Coronavirus infection rates in south Essex are now at their lowest points in six months. 

The latest data shows Basildon has the highest rate of infection in the region, with 57.7 cases per 100,000 people. 

There were 108 new Covid cases recorded in Basildon in the week ending March 10.

Thurrock is now second on the list when it comes to highest infection rate - having been south Essex's worst hit area for much of the year. 

The area with the lowest rate of infection is Castle Point after only 25 new Covid cases were recorded in the seven days ending March 10. 

Here are the latest infection rates for each part of south Essex, followed by the number of new cases announced in the latest weekly period. 

  • Basildon 57.7 (108)
  • Castle Point 27.7 (25)
  • Rochford 30.9 (27)
  • Southend 44.2 (81)
  • Thurrock 56.2 (98) 

It means the rates across south Essex are now similar to what they were back in mid-October - before the second national lockdown. 

Cases continued to rise in all parts of the region from mid October and eventually saw Essex become one of the UK's worst hit areas.

Echo: Chart shows change in infection rates in south Essex in past 6 monthsChart shows change in infection rates in south Essex in past 6 months

The latest hotspots map shows Westborough, Whitmore Way and Fremnells, Laindon West and Southfields, East Tilbury and Purfleet have the highest localised infection rates in south Essex. 

They all have rates above 100 cases per 100,000 people - Whitmore Way and Fremnells has the highest with 149.9.

It comes as experts are warning the UK should brace itself for a third wave of Covid infections later this year. 

Professor Sir Ian Diamond, head of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), believes a spike in cases is likely by the autumn after insisting he had 'no doubt' a third wave was on the cards.