SOUTHEND has recorded 60 new coronavirus cases in the last week sparking a warning from the borough's public health boss that people are not social distancing or self-isolating. 

In the past week, 60 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Southend and the area's weekly rate is currently 34.4 cases per 100,000 people.

That is slightly above the East of England average (about 33 per 100,000), and about four times what it was four weeks ago.

Krishna Ramkhelawon, director of public health, said: “In recent weeks we have seen a rise in confirmed cases across the country, across Essex and across Southend.

"Most of these are attributed to people not following the public health advice including not self-isolating.

“With additional testing in place this was predicted and although we are doing everything we can to slow this rise in cases locally, we must remember that coronavirus is still with us and we must continue to be vigilant, and do our bit to help and follow national guidance.

“It is extremely important that we all maintain social distancing by keeping at least two metres from others, maintain good hand-washing, wear face coverings and follow the ‘rule of six.’

"This is even more important now that schools have restarted and I urge parents to socially distance at the school gates and young people not to congregate in groups before and after school too.

"I know this is difficult but please do try and help our communities to stay safe.”

Trevor Harp, cabinet member for adult social care and health, added: “Knowing what to do if you have symptoms is also key to stopping the spread.

“If you have any symptoms, it is crucial that you self-isolate. Get tested as soon as possible, and isolate until you know the result.  Do not be put off requesting a test if you have symptoms and please do so as soon as possible.

"There is support in place for those on low incomes. Please visit our website for further details.

“You must also self-isolate if you are told to by the national test and trace system. In this scenario, you must do so for the full period regardless of whether you have symptoms or not, or whether you receive a negative test result or not.

"This period will be ten or 14 days depending on the circumstances. Due to the incubation period of this disease which can be up to 14 days, you must self-isolate for the period advised."

He added: “To be clear, even if you don’t have symptoms or even if you get a negative test result, you must still continue to self-isolate for the full period advised if you have been contacted through the test and trace system.

"Please follow this and national advice. If people don’t, we will continue to see cases rise, spread and reach people who are more vulnerable in our communities, leading to more severe illness and deaths in our community.”