The seven-day Covid-19 infection rate for Maldon district has risen above 500 per 100,000 for the first time.

In the week up to Friday, 18 December, a total of 338 new cases were recorded in the Maldon district, equal to 520.6 per 100,000 population.

The figures show a continued increase, as in most areas of Essex. The countywide infection rate for the seven days to the same date (18 December) was 704.3, recording 10,541 cases over the week. These figures do not include Southend and Thurrock, which are unitary authorities and lay outside of the county area for the purposes of these calculations.

Basildon continues to have the highest infection rate in the county area, with 1,080.3 cases per 100,000 people - a total of 2,022 new cases - in the seven days to 18 December.

Maldon was moved into Tier 4 restrictions from Sunday (20 December) along with every area of the county except Colchester, Tendring and Uttlesford, which currently remain in Tier 2.

The Tier 4 for Maldon will be reviewed on 30 December.