Covid cases are rising in all areas of the Maldon district, latest figures reveal.

Seven out of eight areas in the district now have a Covid infection rate above 1,000 cases per 100,000 people, according to a new interactive map published by the Government.

Heybridge has the highest infection rate, with 1,629.6 cases per 100,000 people in the seven-day period ending on 22 December.

The combined area of Southminster, Bradwell and the Dengie Peninsula has the lowest infection rate, with 900.6 cases per 100,000 people, and is the only region to record an infection rate below 1,000 cases according to the latest figures.

It comes as health secretary Sajid Javid confirmed today (Monday, 27 December) the Government will not be introducing any further restrictions before the New Year.

Mr Javid said people should "remain cautious" and take a lateral flow test before attending events.

He said: "Celebrate outside if you can, have some ventilation indoors if you can, please remain cautious.

"And when we get into the New Year, of course, we will see then whether we do need to take any further measures - but nothing more until then at least."

The Government had been waiting to make an announcement on restrictions until the prime minister could examine data on cases and hospital admissions this afternoon, following a two-day data blackout due to Christmas.

The interactive map published by the Government today shows local data for the seven-day period ending on Wednesday, 22 December.

Here's where the figures for the Maldon district stand:

Heybridge

Total cases: 140 (+70)

Up by 100 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,629.6.

Maldon South

Total cases: 116 (+34)

Up by 41.5 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,497.4.

Great Totham, Wickham Bishops and Woodham

Total cases: 111 (+29)

Up by 35.4 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,479.2.

Tollesbury, Tolleshunt and Goldhanger

Total cases: 96 (+44)

Up by 84.6 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,477.6.

Maldon North

Total cases: 95 (+47)

Up by 97.9 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,373.

Burnham-on-Crouch

Total cases: 94 (+20)

Up by 27 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,143.4.

Mayland, Althorne and Cold Norton

Total cases: 120 (+49)

Up by 69 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 1,120.9.

Southminster, Bradwell and Dengie Peninsula

Total cases: 83 (+28)

Up by 50.9 per cent on the previous week.

Case rate per 100,000 people is 900.6.

Boris Johnson brought in a series of measures to combat the spread of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant earlier this month, but pledged not to introduce any further restrictions in the run-up to Christmas.

The measures currently in place in England include guidance to work from home, mandatory face masks in most indoor venues, the use of Covid passes to gain entry to large venues and mandatory vaccinations for NHS workers.

The Government has also accelerated the Covid booster programme in response to the rise in Omicron cases, and is encouraging people to get their first, second or third dose.

Dr Nikki Kanani, deputy lead for the NHS Covid vaccination programme, said: "It is so encouraging to see that alongside the incredible booster uptake we've seen in the last couple of weeks, and throughout Christmas, every day people are continuing to come forward for their first and second doses – allowing them to also get their booster as soon as possible.

"With lots of appointments available to book online and pop-up clinics and walk-ins right across the country, it is never too late to get your first COVID-19 vaccine and the offer from the NHS is evergreen."

To find a list of local walk-in sites or local pharmacies administering Covid vaccines, click here.