Testing unit returns to Hastings while infection rate rises slightly

Hastings recorded another 169 positive cases of Covid-19, according to Public Health England’s latest update which was released on Monday evening (January 4).

The town’s infection rate for the past week now stands at 834.2 per 100,000 people, a slight rise from yesterday when the rate was 827.7. In the last seven days, Hastings has recorded a total of 773 cases.

However, the rate of infection has dropped from a previous high of 961.6 cases per 100,000 people in the week to Christmas Day.

Hastings still has the highest rate of infection in Sussex, according to the data, with Crawley close behind with a rate 806 per 100,000 people. Crawley recorded 906 cases in the past seven days.

Where will the testing centre be?

The Covid-19 mobile testing centre will be at Pelham car park, in Hastings – the same location as in December.

It will be in place for three days from Wednesday (January 6) to Friday (January 8).

As before, test slots for each day will be available from 6pm the evening before. Once people have booked a slot, they will be given details on how to arrive safely at the site, according to East Sussex County Council.

If you are displaying symptoms, please book a test by clicking here.

A third lockdown

Prime Minister Boris Johnson placed the whole of England into a third lockdown on Monday evening (January 4) as part of the latest measures to halt the rise in Covid-19 cases.

The new rules mean you must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to:

- shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person

- go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home

- exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

- meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one

-seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)

- attend education or childcare - for those eligible

- Colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half term. Early Years settings remain open.