Leader of Mid Sussex District Council issues message after coronavirus cases accelerate in district

‘Now should be a moment of caution for us all’ – the leader of Mid Sussex District Council has warned.
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His warning comes after coronavirus cases in the district have increased rapidly in the district.

Mid Sussex currently has the highest rate of infection in West Sussex with 267.5 per 100,000 people as of the week December 11-17.

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That shows an increase of 136 per cent from the previous week.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, leader of Mid Sussex District CouncilJonathan Ash-Edwards, leader of Mid Sussex District Council
Jonathan Ash-Edwards, leader of Mid Sussex District Council

And some areas in the district are well above the average area in England, which has an infection rate of 211 positive cases per 100,000 people.

Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, leader of the district council, said: “Coronavirus infection rates in Mid Sussex are accelerating rapidly and have more than doubled in the last week.

“In some communities within the district infection rates are now significantly above the national average.

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“We are not alone in facing this, as seen from the challenges being faced by other parts of the South East in recent weeks.

“Now should be a moment of caution for us all.”

Mr Ash-Edwards reflected on an ‘incredibly demanding year for everyone locally’ but said it was ‘crucial that we redouble our efforts in washing our hands, wearing a face covering in enclosed public places and maintaining social distance’.

He added: “The Government keeps the tier system of restrictions under constant review and will make any decision on whether a change is required for Mid Sussex.

“Should the district be placed in a higher tier of restrictions, there will be further financial support available for those local businesses which are adversely impacted.”