South Essex is increasingly likely to see more thousands new Covid cases every week before the end of July, experts predict.

The Imperial College of London’s analysis of recent case numbers is used to forecast the likely number of cases in areas across the UK in the coming weeks.

The likes of Southend and Basildon are already recording more than 200 new cases of coronavirus every week following a spike in infections.

But the Imperial College of London’s map suggests it is increasingly likely that number will at least double by July 25 – in two week’s time.

It says there is an 89 per cent chance Southend will be recording more than 500 cases per week by that date.

The chances of Basildon seeing the same number is rated as 79 per cent.

Thurrock is the third most likely district or borough to see 500 or more cases, with its chances rated at 69 per cent.

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Castle Point as a 41 per cent chance while Rochford is rated 58 per cent.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will make a final decision on whether to ease all Covid rules on Monday.

It would mean social distancing and mask wearing would no longer be a legal requirement, and venues such as nightclubs could reopen.

Some experts have called for a delay to the removal of all Covid rules due to rising infection rates across the country.

More than 30,000 new cases were being recorded on a daily basis towards the end of last week.

Mr Johnson has previously said the rules should be removed on July 19 and the country ‘must learn to live’ with the virus.