The six parts of Colchester with highest Covid infection rates

The average coronavirus infection rate in the country was 350 cases per 100,000 people in the week to July 10.

According to Government data, six parts of Colchester had infection rates between 400 and 800 cases per 100,000 people during this week.

The highest infection rate during this seven day period was in Abbey Field, where 54 cases were recorded, equivalent to 686.2 cases per 100,000 people.

Old Heath and Rowhedge recorded 42 cases, equivalent to 457.1 cases per 100,000 people.

The third highest infection rate was seen in Central Colchester, of 447.9 cases per 100,000 people, with 52 cases confirmed.

Shrub End had an infection rate of 430.3 cases per 100,000 people, with 41 cases.

Mile End and Braiswick had an infection rate of 430 cases per 100,000 people, but recorded the highest number of cases with 64.

Prettygate and Westlands recorded 30 cases, equivalent to 410.2 cases per 100,000 people.

Every other part of the borough had an infection rate between 200 and 350 cases per 100,000 people during this week.

The six parts of Colchester with the highest Covid infection rates revealed

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Covid restrictions in England are set to be relaxed further on Monday in what some are calling Freedom Day.

The move means all businesses will be able to reopen, including nightclubs and theatres.

It comes as cases are rising rapidly across the country, with experts warning a third "exit wave" of coronavirus is likely to arrive.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said the UK is “not out of the woods yet”, just hours after Boris Johnson declared it was “highly probable” the worst of the pandemic is over.

The latest figures showed 48,553 more cases, the highest since January 15, while the 63 deaths were the biggest daily reported increase since March 26.

Prof Whitty said: “I don’t think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast.”

He warned that the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 is currently doubling about every three weeks and could reach “quite scary numbers” if the trend continues.