The rate of infection in Epping Forest is at its highest since the middle of March and in Harlow the rate has almost tripled on seven days.

In the seven days to June 12 – the most up to date available data – there were 44 new infections recorded in the district, an infection rate of 33.4

The rate is expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people.

The week before, the rate stood at 19 after 25 new cases were posted.

The infection rate is now at its highest since March 22 when the seven-day rate was recorded at 34.2.

In Harlow the rate of infection has almost tripled after 26 new cases were recorded in the seven days to June 12.

The rate is now at 29.9 up from 10.3 the week before when there were just nine new infections.

The rate of infection is on the up across the country, driven by the Delta variant which now accounts for most new Covid-19 cases.

Public Health England figures show 22 cases of the Delta variant had been recorded in Epping Forest by June 9.

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “With numbers of Delta variant cases on the rise across the country, vaccination is our best defence.

“If you are eligible, we urge you to come forward and be vaccinated.

“Remember that two doses provide significantly more protection than a single dose.

“However, while vaccination reduces the risk of severe disease, it does not eliminate it.

“With data showing that Delta is significantly more transmissible than Alpha, it is just as important as ever to follow public health advice, which has not changed.

“Get vaccinated, work from home where you can and remember ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times.

“These measures work, and they save lives.”