The rate of coronavirus infections in Epping Forest has spiked dramatically, with new cases in the district more than doubling in a week.

Between September 12 and 19 – the most up-to-date accurate figures – 34 new cases were confirmed in the district at an infection rate of 25.8 cases per 100,000 population.

The week before there had 16 new cases in the district which has an approximate population of 120,000 – an infection rate of 12.1.

The trust which runs the district’s main hospital, The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, last recorded a coronavirus related death on May 25 – the trust has reported 201 total deaths.

In Harlow, the rate of infection also continues to climb.

In the seven days to September 19 there were 15 new lab-confirmed cases at a rate of 17.2 per 100,000 up from a rate of 9.2 (eight cases) the week prior.

Yesterday NHS England confirmed a further 14 people who tested positive for Covid-19 had died, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths in hospitals in England to 29,676.

The patients were aged between 62 and 94 years old and all had a known underlying health condition.

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