EIGHT parts of Colchester are now basically virtually Covid free despite schoolchildren being back in the classroom.

There are now eight parts of south Essex which recorded fewer than three Covid cases in the seven days ending March 17.

It means none of the areas are highlighted on the Government’s Covid hotspots map and infection rates are said to be ‘surpressed’.

It comes despite schools reopening eight days before and mass testing being carried out in secondary and college settings.

A map compiled using Government data shows the number of Covid cases in each part of the borough.

The 8 parts of Colchester which are almost Covid free - is yours on the list?

The 8 parts of Colchester which are almost Covid free - is yours on the list?

Here is the number of Covid cases for each part of Colchester:

  • Parson's Heath - 21
  • Greenstead - 13
  • Wivenhoe & University - 10
  • Stanway - 6
  • New Town & Hythe - 5
  • West Mersea - 4
  • Mile End & Braiswick - 3
  • Lexden - 3
  • Monkwick - 3
  • Shrub End - 3
  • Highwoods - 3
  • Central Colchester - less than three
  • Old Heath & Rowhedge - less than three
  • Layer-de-la-Haye, Abberton & Mersea East - less than three
  • Prettygate & Westlands - less than three
  • Abbey Field - less than three
  • Marks Tey & Wakes Colne - less than three
  • West Bergholt & Wormingford - less than three
  • Horkesley Heath, Langham & Dedham - less than three

Colchester's average Covid infection rate is now 41.1 cases per 100,000 people.

This is because there were 80 cases in the week to March 18.

The rate has dropped from 47.3 cases per 100,000 people a week earlier.

Tendring's infection rate is now 34.1 cases per 100,000 people, up from 28.7 cases per 100,000 people a week earlier.

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The US-led study also found it is 79 per cent effective at preventing people catching Covid-19.