Covidiot visiting brothel among 700 fined for breaking lockdown rules in Kent where mutant strain first detected
A COVIDIOT who visited a brothel was among hundreds of people fined for breaking lockdown rules in Kent – the county where a mutant super-infectious strain of coronavirus was first detected.
Cops have revealed three women trying to hide in cupboards were also among the 700 hit with financial penalties for flouting the law.
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The dozy group were caught after police broke up a gathering in Dartford. Officers returned later that evening and found the three cowering in cupboards.
Officers have today revealed some of the worst lockdown breaches they’ve faced – as the Kent variation of Covid was found to be 30 per cent more deadly than the previous dominant strain.
One woman admitted she had tested positive for Covid three days before she was stopped – but was still out at 1am.
And police fined a man they caught visiting a brothel on the Isle of Sheppey.
Cops were also called to a house party in Canterbury after neighbours spotted 20 revellers crammed inside.
Elsewhere, a woman who refused to wear a mask in a supermarket – even after police offered her a face covering – was handed a fine after becoming aggressive.
In total, 729 lockdown flouters in Kent have so far been slapped with fines ranging from £200 to £1,000.
Assistant Chief Constable Claire Nix said: “We remain in critical times and, while the NHS have been remarkable in what they have achieved, they are still dealing with an overwhelming amount of seriously ill patients.
“The limitations posed by lockdown are difficult for everyone.
“While it is encouraging to see that many are being vaccinated against Covid-19 and the infection rate is slowing, we must not be complacent and use that as an excuse to breach the regulations.
“The virus remains deadly to many and it is crucial that we all do what we can to protect others and prevent overwhelming our hospitals.
“Officers will continue to patrol the county, explaining, engaging and encouraging people to adhere to the regulations.
“They will take action against those who show a blatant disregard for others by holding parties or going out when they have a positive Coronavirus test.”
It comes as Boris Johnson prepares to tell Brits there’s still a “way to go” in the fight against the deadly bug in a national address this evening.
The PM will urge people to continue to stay inside to reduce the pressure on the NHS amid fears the shutdown isn’t working as effectively as hoped.
The country saw its highest-ever daily death toll on Tuesday when 1,620 more deaths were recorded – but just 24 hours later, the grim record was broken with 1,820 further fatalities.
Yesterday, 1,290 more lives were lost, while another 1,401 fatalities were recorded today.
The new variant of coronavirus, which is highly transmissible, continues to surge through every region.
Yesterday, Priti Patel warned Brits who flout lockdown to go to parties will be stung by £6,400 fines in a fresh crackdown to beat the virus.
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And the NHS’s London boss Dr Vin Diwakar warned: “This is the biggest health emergency to face this country since the Second World War.
“For me and my colleagues in the NHS, breaking the rules is like switching on a light in the middle of the blackout in the Blitz.
“It doesn’t just put you at risk in your house – it puts your whole street and the whole of your community at risk.”