Scientists believe Braintree has almost no chance of becoming a coronavirus hotspot by the end of next week as more lockdown rules are eased.
With more lockdown measures lifted today, researchers at the Imperial College London’s predicted the probability of areas becoming Covid-19 hotspots.
The data has been produced by the Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College, in conjunction with its mathematics department.
The data predicts the probability of local authorities recording at least 100 cases per 100,000 people over the coming weeks and becoming a 'hotspot'.
The website predicts a zero per cent chance that Braintree will become a hotspot by the week ending Saturday, April 17.
The predictions are based on reported cases and weekly reported deaths, combined with mathematical modelling, which results in the probability of an area becoming a hotspot in the following weeks.
The map also predicts Braintree has a zero per cent chance of having more than 50 cases per week.
Read more:
- The best pubs in Braintree and Witham to visit after lockdown (according to readers)
- Two-thirds of adults vaccinated in Braintree
- The new lockdown rules coming into force on April 12
What lockdown rules are being eased today?
Both pubs and restaurants are allowed to reopen and serve food and alcohol in an outdoor setting.
Unlike previous restrictions in December, there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal and no curfew.
High Streets will see some life brought back to them as all retail, including clothes shops can reopen.
Face coverings are still mandatory whilst inside unless you are exempt for medical reasons.
Hairdressers and salons are able to reopen as are gyms.
Outdoor attractions, such as Colchester Zoo, can also reopen to visitors.
People in England can also go on self-catering holidays in a cottage, caravan or campsite.
Funerals can continue with up to 30 mourners and the number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15.
What happens next?
The next stage of lockdown restrictions being eased is set to take place on May 17.
On this date residents are set to be allowed to meet friends and family members indoors and overnight stays will be permitted.
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