Hastings residents urged to follow Covid-19 guidelines as cases rise

The people of Hastings and St Leonards have been urged to follow the new social gathering rules to help slow the spread of Covid-19.
Hastings town centreHastings town centre
Hastings town centre

It is now illegal for more than six people to gather indoors or outdoors in England.

In Hastings, 187 people have tested positive for Covid-19, but across East Sussex cases are continuing to rise. As of Thursday (September 17), 1,867 people in the county had tested positive for the virus.

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Councillor Kim Forward, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: “We know that we have had a relatively low infection rate in our town and appreciate how much people have done to follow the current guidance. Our businesses have worked hard to make sure their premises are COVID-secure, and we have supported them.

“As cases are slowly rising across East Sussex, we ask people to continue to socially distance, wash their hands regularly and wear a face covering and follow the government’s new ‘rule of 6’ law. This law means you cannot gather in our parks, beaches, open spaces or playgrounds in groups of more than six people and it applies to everyone, including children.

“There are some exemptions to this law, such as schools and workplaces, and you can find a full list of these on our website.”

Sussex Police has the power to enforce the new guidelines and can fine people.

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Councillor Forward also acknowledged the crisis around booking tests, adding: “We know that many people have been unable to book tests to check whether they have the virus which has been worrying and frustrating for them and means they must self-isolate in order to protect others.

“These are still very difficult times and we need to continue to commit together to following the guidance and the law to help keep ourselves and others safe.”