Hastings is currently the area with the lowest coronavirus infection rate in the whole of the UK.

In the seven days to November 2, the infection rate in Hastings has dropped from 54 to 31.3 cases per 100,000 residents.

This makes it the area with the lowest infection rate in the entire country.

This is in stark contrast to Crawley, which now has the highest coronavirus infection rate in Sussex, overtaking Brighton and Hove.

It's in even greater contrast to areas in the north of the country, with infection rates there rocketing well into their hundreds.

While this is great news for residents of the coastal town in East Sussex - no one quite knows why Hastings is doing so well.

SussexLive took an eerie trip through the town today (November 8) to see what life is like for the locals under a second lockdown.

While some areas of the town were certainly deserted - you wouldn’t go as far to describe it as 'post-apocalyptic'.

It came as no surprise that Priory Meadow Shopping Centre was desolate - but it was strange to see so few people walking the streets of the Old Town.

Hastings beach on the first weekend of the second lockdown
Hastings beach on the first weekend of the second lockdown

The narrow lanes would usually be bustling on a weekend - but with many of the shops and restaurants shut, it was spookily quiet.

The Old Town has kept its charm of course - but it no longer carries the same buzz.

The seafront however was more alive, with people enjoying their outdoor exercise and making the most of the sunshine. The beach itself was almost empty.

There was a pointed contrast between Hastings beach and the seafront in Brighton and Hove yesterday, which was far busier than you would expect during lockdown.

'People are trying, but they're confused'

We spoke to residents about why they thought Hastings currently has such a low infection rate.

While no one had the answer, people felt that in general locals were abiding by the rules - it was also suggested that its location by the sea could help.

Nette, owner of Petit Fi
Nette, owner of Petit Fi

Nette, owner of Petit Fi cafe on George Street, said: "It is a surprise I think, but it’s a nice surprise

"It's great , but I don’t know the reason behind it - it’s strange.

“Before lockdown I went to a dinner party and a guest there said: 'Do you know what I think it is, everybody drinks so much alcohol in Hastings - nothing can live.

“People say it could be the sea but that also means we have Londoners coming down that have second homes here.

“My friend was driving back from work on Wednesday before lockdown and it took her three hours to get from Tunbridge Wells to here. She said the roads were packed, perhaps with everybody going to their holiday homes. So it is surprising really.

“I think most people have been pretty sensible but you also get some that aren’t.

“We do takeaways and people are very respectful. People wait outside if there are people inside and stand at the door and ask if it's OK to come in.

“So I think in general, people are trying. But I think people are confused about it as well - you either have lockdown or you don’t have lockdown.

“We're seeing how it goes, it might get to the point where it’s not worth us opening.”

Fresh air

Sam Willetts, 28, added: "It’s not really a surprise. We’ve got so much outdoor space down here and there’s so many walks, everybody just gets out and gets some fresh air.

“It’s massively important - for mental health more than anything.

“And I think people are taking it seriously and respecting social distancing guidelines.

“It could be to do with all that rum we drink down here as well.”

Roberto, owner of Cafe Milano
Roberto, owner of Cafe Milano

Roberto, owner of Cafe Milano on Breed Place, said things "were hard at the moment" and people in the town are "afraid about the future."

“People are following the guidelines and being careful about the rules and procedures," he said.

"I first opened on March 6 and then lockdown happened a couple of weeks later.

“If lockdown is extended it will be terrible for everyone.

“There are people losing jobs, especially those on low income - and then how do they pay the bills?

“But you can do nothing, just work hard and trust the future."