New data has revealed the parts of Epping Forest which have experienced the most coronavirus deaths.

The data, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), is the most in-depth information available in terms of which communities have been worst affected by Covid-19.

A total of 177 deaths in Epping Forest have been linked to the virus between March 1 and May 31.

The local authority recorded the thirty-fourth highest mortality rate in England and Wales over the same period – per 100,000 people there were 125.1 coronavirus deaths in the district.

The interactive map released by ONS shows the number of deaths, broken down by the ‘Middle Layer Supper Output Areas’ (MSOA) - a geospatial statistical unit used to facilitate the reporting of small area statistics.

The two worst affected areas were Waltham Abbey North, and Waltham Abbey West and Outer – 20 people in each area died with the virus.a

Grange Hill and Buckhurst Hill were also badly hit, with 19 and 18 deaths respectively.

In the least affected area, Waltham Abbey South, three deaths were recorded.

April was by far the worst month, with 80 per cent of Epping Forest’s deaths occurring then.

A government spokeswoman said: “Every death from this disease is a tragedy, but thanks to our health and care workers and the huge efforts of the British people, rates of Covid-19 infections are decreasing over time.

“The government is working to understand the key drivers of disparities in infection and death rates, and the relationships between the different risk factors.

“We are taking forward the work of Public Health England’s recent Disparity Review, which will help us make a real difference to people’s lives and protect our communities from the impact of the coronavirus.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @EppingFGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Epping Forest.