By Tony O’Riley-
Essex is the epicentre of the Covid-19 virus in England. with nine out of the top ten worst affected areas found in Essex , including the historic Essex boroughs of Havering, Barking and Dagenham, and Redbridge.
Thurrock, which includes towns like Grays, Tilbury, South Ockendon, Stanford-le-Hope and Purfleet-on-Thames, is the most infectious place in the country, according to data from the ONS.
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Confirmed cases between December 13 and December 19 reveals over 2,200 cases were recorded in that seven-day period in Thurrock – more than anywhere else in Essex.
London was shown on Thursday to have the highest percentage of people testing positive for Covid-19 in the country as millions more people prepared to be forced into tier 4 restrictions from Boxing Day.
High rates have also been recorded in Brentwood, Epping Forest, Basildon and Rochford. It is not all doom and gloom for Essex residents who can hold on to the some of the shortcomings in testing procedures that has come out with false positives.
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The surge in cases across Essex is being blamed on a new ‘mutant’ strain of coronavirus which spreads quicker than the known strain of Covid-19.
Essex County Council admitted that hospitals in Essex are being significantly impacted by the surge in cases.
Cllr David Finch – Leader of Essex County Council – said that now is the time for people to stay vigilant and not to give up.
He said: “The earlier move to Tier 4 for these remaining areas of Essex only serves to highlight the severity of the situation we are currently in and while these latest restrictions will have a significant impact on residents and businesses in those areas, they are unfortunately necessary.
“We continue to work hard to stem rising infection rates across Essex, including increasing our testing capacity and improving our local track and test efforts.
“We also remain committed to supporting local communities and businesses affected by local restrictions, as well as protecting our local health services.
“However, we also need the help of the people of Essex; for any of our work to be as effective as it can be, everyone must play their part.
“This is the time to act, to follow the guidance and not to give up.
“I urge residents across the county to do so to protect themselves and those they love.
“If we all socially distance, wash our hands regularly and wear a face covering when required, we will reduce the rate of infection sooner – the power really is in our hands.”
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