‘I stay in meningitis hotspot – covid-era face masks and hand sanitisers are again’
A man who is stranded in the UK town being ravaged by a meningitis outbreak has described the re-emergence of covid-era measures. There have been two fatalities – an 18-year-old sixth form pupil named Juliette and a 21-year-old enrolled in the University of Kent – linked to the shocking spread of the disease in Canterbury, Kent.
Juliette’s father said the family was “beyond devastated” and had “no words to express their loss.” Meanwhile, a third patient is understood to be in a medically induced coma as pictures show masses of young people in face masks queuing for antibiotics.
Dan Saunders, resident of Canterbury, told the Daily Star how fear of the brutal disease has spread through his local community with many planning to avoid pubs on St Patrick’s Day. “It’s like being back in the covid lockdown,” he said.
“The streets which are usually bustling with students, tourists and cars are now empty. We walked the dog through the town just after dusk last night and lots of the houses had no lights on.
“Any people seen in public spaces like the high street are mainly wearing covid masks again, and we are seeing hand sanitisers being used by all ages
“Many students have clearly gone back to their parents – which is a worry for the spread of the infection. I have spoken to other Canterbury residents and there is concern about how long this will go on.
“People are apprehensive about going shopping unless completely necessary. I had an appointment at the local health centre cancelled because they are closing their doors due to the situation.”
Mr Saunders said the “main concern” was for the “young people studying at out schools and universities, those struck down by the disease and their families”.
The outbreak has led to many choosing to avoid the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Mr Saunders said. “The normally vibrant pubs only had few elderly punters in them yesterday after the news had sunk in.
“All of the people we have spoken to are going to avoid the pubs and other social spaces for the time being. We normally have St Patrick’s Day in the New Inn pub in Canterbury, but have decided to give this year a miss.
“St Patrick’s day is a big event in our local calendar and the pub pull out all the stops for the evening with their amazing choices of real ales and live or impromptu music.”
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