Covid infection rates continue to drop as nearly 200 fewer cases recorded across Horsham, Crawley and Mid Sussex

In the seven days to Tuesday, February 16, 137 people tested positive for coronavirus – 72 fewer than the week before.

The rate per 100,000 people has now dropped to 95.3.

In Crawley, 215 people tested positive, a drop of 95 on the previous seven days. This is a rate of 191.3.

In Mid Sussex, 127 positive tests have been recorded – compared to 148 in the previous seven days. This works out at a rate of 84.1.

Since the start of the pandemic Horsham has registered a total of 5,381 cases, Mid Sussex has registered 6,440 and Crawley 7,363.

In Horsham 184 people have died within 28 days of a positive test, an increase of five in the last seven days.

In Mid Sussex 245 people have died, an increase of ten. In Crawley 180 people have lost their lives, an increase of 13, Government data show.

Giving an update on the vaccine rollout a spokesperson for the Sussex programme said: “We are really pleased with the progress that has been made for people across our communities and the number of people who have now received this vital protection.

“We have offered the vaccination to people in the first four priority groups and remain committed to ensuring that everyone in these groups is vaccinated as soon as possible.”

From February 15 people aged 65 and over and people aged 16-64 with underlying health conditions are being offered the jab.

The spokesman said: “If you are in these groups you can expect to hear from the NHS shortly about how you can book your appointment.”