Worthing coronavirus spike: Council insists 'outbreak has been contained' but rate continues to rise

Yesterday (September 10), the Herald reported the rate of infection in Worthing had risen to double the national average, standing at 30 per 100,000 people.

Between August 31 and September 6, the number of cases in Worthing increased by 27, compared to an increase of just five the week before.

West Sussex County Council has insisted it has the outbreak under control, despite today's figures showing the rate has now increased to 33 cases per 100,000 people.

A spokesman for the council said the recent spike involved 'people gathered together in the same place, at the same time' and, through test and trace and self-isolation, it was confident the outbreak has been contained.

The spokesman said: “The number of Covid-19 cases in Worthing has been low until recently. However, in the last two weeks we’ve seen an increase in the number of confirmed cases, which follows the national trend.

“Many of these cases are connected and have been contained through the test and trace system.

“Where there have been incidents, people involved have been responsible and fully cooperated with authorities by providing their contact details and self-isolating for 14 days.

“To ensure we keep West Sussex safe we should all avoid complacency. We should continue to follow guidance on social distancing, regularly wash our hands, wear face masks when appropriate and get tested if we display any symptoms of Covid-19.”

There were concerns an incident at Escape Bar and Grill in Worthing - where some holidaymakers were rumoured to have broken quarantine - was behind the outbreak.

But the bar's owners insisted the track and trace system showed there had been no positive tests from customers during the time in question. Read more here: Worthing bar forced to close and deep clean after holidaymakers 'break coronavirus quarantine'The leader of Worthing Borough Council, Daniel Humphreys, praised the 'diligence' of residents but urged the public to follow the latest government guidance.

He said: “Thanks to the diligence of residents, the number of Covid cases in our area has - and continues to be - low in comparison to many other towns and cities. But, like other parts of the UK, the lifting of restrictions to reopen our economy has seen an increase in the number of infections.

“So far, local health authorities have been clear that in the small number of reported cases, those people involved have been responsible and fully cooperative. This has helped to contain Covid and will hopefully bring the number of cases back down over time.

“We will continue to work with West Sussex County Council and Public Health England to monitor the situation. Our public health team will also continue to offer support and advice to businesses and other organisations to keep our communities safe.

“Most importantly though, I want to urge the public to continue following the ‘hands, face, space’ guidance and request that those who display symptoms get tested immediately.”