Coronavirus cases in Epping Forest remain at high levels despite the country being in the midst of a second lockdown.

Government data shows there have been 700 new lab-confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the district in November.

The rate of infection is above 200 cases per 100,000 population in Epping Forest and three other Essex districts, Basildon, Thurrock and Brentwood.

In Harlow the rate of infection remains just above 150 per 100,000.

Figures published by Essex County Council show a growing number of adults in their 50s and 60s testing positive for the virus.

However, cases among the elderly and under 20s remain comparatively low and the county has not seen a notable nor rapid increase in deaths, yet, with seven recorded in Epping Forest in November so far.

Where are the coronavirus hotspots right now?

Epping Forest Guardian:

The darker the colour, the more cases there are in that area. Source: UK Government Covid dashboard

North Weald, Matching and Sheering, Fyfield, High Ongar and Stapledford Abbotts, Theydon Bois and Abridge, and Chigwell have all posted infection rates above the 300 per 100,000 mark.

Loughton South and Loughton West are the only two areas with rates of infection below 100.

Have cases dropped anywhere?

There is good news – the rate of newly recorded cases has dropped slightly in numerous parts of the district, however the number of newly recorded cases as only fallen by a few per cent in most areas.

The rate of infection is down in Fyfield, High Ongar and Stapleford Abbotts, Chipping Ongar, Epping South, Epping North, Waltham Abbey West and Outer, Waltham Abbey North, Waltham Abbey South, Loughton North, Loughton West, Loughton South and Chigwell.

How old are the people testing positive for Covid-19 in Essex?

Essex experienced a rise in cases in October, the majority of which were linked to teenagers and young adults.

These age brackets are still testing positive but the virus has spread to people aged in their 50s, and 60s, and this is the age group which has seen the biggest growth in cases in the county over the last few weeks.

Cases are very slowly increasing in people aged over 80, as the graph below shows.

Epping Forest Guardian:

People in their 50s and 60s are being infected at higher rates than before. Photo: Essex County Council

Are hospitals at capacity?

As of November 17 there were 244 beds occupied by confirmed Covid-19 patients in Essex hospital trusts. This equates to 8.9 per cent of trust capacity and is 15 per cent higher compared to bed occupancy one week previous.

County council health officials expect hospital admissions, diagnosis and occupancy to lag behind community cases by four to eight weeks.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Hospital admissions are up across the county. Photo: Essex County Council

Epping Forest Guardian:

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