THERE has been a slight increase in the number of coronavirus-infected residents in Basildon.

The number of cases per 100,000 in the borough is up from 88.7 to 89.2, bringing an end to several weeks of continually falling case numbers.

Cllr John Spence, Essex County Council cabinet member for adults and health, said: "Case rates continue to decline at a reasonable rate, albeit less rapidly than in previous weeks, but we have seen significant reductions in a number of areas which had seen higher rates recently, including Tendring, Harlow and Braintree.

"However, there is some variation within Essex, with Basildon among those seeing an increase in recent days. We do expect this to fall again, but it is a stark reminder to us all that we simply cannot drop our guard now.

"We were given a very clear timeline out of the pandemic this week and I know this has been the welcome news we have all been waiting for, but we need to remember it will take a collective effort to get us there.

"I would urge every single resident in Essex to please keep following the guidance – socially distance, wash your hands regularly and wear a face covering if you are able to. It is vital that anyone that has to go out to work also gets testing frequently and if you test positive, you must self-isolate."