World News – UK – Kent County has the worst infection rate in England

According to the latest government data, Swale had 631. 7 cases per 100. 000 people in the week up to 18. November – that’s more than Hull, which was the worst hit place in the country last week.

An emergency meeting is being held to address the high number of Covid-19 cases in Swale, made up of Sheppey, Sittingbourne and Faversham.

The Swale Council convened the meeting on Friday and invited senior officials from partner agencies such as Kent County Council (KCC), Kent Police, the Prison Service, the Department of Labor and Pensions and the local volunteer sector.

Speak before the meeting, which started at 12pm. 30pm, Council Chairman, Cllr Roger Truelove, said he had not yet received the latest numbers but it was « possible » considering the district was in second place.

When asked why he thought Swale was hit so hard, Cllr Truelove said, « I think it’s very difficult to say. People talk to us about reasons. There are obviously a fair number in prisons, we have quite a large number in nursing homes, and we clearly have a lot only in the community, within the households.

« People say it’s the meeting of kids outside of schools and play dates, and people aren’t socially distant.

« We don’t have that many people in Swale who also work from home. Perhaps they work in environments where distancing is difficult or impossible – there is no definitive answer.

« The fact is, however, we have a real problem and we are meeting today to see if we can intensify the message to people.

« If we do not write these numbers down, we will suffer restrictions on a higher level than others all winter long. « 

There has been much discussion about whether or not the Council after Sept.. December would push for a lockdown of the district if the national lockdown is to end or if Swale is to be upgraded to the highest tier.

« The decision will be made by the government based on criteria that are being worked on. You will do this in consultation with KCC.

« It is not up to me or the Council to say that we are not a public health agency. We are told where we are and we won’t have much choice.

« It could be Kent as a whole, » he added. « As for the government, they tend to do this from the health authority, and Kent is a health authority.

« I think it should be Kent and not just Swale. Although some places have fewer cases than we do, their prices are also rising rapidly, and I don’t think it’s very easy for a district to meet them when there are other restrictions somewhere next door.

On testing, Cllr Truelove said, « I hope that in the not too distant future we will be doing mass testing, particularly in the Isle of Sheppey, to find asymptomatic people who are spreading the disease – although that has not yet been confirmed. « 

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