MALDON District has had the lowest number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths in Essex so far.

While welcoming the latest figures across the county, public health chiefs have advised residents to remain vigilant and continue to follow social distancing and government guidelines.

The county's statistics, updated on Friday (31 July) show Maldon District has a total of 138 confirmed cases, equal to 212.5 per 100,000 population. This compares with Harlow at the top of the list with 444.6 per 100,000 – showing more than twice the level of coronavirus infections overall since the start of the pandemic, with a total of 387 cases.

Uttlesford is the area with the second lowest number of total confirmed cases per 100,000 people – at 312.2, meaning 285 cases.

The number of COVID-19-related deaths in Maldon District stands at the equivalent of less than six per 100,000 people and again represents the lowest figure in the Essex area.

In the last seven days, one new case was confirmed in the Maldon District.

Speaking of the situation across Essex, a spokesperson for the county council said: "We are pleased with the latest figures and we see no cause for concern. We will continue to monitor and respond appropriately if the situation changes.

"The most important thing for residents to remember is to adhere to social distancing, to book a test if you experience symptoms and to isolate if you are identified as a contact of a positive case."