THE number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Maldon district has dropped back down below the county average.

There have been seven confirmed cases in the district over the seven days up to yesterday (Friday, 2 October), equal to 10.8 per 100,000 population. That compares to 16.8 per 100,000 average for the Essex County Council area overall. The county has seen a total of 250 new cases in the last seven days.

Earlier in the week, the number of positive test results had more than doubled on the previous seven days, taking the total figure up to 12 cases and equal to a rate of 18.5 per 100,000 population.

Currently, Epping Forest is the district with the highest level of new cases – 43 new confirmed infections, equal to 32.7 per 100,000. Tendring is the lowest with 10 new cases or 6.8 per 100,000.

The figures do not include cases in Thurrock and Southend, as these are unitary authorities.

Advice from public health chiefs is to continue with all Covid-prevention guidelines to help keep the rate of infections down.