ALL but four areas of Colchester recorded nearly zero Covid cases in the last week, figures reveal. 

According to the Government's latest hotspots map, only four parts of the borough recorded more than three cases in the week leading up to April 14.

They were Layer-de-la-Haye, Abberton & Mersea East where there were three cases recorded, Central Colchester and New Town and Hythe where there were four each and Abbey Field where there were five. 

The rest of the borough has recorded less than three, meaning the virus is classed as "suppressed" in these areas.

They are not recorded on the hotspots map any longer.

The latest infection rate data for the borough shows there are 14.4 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to April 15. 

During this time 28 cases were recorded in Colchester. 

This is up from a rate of 9.8 cases per 100,000 people recorded the week before. 

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Of the 315 local areas in England, 117 (37 per cent) have seen a rise in case rates, 186 (59 per cent) have seen a fall and 12 are unchanged.

Luton has the highest rate in England, with 195 new cases recorded in the seven days to April 15 – the equivalent of 91.5 cases per 100,000 people.

This is up slightly from 84.5 cases per 100,000 in the seven days to April 8.

Doncaster has the second highest rate, up very slightly from 79.2 to 80.5, with 251 new cases.

Bradford has the third highest rate, down slightly from 84.5 to 74.1, with 400 new cases.

Last week, all non-essential shops, gyms, hairdressers, pubs and restaurants welcomed customers back for the first time in months.