CASES of Covid-19 in Thurrock have dropped significantly as the effects of the latest lockdown appear to be making an impact.

From a rate of 1,334 cases per 100,000 population in the first week of January, latest figures show the number to down to 746 per 100,000 though the borough is still one of the highest ranked in the wider region.

Up to 8 January, the latest available date for figures, 293 coronavirus-related deaths have been registered in the borough.