THE number of positive Covid cases in the borough is the lowest it’s been since December, new figures have revealed.

As of February 18 there were 197 positive cases in Thurrock with 4,886 test being carried out.

Thurrock Council figures show the age group with the most cases is 18 to 49 with 106 cases.

The number of virus cases has been steadily dropping in the borough since January 7 when it was 2,308.

Thurrock is ranked 81 out of other authorities in England where the highest rates is ranked one and, the lowest is ranked 149.

Weekly coronavirus deaths have decreased at mid and south Essex hospitals, the latest figures show.

NHS England says 2,271 people have now died from Covid-19 at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

The trust runs Basildon, Southend and Broomfield hospitals.

The two deaths were announced over the past two days.

It means there has now been 44 deaths at the three hospitals n the past week – down from 62 the previous week.

The victims were among 10,069 deaths recorded across the East of England.

More than 200,000 doses of the Covid vaccine have now been given out in south Essex.

NHS Thurrock CCG has now administered 35,076 doses of the vaccine.

This includes 88 per cent of 65s and over who have now had at least one dose.

This comes as the hunt for the person who tested positive for the Brazil variant of coronavirus has been narrowed to the South East.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the search is now limited to 379 households, all within the area, which are being contacted one by one.

There have been six cases of the P1 coronavirus Brazilian variant found in the UK.

One case is yet to be identified after the person failed to complete their test registration card.

Thurrock Council leader, Rob Gledhill said: “Since the start of the year we have seen the number of positive tests in the borough drop by over 92 per cent thanks to all the residents of Thurrock who stayed at home, only travelled when it was essential and practiced hand, face, space.

“It is important to remember that this good news does not mean that we are out of lockdown and the Stay at Home order will still be legally in place until March 29 at the earliest – so we must continue to follow the guidance and only leave our homes for essential reasons.”