THURROCK continues to have relatively low levels of cornavirus infection with just four new cases confirmed in the past week.

In total, since the pandemic began there have been 594 officially recorded cases of Covid-19 in the borough, which have resulted in 149 coronavirus related deaths.

Statistics for the past week show just two cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in the area, with the national average being five.

Nationally there have been more than 300,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far in the UK and more than 40,000 people have died, government figures show.

However, these numbers include only people tested, and the actual death toll will be higher.

Following a review of the way coronavirus deaths are counted, the death toll in England has been reduced from 46,706 to 41,329.

New rules mean deaths will be included in the coronavirus total only if they occurred within 28 days of a positive test - this brings England into line with the other UK nations.

Previously all deaths after a positive test were included.