WHILE the number of older people infected with coronavirus in Thurrock has dropped week on week, there has been a continued rise in the number of younger people who have been confirmed with Covid 19.

Latest figures published by Thurrock Council show a rise of 98 in the number of under 18s who have tested positive from the week before, with 569 cases confirmed.

There were decreases in all the other age groups.

In his weekly message to residents council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill Last week we saw the number of people testing positive in Thurrock drop to half the amount it was the week before. However, we are seeing an increase in positive tests for under 18s.

"We also moved from having been in a position amongst the highest Upper Tier Local Authorities in the country in terms of infection to being in the bottom half of the table.

"We are working hard to ensure this remains the case, and urge you to continue playing your part to keep one another safe, and keep on this curve of reducing our infection rates across our borough.

"The recent surge in infections has demonstrated exactly how important vaccines have been, and continue to be, in keeping us all safe. That is why it is so important that everyone who is eligible seeks the protection the vaccines offer. Not only do they reduce the chance of catching and spreading the virus, those who are fully vaccinated have 88% protection against hospitalisation as a result of contracting coronavirus.

"I continue to urge anyone who has not been vaccinated to take action to protect themselves, their family, friends and neighbours now."