The latest number of Covid-19 cases in Hastings and Rother

In the past seven days, the town has recorded a further 679 cases, at a rate of 732.8 per 100,000 people.

Hastings’ rate of infection is by far the highest in Sussex, according to the latest figures.

In Rother, an area also placed into tier 4 restrictions which came into force on Sunday, the rate of infection for the past week is 500.6 per 100,000 people. The district recorded a further 481 cases in that seven day period.

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 2,045 cases of Covid-19 in Hastings, according to government data. There have been 16 coronavirus-related deaths registered up to December 4, the latest figures show.

In Rother, there have been a total of 1,806 cases since the start of the pandemic. The latest figures show there have been 76 coronavirus-related deaths registered there up to December 4.

Hastings and Rother was placed in tougher Tier 4 restrictions on Saturday evening.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation outlining the new restrictions, which are broadly equivalent to the national lockdown rules which were introduced last month.

The new tougher measures come into force on Sunday (December 20).

Hastings and Rye MP, Sally-Ann Hart said: “As we have all come to see in recent weeks, the rates of Covid-19 infections across Hastings and Rother are rising, and continue to rise, at an alarming rate.

“It is believed that in London and the South East this continued sharp rise is down to a new strain of coronavirus that seems to spread among people far more easily.

“Therefore, the Prime Minister has announced this afternoon that our area is now moving into a new tier – Tier 4.

“This means that from midnight tonight all non-essential retail must close, including gyms, leisure centres, hairdressers and beauticians; travel abroad and outside tier 4 areas is not permitted, expect for exceptional circumstances; you cannot meet anyone outside your own household unless part of a support bubble in indoor places; and now Christmas bubbles cannot be formed.

“I know this is incredibly tough for everyone, residents and businesses, however we knew that as we approached the winter months of January and February, the NHS was going to be under incredible pressure and the virus would hold the upper hand, as viruses of all kinds do in these colder periods.

“No elected representative ever wants to impose restrictions like this on anyone, and I know this will be disappointing and frustrating news with all the plans that have been made. But we must get control of this virus.

“Now that the vaccine is being rolled out, we can see hope lies ahead in 2021, but we cannot throw away all our hard effort of the last ten months in this final stretch.

“Please do take this seriously and follow the clear rules and guidance. Keep washing your hands regularly, cover your face when indoor public places and on public transport, and keep your distance from anyone who is not a member of your household. And now, most importantly, you need to stay at home once again.

“Please everyone, do keep safe this Christmas time and look out for the vulnerable and those on their own.

“These are dark days we are facing, but the sun is rising and soon a new dawn will break upon a better, safer and hopeful new year.”