Mobile testing unit launched as Mid Sussex becomes second highest Covid infection rate in England

Leader of Mid Sussex District Council Jonathan Ash-Edwards Tweeted: "Mid Sussex has the 2nd highest Coronavirus infection rate in England.

"Mobile testing will be available in the Heath Road car park in Haywards Heath over the next week.

"Wearing a face covering in busy indoor venues would be advisable. Get your vaccine / booster when eligible."

Government figures released on Tuesday afternoon showed 1,233 Covid cases were recorded in Mid Sussex in the seven days to November 18, up from 914 the week before.

The rate is now 810.4 per 100,000 people. Since the start of the pandemic 19,170 cases and 285 deaths within 28 days of a positive test have been recorded.

A spokesman for Mid Sussex Liberal Democrats said Covid rates in Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint area are extremely high, with more than 1500 cases per 100,000 people in both villages in the seven days to 23rd November, adding: "The cases are especially high amongst children, and are causing considerable disruption in the primary and secondary schools in the area. With many parents of school aged children only just becoming eligible to get their booster jabs, there is knock on disruption to adults who are catching covid from their children and are unable to work.

"Last week Hurstpierpoint and Downs District Councillor Alison Bennett raised concerns about the rising case rates in the south of Mid Sussex with MSDC, and asked what more could be done to bring the current surge in cases under control. She was advised that surge testing is no longer national policy, but that a mobile testing unit would be brought into Haywards Heath."