Worthing Covid cases back above national average after spike

Figures from Public Health England show 67 new cases were recorded in the week up to March 11 - a rise of 11 compared to the week before.

That has taken Worthing s infection rate, the number of cases per 100,000 people, up to 61.

The national average is 47 cases per 100,000 people.

This latest spike follows the reopening of schools last Monday (March 8).

Reflections Nursery and Forest School was forced to close last week after 15 children and 13 staff tested positive for coronavirus.

The first cases were detected shortly before March 8, with a few more discovered after, so it is likely that outbreak has contributed significantly to the latest surge.

Lockdown restrictions have brought cases right down and 44,373 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, as of March 7.

Sadly, 217 people have now died within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test in the town since the pandemic began.

Neighbouring Horsham is the only other area in Sussex to have seen a rise in cases. Read more here: Horsham GP urges people ‘don’t worry, stay sensible and take up the vaccine’ amid slight rise in covid cases