Covid cases in the Maldon district are rising, but remain below the average area case rate in England.

In the seven days up to Sunday 17 October, 272 people tested positive for Covid in the Maldon district - which includes Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch and the Dengie.

This is an increase of 108 cases on the previous week, which means that there has been an increase of 65.9 per cent.

The average case rate in the seven days leading up to Sunday 17 October was 416 cases per 100,000 people, which was still lower than the average case rate for an area in England - this stood at 479 per 100,000 people.

There were 162 Covid-related deaths registered to Friday 8 October in the district.

Up to Wednesday 20 October, 86 per cent of people aged 12 and over in the district have had the first dose of the vaccine.

80 per cent have had the second dose.

Maldon MP John Whittingdale has urged residents to get the booster jab when it becomes available to them.

He said: "Studies have shown that, after six months, there is a decline in vaccine efficacy and with increasing levels of social mixing and close social contact expected during the winter, Covid-19 will circulate alongside other respiratory viruses, including seasonal flu.

"Getting a booster jab is therefore a priority and I would encourage all who have been called to have theirs to make sure they get their jab."

Booster jabs will only be offered to residents at least six months after their second dose of the vaccine.

To book or manage your Covid-19 vaccination, visit the NHS website here.