Coronavirus infections are rising across most parts of south Essex – with one area going from Covid free to the worst affected in a week.

Southend saw the biggest rise in new cases in the seven days ending June 9, with 65 cases recorded.

That was 40 more than the week before - according to the latest figures on the Government's coronavrius dashboard.

But Southend Council says its latest data shows there were 62 cases recorded as of June 13. 

Basildon has also seen the number of new cases double in the space of a week to 38.

There were 18 new infections in Castle Point – up from seven the week before – and 43 in Thurrock, which had recorded 28 cases seven days before.

Rochford has seen the smallest increase, with cases up two to 13.

A rise in infections means a number of areas are now highlighted on the covid hotspots map, with Southend Central going up nearly no cases last week to the worst hit in the region.

The graphic below shows the difference in the coronavirus hotspots map for south Essex in the past week. 

The image on the left is from June 2 and on the right, the latest data as of June 9.

Swipe left and right to see the increase in hotspots in the past week.

Here are the areas singled out on the map, and number of weekly cases recorded:

The infection rate in south Essex remains low compared to some parts of the country such as Blackburn, where 621 cases are being recorded per 100,000 people.

Infection rates remain significantly lower in other parts of England but with cases rising in most areas, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has delayed the ending of lockdown by four weeks.

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In a press conference yesterday, he said he was confident all rules would be removed by July 19.

The delay is being done to allow for more young people to receive their first dose of the vaccine.

It is also hoped two-thirds of all adults will be fully vaccinated by July 19.