THE infection rate in Halstead and surrounding areas of the Braintree district has risen again in the past 24 hours.

The infection rate now stands at 373.5 cases per 100,000 people - up from 351.9 yesterday.

It comes as figures show 570 new cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the area in the past seven days.

The infection rate in Braintree also remains higher than the Essex average of 337.4.

According to Public Health England's coronavirus map all areas have again seen increases, with Hedingham, Gosfield and Greenstead Green still the worst hit, with 77 cases recorded.

Halstead Central and West saw 60 cases recorded, and Bocking Churchstreet and Blackwater 49.

West Witham was the only place in the district to see a drop in Covid cases in the seven days up to December 11.

It now has the smallest number of cases and lowest infection rate in the district.

Here are how many cases have been recorded in each part of the district from the week ending December 11, and each areas infection rate in brackets:

Hedingham, Gosfield and Greenstead Green - 77 (1070.8)

Halstead Central and West - 60 (700.1)

Bocking Churchstreet and Blackwater - 49 (528.0)

Halstead East and Colnes - 42 (474.4)

Bocking - 41 (562.4)

Silver End and Stisted - 40 (386.6)

Braintree South - 36 (360.6)

Central Braintree - 35 (369.7)

Braintree West and Rayne - 25 (317.6)

Steeple Bumpstead and Great Yeldham - 24 (349.5)

Bures Hamlet, Maplestead and Belchamp - 21 (355.0)

Great Notley and Black Notley - 19 (196.3)

Witham Town - 16 (142.4)

Witham South, Hatfield Peverel and White Notley - 13 (162.5)

North Witham - 12 (130.8)

Panfield, Finchingfield and Bardfield - 10 (157.4)

West Witham - 6 (101.8)