These are the five areas where coronavirus is surging in the UK as a mutant strain of the disease causes havoc in the country.
The Essex districts of Thurrock , Rochford , Epping Forest and Castle Point have seen some of the biggest jumps in Covid infection rates over a seven-day period. Havering , in east London, is the only place outside of Essex that has seen a similar spike in cases.
Overall, case rates are up in 90% of the 315 local government areas in England. It comes after both Essex and London were placed under new Tier 4 restrictions, along with other parts of the south-east and the east of England.
Coronavirus cases are shooting up in London, Kent and parts of Essex due to a new strain of the disease, which Health Secretary