Latest data shows that on 5 January there were 1,024 beds occupied by Covid-19 patients across all Essex hospitals - an increase of seven per cent in the past week, though figures show a decrease in the last two days, as illustrated.

This means that more than a third - 34 per cent - of total hospital bed capacity is taken up by Covid-19 patients in the county. This is seven per cent higher compared to the previous week - so on 29 December.

Figures reported previously for Essex hospital bed occupancy were incorrect as a data issue meant the figures given by Essex County Council under reported by around 250 beds. The increase above is on top of the adjusted figure, so as to represent an accurate picture of the change this week.

The chart above shows figures taken every two days leading up to Christmas and the New Year period for the numbers of hospital beds in Essex occupied by Covid-19 patients.