OBESITY and large numbers of commuters travelling into the capital contributed to Covid-19 deaths, a councillor has said.

A map put together by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) details how some areas have suffered very few Covid-19-related fatalities - while others have reported higher figures.

The total number of deaths within the Southend borough stands at 203, with 202 in Basildon, 82 in Castle Point, 149 in Thurrock and 92 in Rochford.

Some of the worst hit areas from the beginning of March to the end of July include Chalkwell in Southend with 24 deaths, and Laindon West with 20.

The ONS says the statistics relate to deaths in which Covid-19 was mentioned as the underlying cause or contributory factor on the death certificate.

Andrew Gordon, Basildon councillor and chairman of the Basildon health and wellbeing partnership, said factors such as obesity and Basildon being a commuter town have influenced the higher figures in places such as Laindon and Basildon Central.

He said: “I think the mortality rate of 65s and over is higher and that’s the tragedy of it.

“It’s really hit the older population quite hard.

“Some people in our team tested positive but never had the antibodies, so much is unknown about it.

“What I am hearing is obesity. Basildon has the highest number of obese people in Essex and the least active in Essex as well.

“Lots of people from Basildon commute into London, all it takes to spread is one person not wearing a mask, especially in the earlier stages of the pandemic.

“It’s people’s patriotic duty to be wearing masks.”

Data from the government shows Basildon has 70.5 per cent of adults who are overweight or obese, the highest in Essex.

The ONS map also reveals where lives were lost early on in the pandemic, with coronavirus-related deaths happening in several areas in March - Rochford Outer and Hawkwell East, Eastwood, and Great Wakering.

Areas such as South Benfleet and Langdon Hills were also still registering deaths in July.

Ron Woodley, deputy leader of Southend Council, said: “There has been variations between wards but the death rate has been low and some of the wards have got higher levels of care homes and the homeless.

“All deaths are sad, but all in all it has been a good cooperation between departments.”

Wayne Johnson, councillor responsible for health and wellbeing at Castle Point Council, said: “In areas like ours there are pockets of deprivation but I don’t think we can say immediately that’s where the pandemic has hit hardest.

“All these deaths are sad but I think we as a borough have not suffered as other areas in the country and we should be grateful for that.”