The number of coronavirus cases in Harlow has doubled in seven days, but remains relatively low compared to worst affected parts of the country.

Between September 5 and 12 – the most up-to-date accurate figures – 8 new cases were confirmed in the town at an infection rate of 9.2 cases per 100,000 population.

The week before there had four new cases in Harlow, which has an approximate population of 85,000.

The trust which runs the town’s main hospital, The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, last recorded a coronavirus related death on May 25 – the trust has reported 201 total deaths.

In Epping Forest, the rate of infection has fallen and continues its pattern of spiking and falling.

In the seven days to September 12 there were 16 new lab-confirmed cases at a rate of 12.1 per 100,000 down from a rate of 15.9 (21 cases) the week prior.

The worst hit part of England, Bolton, recorded 564 new cases – the equivalent of 196.1 per 100,000 people.

Yesterday the NHS confirmed a further 14 people, who tested positive for Covid-19 have died, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths in hospitals in England to 29,676.

The patients were aged between 62 and 94 years old and all had a known underlying health condition.

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