WORRYING figures show part of south Essex now has the second highest coronavirus rate in the UK.

Several other districts and boroughs in the region are also included in the UK’s 30 worst-hit areas.

Weekly data up to December 27 shows Thurrock recorded 3,683 new cases.

This meant it had the second highest infection rate per 100,000 people across the whole of the UK.

Only Derry City and Strabane in Northern Ireland has a higher rate.

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Rochford has the 18th highest rate of infection in the UK, with Basildon not far behind in 28th spot.

Here’s the latest data for each area in south Essex and where it stands on the list of the UK’s worst affected areas.

2. Thurrock

3,683 new cases in week to Dec 27

Infection rate of 2,098

Worst hit area: Tilbury (309 cases)

18. Rochford

1,637 new cases in week to Dec 27

Infection rate of 1,868

Worst hit area: Hockley and Hawkwell West (260 cases)

28. Basildon

3,378 new cases in week to Dec 27

Infection rate of 1,801

Worst hit area: Laindon West and Southfields (198 cases)

52. Southend

3,084 new cases in week to Dec 27

Infection rate of 1,687

Worst hit area: Leigh (239 cases)

65. Castle Point

1,491 new cases in week to Dec 27

Infection rate of 1,647

Worst hit area: South Benfleet (148 cases)

It comes as NHS data shows there was a rise in patients in south and mid Essex hospitals with coronavirus.

The figures, up to Tuesday, December 28, show there were 169 people with the virus in Basildon, Southend and Broomfield hospitals.