Covid rules 'disregarded' as Swale becomes second worst-hit area

Infection rates have risen across Swale, including in towns such as Sittingbourne

Coronavirus rules are being "wilfully disregarded" in the district with one of the highest infection rates in England, the local council leader said.

Swale in Kent has the second highest rate in England, according to figures for the week to 19 November.

Roger Truelove, leader of Swale Borough Council, said it was "frustrating" to see people not wearing face coverings and breaking social distancing rules.

An emergency meeting took place earlier to discuss the issue.

The district, which includes the Isle of Sheppey and towns such as Sittingbourne and Faversham, has a population of about 150,000.

As the meeting took place, nearby Medway Maritime Hospital announced the death of nurse Hannah Jackson, who is understood to have died after developing Covid-19.

It has been uncommon for an area of the South East to report an infection rate in the top 20 of England's 315 local authorities.

But two areas in Kent are now showing significant increases - Swale, with the second highest infection rate of 565 per 100,000 people and Thanet with the third highest rate of 508.

Swale had earlier overtaken Hull as the worst-hit area in England, with a rate of 631.7 per 100,000 people in the week to 18 November.

Figures for the week to 19 November show Hull once again has the highest rate in England, at 568.6 cases per 100,000. The rate has fallen from 743.4 in the week to 9 November.

About 2,500 inmates are housed at three prisons on the Isle of Sheppey in Swale

Prison Service officials joined the emergency meeting in Kent following suggestions that outbreaks in the area's three jails could be making a "limited contribution" to the high infection rate.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Truelove said it was found that only 12% of cases in the past fortnight were in care homes and prisons.

The virus was being spread in people's homes and at social gatherings, he said.

"It only takes a small number of people to create the clusters of cases that are driving up our figures," he added.

Support would be targeted at people who "might not feel able to follow the rules," including people who "may be unwilling to get a test as they can't afford to have time off work," he said.

Key workers

Andrew Scott-Clark, public health director at Kent County Council, said infections were rising among households with lower incomes.

"They are effectively some of our care workers and key workers who have to go out and are more likely to be exposed by the virus," he said.

Whole families were being infected as the virus spread within a home, he added.

Mr Truelove had earlier: "I know most people and businesses are doing what they should, but it is frustrating to still see people not wearing face coverings or keeping their distance when they should.

"This kind of wilful disregard of the rules means we are more likely to have further restrictions imposed on us in December, which is hugely unfair for people and businesses who have been doing the right thing since March."

• LOCKDOWN LOOK-UP: The rules in your area

• TESTING: How do I get a virus test?

• VACCINE: How close are we to finding one?

• SOCIAL DISTANCING: Can I give my friends a hug?

• A NEW SERIES OF 'GROUNDED' IS COMING: Covid-19 hasn’t gone away and, due to travel restrictions, neither has Louis Theroux...

• RADIO 1'S WORKOUT PLAYLIST: An hour of up-beat, fast-paced tunes to soundtrack your weekend workout