Seven cluster areas across south Essex are now showing as recording new Covid cases over a seven-day period.

It comes as 70 cases were recorded across the area in the week to May 11. 

Across Essex, including Basildon and Castle Point, the rate of infection is 12.3 cases per 100,000 people. 

In Southend the infection rate is slightly lower at 9.8 cases per 100,000 people and is below the average across the UK. 

In Thurrock it is now 10.3. 

Seven areas now shows on the government dashboard map in today's update.

They are:

  • Laindon West & Southfields - 6
  • Aveley - 5
  • Southchurch - 3
  • Whitmore Way & Fremnells - 3
  • Laindon Central - 3
  • Purfleet, South Stifford & Lakeside - 3
  • South Ockendon - 3

Echo:

The map only shows clusters when there are at least three confirmed results, with anywhere between zero and two cases showing white in order to "protect the privacy of individuals and prevent disclosure."

The map shows positive cases by 'Middle Super Output Area' - the name the government gives to the break-up of larger towns and groups of neighbouring towns and villages, with groupings covering a greater area than others.

It comes as the first cases of the Indian variant of Covid were discovered in Essex. 

Read more >> Health boss warns Covid Indian variant found in Essex

Essex County Council's director of public health Dr Mike Gogarty said cases have been found in Chelmsford.

He could not confirm how many.

Dr Gogarty told BBC Essex he was "worried" about the variant.