AN area of the Maldon district has appeared on a map showing coronavirus hotspots in the UK.

The online map, which is part of the Government’s coronavirus data dashboard, shows where positive cases have been in recent days, divided into areas.

It is based on pillar 1 and pillar 2 testing data from Public Health England and covers the period of September 19 to 25.

In the Maldon district, the Mayland, Althorne and Cold Norton region has now been highlighted on the map after a cluster of cases were confirmed.

Three positive tests have been carried out in the area in recent days.

South Woodham Ferrers is also highlighted on the map as five cases have been recorded.

Other areas in the Maldon district have recorded between zero and two cases.

Small cases are grouped and not individually identified.

Latest figures show coronavirus infection has risen in Essex over the past seven days.

The data shows the infection rate in Maldon is 18.5 cases per 100,000 people - the fifth highest in Essex.

There has now been a total 173 positive tests carried out in the district since the pandemic began in March.