

He said: "At the moment things are very bad, much tougher than Wave 1 due to overlaid winter pressures. Relaxation over Christmas will make it a lot worse. January looks very grim."

He added that it looks like Essex is heading for Tier 3 restrictions –meaning pubs and restaurants can open until 6pm, but alcohol cannot be served, leisure and entertainment venues are closed, non-essential travel in or out of the area is not allowed and gyms are restricted to individuals and not groups.

"Urgent. It looks like Essex is heading for Tier 3 restrictions. The Covid rates per 100,000 are alarming," Dr Jenkins added, listing the Covid rates per 100,000, headed by Basildon at 504, followed by Havering at 429, Brentwood at 346.

His statistics have Chelmsford at 180, Maldon at 166, Uttlesford at 99 and Colchester on 91 per 100,000.

He has also called on people to keep Christmas "very low key" adding he is not planning on seeing anyone outside his immediate household.

"We have some great news on vaccines," he added.

"Meantime my advice is keep Christmas very low key. I am not planning on seeing anyone outside my household. My mum who is 86 would rather see a vaccine needle than me right now."

His comments echo that of the Government.

The situation is so serious that rapid testing will be carried out in some secondary schools in Essex – where the spike in cases is happening more than anywhere else.

Rapid testing for those with no symptoms has already been set up in Basildon town centre.

ECC says it is working with MPs and lobbying the Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, demonstrating that a move to Tier 3 is unnecessary and would be devastating for our businesses, particularly in hospitality, where Christmas and New Year trading is crucial.

In a regional meeting with Public Health England, the council was reassured that it was taking every step possible to try to stem the increase in cases currently being seen in parts of the county.