SEVERAL areas of mid Essex still have higher infection rates of Covid, despite a drop in cases.

Witham Town has the highest infection rate at 160.2 per 100,000 people and 18 cases in the last seven days. 

The latest figures are for the seven days leading up to February 17. 

The news comes the day after Boris Johnson outlined the roadmap out of the national lockdown, with June 21 as the proposed date for all restrictions to be eased completely. 

Bocking Churchstreet & Blackwater has the next highest rate at 129.3 and 12 cases in the last week. 

Closely followed by Braintree West & Rayne where ten cases have been recorded and the infection rate stands at 127.0.

The rate also remains high in Halstead East & Colnes at 101.6 and nine cases.

In Maldon, the highest rate is in Maldon South at 103.7 and eight new cases.

Great Totham, Wickham Bishops & Woodham follows closely with another eight cases and an infection rate at 106.8.

Burnham-on-Crouch  has a rate of 100.5 and eight new cases.