Coronavirus cases in Worthing rising at twice the national average

According to figures from Public Health England, there have been a total of 460 confirmed cases of coronavirus, or covid-19, in Worthing since the outbreak began.

The figure rose from 433 on August 31, reaching 460 by September 6 - a rise of 27, at a rate of 29.7 cases per 100,000 people.

According to Public Health England, the average rise in England is 15 cases per 100,000 people.

Worryingly, it shows a marked acceleration from the previous week, August 24 to 31, when there were only five new cases reported.

The Government publishes a 'watch list' of areas with concerning numbers. The most recent list, published on September 4, does not feature Worthing.

The next is due to be published tomorrow (September 11).

To put the increase into context, Leeds was recently added to the watch list after seeing a rise of 62 cases per 100,000 people.

Bolton faces severe restrictions after reporting 131 new cases per 100,000 people.

The watch list is based on an assessment of incidence rates, plus trends in testing, healthcare activity and deaths.

Eight new coronavirus-related deaths were recorded in the UK yesterday (September 9).

Rumours circulating on social media suggested a scare at a Worthing bar may be behind the increase in cases, but it has been revealed there were no confirmed cases after the incident. Read more here: Worthing bar forced to close and deep clean after holidaymakers 'break coronavirus quarantine'Worthing's neighbours have fared significantly better, with Adur reporting seven new cases between August 31 and September 6, at a rate of 11 per 100,000 people.

Arun recorded 22 new cases, at a rate of 14 per 100,000 of the population. However, that week's figure was 17 higher than the previous seven days, suggesting an acceleration in the number of infections.