The latest infection rates are beginning to sow the impact of lockdown easing.

Braintree currently has the second lowest infection rate in Essex at 2.6 per 100,000 people.

This is well down from the England average of 22 cases per 100,000.

However, Uttlesford is currently the most-infected area with an infection rate of 13.1.

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Also in mid Essex is Maldon, which has the lowest infection rate in the whole county.

Currently the rate stands at 1.5- the fifth lowest in the country.

Last week concerns were raised as the Indian variant was identified in several districts including Colchester and Chelmsford.

You can view the data here.

The Wellcome Sanger Institute has been tracking the variant's spread in England with help from Public Health England.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) reportedly held discussions about the spread of the Indian variant and how it could have an impact on the Government’s road map out of lockdown.

Essex County Council's director of public health Dr Mike Gogarty confirmed cases have been found in Chelmsford.

He did not confirm how many.

Surge testing has begun in areas across England where the variants have already been found and Dr Gogarty confirmed he "wouldn't hesitate" if rates rise in Essex.