Harlow’s Covid infection rates are the fifth fastest growing in England.

The town, which had one of the worst infection rates in the country in early January, has seen rates slowly fall to minimal levels.

However, in the seven days to April 8 the rate of infection experienced the fifth highest week-on-week rise the country – jumping to 21.8, up from 13.8 the week before.

The rate is expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people.

In Harlow, there were 19 new infections recorded in the seven days to April 8, seven more than the week prior.

Infection levels still remain low, but Essex’s director for public health has warned that residents must remain vigilant.

“It is absolutely crucial that as we take this step forward, we do so safely and continue to take positive action to keep ourselves and others safe,” said Dr Mike Gogarty as non-essential shops, gyms and outdoors hospitality returned.

“Everyone can do this by taking up the vaccine when they are invited to do so, taking part in regular self-testing if they are not showing symptoms and continuing to socially distance.

“The actions we all take over the coming weeks and months will become even more important in managing the risk and spread of the virus and we must all play our part.”

Harlow was one of just 30 of England’s 315 local areas to experience a rise in cases.

The four areas with the larger week-on-week rise are: Mansfield (up from 91.5 to 104.3); Ryedale (7.2 to 19.9); Castle Point (14.4 to 24.3); and North East Derbyshire (36.5 to 45.3).

Mansfield and Nottinghamshire continues to have the highest rate in England, with 114 new cases recorded in the seven days to April 8 – the equivalent of 104.3 cases per 100,000 people.