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Just one Kent district has seen a fall in Covid cases as the county's infection rate continues to climb, government figures reveal.
The number of positive tests across Kent has risen by more than 70%, taking its total to 5,318 in the seven days to July 15.
Stats published today also show that the rate of infection now stands at more than 100 cases per 100,000 people in every part of the county.
Despite this, hospital admissions in the area remain low, with 29 patients – four of whom are on ventilators – occupying beds.
This comes after coronavirus restrictions were lifted across England yesterday, with social-distancing measures no longer enforced and some businesses opening for the first time in 16 months.
But Boris Johnson warned the public had to accept increasing numbers of people will be told to isolate “as a consequence of living with" the illness.
The Prime Minister told a press conference yesterday: “In the meantime, I want to assure you that we will protect crucial services by making sure that a small number of named fully-vaccinated critical workers are able to leave their isolation solely for the work that I have described.
“But for the vast majority of us, myself included, I’m afraid we do need to stick with this system for now.”
Official data also reveal that 12 people in Kent have died with Covid since May 1.
Canterbury is the only district in the county to have recorded a drop in positive tests, with new cases in the week falling by three to 348.
Meanwhile, Dartford’s infection rate has shot up over the same period by more than 120% to 477 cases per 100,000 people – the highest in Kent.
The figure is also the highest it has been in the district since the middle of January.
Public Heath England data shows rates are at similar levels in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, Maidstone and Swale – all now above the England average.
Chief nursing officer for England Ruth May warned yesterday: “As restrictions are lifted, everyone has a part to play in helping to control Covid by getting vaccinated and acting responsibly.
"It is vital that in healthcare settings, we do all we can to reduce the risk of infection for those working in our services and those who need our care.”
