The Covid-19 seven-day infection rate for Maldon district has climbed to 137 per 100,000 - but is still well below the county and national average.

The Essex county area (which doesn't include Southend and Thurrock) now has a seven-day rate of 195 per 100,000. The national rate is currently around 150.6 per 100,000.

As of Sunday, 6 December, Maldon district had 89 confirmed cases in the previous seven days - which equals 135 per 100,000. This figure could rise slightly as when results come back they are recorded against the day the test was taken. It is likely that not all test results for that period will yet be in. By comparison, in the seven days up to 26 November, Maldon had 58.6 cases per 100,000.

Most districts and boroughs in Essex are showing an increase over the past two weeks, but most worrying by far is Basildon, where there were 866 cases in the seven days up to 6 December and the infection rate hit 462.1 cases per 100,000. This is one of the highest infection rates in England.

Some Essex districts, including Basildon, are now giving Health Secretary Matt Hancock cause for concern. Mr Hancock mentioned in an LBC radio interview yesterday (Tuesday, 8 December) that Kent, London and "parts of Essex" have seen rising case rates in recent days. His words came in response to a question on whether London is headed for Tier Three restrictions when they are reviewed on 16 December.

On 26 November, the Essex County Council area had a seven-day rate of 138.2 cases per 100,000, showing a substantial rise overall since the end of lockdown two.