ONE part of Colchester has a Covid infection rate almost double the average for England, new figures reveal.

A map, compiled using Government data, shows the infection rate and number of cases in each part of the borough.

The figures, from the week to July 7, show one part of the town has an infection rate of above 600 cases per 100,000 people.

Abbey Field's infection rate during this week was 610 cases per 100,000 people, with 48 cases of Covid confirmed in the neighbourhood during this week.

The average infection rate in England during this week was 318.8 cases per 100,000 people.

Abbey Field's infection rate puts the area in the second highest category on the hotspots map.

Two other areas are also in this category - Old Heath and Rowhedge and Central Colchester.

In the week to July 7 Old Heath and Rowhedge's infection rate was 424.4 cases per 100,000 people, with 39 cases recorded.

During the same week, Central Colchester's infection rate was 413.4 cases per 100,000 people, with 48 cases recorded.

Each part of the borough is still included on the Covid hotspots map, with cases rising across the borough.

Gazette: The three parts of Colchester with highest Covid infection ratesThe three parts of Colchester with highest Covid infection rates

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Colchester's average infection rate in the week to July 8 was 304.6 cases per 100,000 people.

There were 593 cases of Covid in the borough during this seven day period.

This has increased from 195.7 cases per 100,000 people a week earlier.

Tendring's average infection rate during this week was 193.8 cases per 100,000 people, up from 95.5 cases per 100,000 people a week earlier.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday evening the further relaxation of lockdown rules would go ahead on July 19, despite concerns over rising cases.

The move will pave the way for the reopening of all businesses, such as nightclubs.

The decision also means face masks will no longer be mandatory, and social distancing will also become a thing of the past.

The Government will also advise residents to start returning to the workplace, although not all at once.