More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
In the last week of October, 1,863 new cases were recorded in Kent - 551 more than the previous week.
Between October 22 and October 28, 11 of Kent's 13 areas saw more cases leading to an overall increase of 42%.
Swale continues to have the most startling infection rate, standing at 179.9 with 270 cases in the week before October 28. This is a 54% rise on the previous week.
Thanet has seen the sharpest rise, more than doubling by 111% in one week. This brings their cases up to 219 and the infection rate to 154.3 - the second highest in Kent. Only Gravesham (-2%) and Ashford (-17%) saw a decrease.
Medway has the highest number of cases at 317, a 69% increase on the previous week giving the unitary authority an infection rate of 114.1.
Though the rapid rise over the last few months is a massive concern, the fact that the county's infection rate of 100.2 is 70% higher than April's peak (59) is not.
From April 1 to July 13, only pillar 1 tests on people in hospital due to clinical need were included in Public Health England's data.
Following this, the inclusion of pillar 2 tests began, which were carried out as part of the government's community testing programme.
Pillar 3 anti-body tests - which show if people had previously contracted Covid-19 - were rolled out on May 31.
So though the infection rate seems much lower in April's statistics, it is likely the rate at the time was actually far higher - we just did not have the data to show it as fewer tests were being carried out on people outside of hospital.
Deaths in Kent are still far lower than at the pandemics peak. NHS England data shows Kent hospitals reported 23 deaths between April 1 and April 9 and between October 25 and November 2 nine were recorded. This may also be because of better treatments and lockdown rules keeping people safer.
In response to rapidly rising cases, the nation will enter into a second full lockdown on Thursday which is expected to last until December.
Non-essential shops will be closed and people have been urged to work from home if they can, but schools will remain open.
Andrew Scott-Clark, KCC public health director said: “My message to you is simply to follow the rules of lockdown; minimise social contact with people as much as possible, minimise leaving your home as much as possible, wear a mask in public places where appropriate and maintain good hand hygiene.
“Please look out for those in your local community who may need extra support as winter approaches. The guidance from government is clear on who you can meet and where; please play your part to help protect Kent and Medway and stay safe during the lockdown period.”
KCC Leader Roger Gough said: “Once again we face an enormous challenge from coronavirus and its impact on our lives, our economy and our communities.
“Our focus throughout this pandemic has been to look after the most vulnerable people in the county by maintaining essential day-to-day services, and the health and wellbeing of our residents remains our priority as we move into another national lockdown. Working with our partners in district and borough councils we will strive to ensure that everyone is safeguarded and that no one is left isolated.
“The community spirit we have seen throughout this challenging year has been incredible and I now urge everyone across Kent to support each other, along with their neighbours and friends, to keep Kent safe over the coming weeks.
“I know how hard the prospect of another national lockdown is, and we will do everything we can to support local businesses, many of which have already suffered and will have to now remain closed until December.
“Ultimately, we will come through this and there will be relief for businesses, livelihoods and people’s lives. It is now vital that we not only follow the guidance and stick to the rules, but that we continue to work to ensure that a robust Test and Trace system is in place.
“Each and every one of us must continue to protect each other from this devastating virus. It is vital that we follow the Government rules to save lives, protect the NHS, keep our loved ones safe and come through this lockdown together.”
