Canterbury has appeared at the top of the charts for areas in Kent where COVID has the highest rate of increase. There are 8 areas where COVID has seen a rise in the rate of infection, although thankfully the rates are nowhere near the highs during lockdown.
The high rate in Canterbury is thought to be linked to the younger generation living in the area, especially due to the University. The vaccine roll-out has now reached the 30-39 age group, so anyone under 30 is still vulnerable to infection – but also of transmission.
Suprisingly, Sevenoaks now has the second highest rate of infection in the county, where it has seen a four-fold increase, although the actual number of infections is recorded at 16. Thankfully, no COVID-related deaths have been recorded in Sevenoaks within 28 days of a positive test for nearly 3 months.
there are fears that there could be another spike in the COVID infection rate
The other Kent areas reporting increases are Dartford, Ashford, Maidstone, Gravesham, Medway and Dover.
With a sunny Bank Holiday weekend and school half-term only a day away, there are fears that there could be another spike in the infection rate.
With many people now vaccinated, it is very easy to switch off and forget the basics such as wearing a face mask or washing hands, especially after touch door handles, shopping items or petrol pumps.
Any new infections will not be recorded for another 14 days, meaning that the results of this weeks activities will not come to light until the middle of June.
Folkestone and Hythe are the Kent areas with the lowest infection rates, so I know where I will be visiting this weekend – have a great long weekend everyone and stay safe!
