BRAINTREE Council’s leader has confirmed the authority is making plans in case more restrictions are put in place due to an increase in coronavirus cases.

Graham Butland has admitted work is going on behind the scenes to ensure the district is ready for tighter rules on social interaction.

It comes after 59 new cases were confirmed in the region in the seven days.

The infection rate has also climbed to 21 cases per 100,000 people – up from 9.2 this time last week.

Health bosses say the figures are 'artificially' higher because a technical error meant some positive tests were not recorded correctly in September.

Speaking at Monday’s full council meeting, Mr Butland insisted the infection rate in the Braintree area remained low compared to other parts of the country.

But he conceded the rise in cases seen in the past week meant the likelihood of more restrictions being brought in had increased.

He said: “Members will be aware there has been a significant increase in cases across the country and regrettably there has also been an increase in Braintree district and the county of Essex.

“Whilst we are not at the levels of other parts of the country who have further local restrictions in place, there has been a significant percentage increase of cases in the last few weeks.

“The national R rate has been updated to 1.3 and 1.6.

“We are discussing plans with partners should there be a need for further local restrictions to be put in place or shielding reintroduced.”

Mr Butland revealed the test and trace support payment scheme would be available to residents from Monday.

Cash for the initiative has been handed out to councils by the Government to help those on low incomes who are told to self-isolate by the track and trace team.

It is now a legal requirement for anyone to self-isolate if told to so by track and trace.

Those people on low incomes who are unable to work because they have been told to self-isolate will receive up to £500 to cover loss of earnings.

Mr Butland also said the council would continue to work with businesses and organisations to ensure they were prepared for further restrictions being put in place.

The worst affected region in the Braintree district at the moment is Great Notley and Black Notley, where seven cases of Covid-19 have been recorded between September 27 and October 3.