A handful of neighbourhoods in Colchester are still recording mutliple cases of Covid-19 despite another drop in infection rates.

The Government's Covid hotspots map has shown the two areas which are recording rates above 100 cases per 100,000 people in north Essex.

They are Greenstead where the rate is 110.4 with 15 new cases and Jaywick and St Osyth where the rate is 107.1 with nine new cases.

And though rates across the region are now below 50, there are still some areas which have recorded multiple cases of Covid-19 in the past week.

So here are all the neighbourhoods which are still highlighted on the hotspots map and how many cases were reported in the seven days ending March 19:

  • Greenstead - 15
  • Parson's Heath - 12
  • Monkwick - 9
  • Stanway - 7
  • Highwoods - 6
  • Mile End & Braiswick - 5
  • Wivenhoe - 5
  • New Town & Hythe - 5
  • Abbey Field - 4
  • West Bergholt & Wormingford - 4

Areas not on the above list are no longer highlighted on the map and recorded two or fewer cases in the weekly period.

It comes as lockdown restrictions are set to ease again from Monday, when gatherings of up to six people outside will be allowed.

Outdoor exercise and sports facilities will also reopen from Monday.

Ahead of the relaxation, Essex County Council is urging residents to "get in the habit" of getting tested to ensure there are no outbreaks of coronavirus in communities.

Director of health, Dr Mike Gogarty, said: "We are already beginning to see infection rates levelling off, following a strong decline in numbers.

"The actions we take as individuals over the weeks to come will make a difference in preventing another significant rise in cases.

"As restrictions ease, cases will inevitably rise and therefore we are urging people to be as careful as possible and not risk losing the freedoms we are all looking forward to enjoying again.

“With multiple testing routes available, getting tested regularly is a simple habit to form and it will help to stop the spread enormously.