Maldon MP John Whittingdale has welcomed news that the Covid infection rate for Maldon district has now dropped to 195.6 per 100,000 - and has urged others without symptoms who cannot stay at home to follow his example and take a test at the West Maldon Community Centre.

Mr Whittingdale said: "It is very welcome news that the number of Covid cases in Maldon continues to fall with 111 testing positive in the last seven days, bringing the rate per 100,000 down to 195.6.

"With the R rate in the East of England now 0.7 to 0.9, this number should go on falling as long as we continue to follow the Government's rules.

Speaking of the latest data on the vaccine rollout in the district, the MP added: "The success in rolling out the vaccination programme will also help.

"By 31 January, in Maldon, 87.4 per cent of those aged over 80 had received their first vaccination and 14.6 per cent had received their second dose. Of those aged 75 to 79, 87.3 per cent have had the first vaccination and 36.8 per cent of those aged 70 to 74.

"The UK is now second only to Israel across the world in rolling out its vaccination programme and we are on target to reach the target of all those aged over 50 being vaccinated by May.

Mr Whittingdale said that while hospital admissions in the area are also falling, the NHS still remains under considerable pressure with 571 Covid patients in the three main hospitals across Mid and South Essex.

He added: "The time lag between infection and admission means that this pressure will remain for some time to come.

"If we are to maintain this progress, it is essential that everyone continues to keep to the rules and stays home.

"For those who have to travel to work or for any other reason, I strongly advise them to take advantage of the test facilities which are available for anyone who does not have any symptoms. Tests can often be booked for the same day through the Essex County Council website.

"I had a test on Friday at the West Maldon Community Centre (pictured) and received the result – happily negative – within 30 minutes. Testing remains a vital weapon in the armoury, particularly if we are to stop the spread of new variants such as those from Brazil and South Africa. Getting tested will both give peace of mind and also help to ensure that the number of cases continues to fall.

"It is almost exactly a year since the Government introduced the first Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations. No-one could have foreseen that we would still be under lockdown a year later. I realise how hard these last 12 months have been for everyone and we must remember all those who have tragically lost their lives. We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the NHS staff, key workers and volunteers who continue to so much.

"We at last have reason to hope that an end is in sight. However, it is essential that we stick to the rules and do nothing that will put that at risk."