A surge in Covid cases has resulted in a local authority cancelling a full council meeting.

The decision was taken by Swale Council after the infection rate in the borough, which covers Sittingbourne, Sheppey and Faversham, almost doubled in a week.

One area, Sittingbourne South, Bapchild and Bredgar, has one of the highest rates in Kent, at 807.1 cases per 100,000 people. The rate for England is 540.

Cllr Roger Truelove (Lab), leader of the council, said: “Given this rise, group leaders and the mayor have agreed to cancel next week’s council meeting to help keep everybody safe.

“The welfare of our staff and councillors is paramount and caring for those who are isolating or too vulnerable to attend is not something we’re prepared to compromise on.

“As the country opens back up, we urge everybody to act responsibly.

"Get tested regularly, use the NHS Track and Trace app and self-isolate if you come into contact with anyone who tests positive for Covid.”

“We are reviewing alternative ways to get necessary decisions made without the need for the council meeting."

The meeting for all 47 councillors, plus council officers and members of the public, was due to be held at Swale House in Sittingbourne on Wednesday, July 28.

When the decision was taken to cancel, the rate of Covid cases was 487.1 cases per 100,000 people, almost double the 265.5 cases from the previous seven days.

In-person meetings resumed in May after local authorities had more than a year of virtual sessions.

Cllr Truelove added: “We held virtual meetings throughout the pandemic, however, these are no longer legally permitted.

“We are reviewing alternative ways to get necessary decisions made without the need for the council meeting."

The latest infection rate for Swale is 484.4 cases per 100,000 people, with 727 cases in the week up to July 18, an increase of 393 on the previous seven days.

Only West Kingsdown, between Sevenoaks and Dartford, has a higher infection rate in Kent than Sittingbourne South, Bapchild and Bredgar, with a whopping 1,372.2 cases per 100,000.

The latest rate in Kent, as of 4pm today, was 407.1, while for Medway is was 415.4.

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