THE Braintree district now has the highest infection rate in mid and north Essex.

The latest data shows the rate of infection in the area stands at 112.1 cases per 100,000 people.

It has remained relatively steady in the past few weeks but has not followed the trend in other parts of the county where rates have dropped.

Chelmsford's infection rate is 110.4, while rates in Uttlesford, Colchester, Tendring and Maldon have all dipped below 100.

The average rate of infection in Essex is 138.2, with many districts and boroughs in the south of the county still dealing with high numbers.

In the past seven days, there have been 171 cases of Covid-19 in the Braintree district.

Public Health England's coronavirus hotspots map shows the worst affected areas are now Witham South, Hatfield Peverel and White Notley, and Bocking.

Fortunatley, Halstead Central, which was the worst hit area in the district for much of November, has now been removed from the map after seeing less than three new cases in the seven day period.

Here are how many cases were recorded in each part of the Braintree district between November 22 and 28:

  • Witham South, Hatfield Peverel and White Notley - 23
  • Bocking - 17
  • Silver End and Stisted - 14
  • Great Notley and Black Notley - 14
  • North Witham - 13
  • Braintree Central - 12
  • Braintree South - 12
  • Braintree West and Rayne - 12
  • Bocking Churchstreet and Blackwater - 11
  • West Witham - 11
  • Witham Town - 11
  • Coggeshall and Kelvedon - 8
  • Halstead East and Colnes - 8
  • Hedingham, Gosfield and Greenstead Green - 4
  • Panfield, Finchingfield and Bardfield - 3

All other areas not highlighted on the map saw two or less cases recorded in the seven day period ending November 28.