THE number of new coronavirus cases in the Braintree district this week has more than doubled.

A weekly update of the coronavirus case figures shows the rate of new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people as well as the total number of new cases recorded in the week.

During the week ending on Monday 7 September, the Braintree district recorded ten new cases of Covid-19 with the rate of new cases standing at 6.6.

This is more than double the number of new cases compare to the week ending on Monday 31 August.

Four new cases were recorded on that week with the rate of new cases coming in at 2.6.

The figures, for the seven days to September 7, are based on tests carried out in laboratories - pillar one of the Government’s testing programme - and in the wider community - pillar two.

The situation is worse in the neighbouring Uttlesford district which saw 23 new cases of the virus in the week ending on September 7 - more than treble was recorded the week prior.

Health experts and scientists haven't yet identified a cause for the sudden surge in cases and are advising residents to stick to social distancing guidance.