As we all face tighter restrictions at the start of 2021, learn more about the number of Covid cases in Hitchin and north Herts with a government interactive map.

The map uses official data to show the extent of coronavirus exposure in every area of the country within the past seven days during the current Covid crisis.

The map, which is updated with new figures every day, shows:

• the number of cases in the past seven days
• the rate of infection per 100,000 people in the population
• how the area compares to the rest of England

Each area, known as a 'Middle Super Output Area', has an average population of 7,200.

Hitchin is currently highlighted in blue which illustrates 101 - 200 cases per 100,000 people.

However, to indicate how the virus is infecting more people in north Herts, nearby Letchworth has now moved to different shades of purple - meaning rates from 400 to 799 per 100,000 people.

The rise is a worrying trend reflected in the map - which previously had a high reference point of 400 cases per 100,000 – an illustration of how the virus is spreading across the county, and the UK as a whole.

Worryingly, nearby Stevenage has a rate of 800+ per 100,000 - which is more than double what it was after the second lockdown.

The latest data is correct as of December 29, 2020.

Review the interactive map here