Rates of coronavirus infection in south east London have risen over the last week following the widespread relaxation of lockdown measures. 

In all but one of four boroughs, rates of infection have increased compared to last week, a worrying sign given the continued easing of restrictions announced yesterday.

The figures are based on tests that have been carried out both in laboratories (pillar one of the Government's testing programme) and in the wider community (pillar two).

The rate is expressed as the new number of new cases per 100,000 population, based on the latest Public Health England figures updated on July 9. 

Data for the most recent three days (July 7 to 9) has been excluded as it is incomplete and likely to be revised.

The list shows the rate of new cases in the seven days to July 6, followed by the equivalent figure for the previous seven days to June 29.

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Showing the number of cases per 100,000 population, Bexley has the highest in south east London with 4.4, an increase from 2.8 the previous week. 

Greenwich has also seen an uptake in infection, recording 2.4 per 100,000, compared to 1.7 a week before.  

Bromley followed this trend, showing a marginal increase, with 1.5 compared to 1.2. 

Only Lewisham showed a decrease in cases, recording 0.7 compared to 1.6 the week before. 

The new figures are a change in direction from last week, where all four boroughs showed decreases in infection levels. 

This comes after lockdown restrictions were eased at the weekend, with drinkers flocking to pubs, as well as hairdressers and restaurants reopening.

Yesterday the Government announced the latest stage of unlocking, giving the go-ahead for gyms and beauty salons to reopen.

In total, there have been 33,836 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in London, with 245,483 across the whole of England.

Bromley has recorded 1,517 total cases, Lewisham 1,192, Bexley 1,053 and Greenwich 952.

There were 85 deaths related to coronavirus recorded across the UK yesterday.