Coronavirus warning over planned anti-vaccination protest in Sussex

Sussex Police has delivered a coronavirus warning over a protest march planned in Sussex today (December 12).
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A spokesman for the force said an anti-vaccination protest was expected to begin at the Angel of Peace statue in Brighton at midday, which will then make its way through the city.

The force urged people to adhere to national guidance in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

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Protests are exempt under The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations 2020 but only if certain criteria is met by the organiser.

Police. Pic Steve Robards SR1817806 SUS-180108-084417001Police. Pic Steve Robards SR1817806 SUS-180108-084417001
Police. Pic Steve Robards SR1817806 SUS-180108-084417001

The legislation requires the organiser to have carried out a risk assessment and ensure all reasonable measures to guarantee those attending will limit the risk of the transmission of coronavirus.

The spokesman said police officers and PCSOs would be on the scene engaging with the public and encouraging them to follow the guidelines.

Should people flout the rules, enforcement could be taken, the spokesman added.

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Chief Superintendent Jane Derrick said: “We still remain in a global pandemic an there are rules and regulations in place to protect our communities and help prevent the spread of the virus.

“People have the right to protest and this is a well-established and key part of our democracy. However Coronavirus is a deadly disease and there are restrictions in place to prevent its spread and ensure our local business can remain open for trading.

“We’re expecting Brighton to be busy with festive shoppers and are seeking to manage any disruption to residents, visitors and businesses.

“We know the vast majority of the public are acting appropriately however those who choose to flout or break the rules and put other’s lives at risk will face the risk of enforcement.”

Brighton currently sits in Tier 2 of coronavirus restrictions. Its infection rate of 65 cases per 100,000 – as of December 7 – is less than half the national average of 134.