A top nurse has once again pleaded with the public to follow Covid-19 rules as south Essex continues to battle a rise in cases.

Lead respiratory nurse at Southend Hospital, Lisa Ward, has spoken out in a video released through the Mid and South Essex Hospital Trust. 

A  major incident has been declared in Essex, and the nurse is urging the public to do all they can to help stop the spread of coronavirus. 

In the video, Mrs Ward said: "It's hard to put into words just how busy we are right now and how many sick patients are under our care. We can't do this without you, our local community.

"You've been fantastic supporting us through this whole pandemic and we need you again. You're the most important members of our team.

"We need you to look after yourselves. Look after each other, look after us.

"Please stay safe stay at home wash your hands regularly. Don't meet up with family and friends.

"Remember wear a mask and stay 2 meters apart. Thank you so much for your kindness and support and from the bottom of our hearts, have a Happy New Year."

Her warning comes as 4,000 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed across Essex on New Year’s Eve.

In the Essex County Council area, there were 3,107 cases confirmed while in Southend there were 408.

In Thurrock, there were 487.

Southend Council figures show as of New Year’s Eve the case rate per 100,000 in the borough was 968.2 and that in the 60 and over group was 659.5.

Across the rest of Essex the case rate per 100,000 was recorded as 900 as of December 27.