COVID-19 cases rising in West Sussex, but remain below national average
People are being urged to keep following government guidance during the second lockdown.
People in West Sussex are being urged to keep following government guidance during the second national coronavirus lockdown.
It comes as the Local Outbreak Engagement Board (LOEB) has met to discuss further steps in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the county.
The group, which includes representatives from the county council, district and borough councils, NHS and health professionals, heard the latest case numbers and infection rate in West Sussex was 98.3 per 100,000 in the seven days between 28 October and 3 November.
Amanda Jupp, chairman of the LOEB and the county council’s cabinet member for adults and health, has reiterated the need for residents to continue to follow government guidance during the second lockdown:
"While our rates locally are below the national average, cases have been rising over the last few weeks and there is still widespread community transmission throughout the county.
"It is vitally important that we look after ourselves as well as each other and ensure that we do not become complacent.
"We need to do all we can to slow the spread and keep West Sussex safe so please continue to wash your hands regularly, maintain social distancing and wear face coverings."
Face coverings should be worn when in public indoor spaces, in line with government guidelines, except by those who are exempt due to an age, health or disability reason.
The council is reminding people that visors are not a replacement and that face coverings should meet the standards on the government website.
The LOEB also received an update on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the work of the Community Hub.
The hub is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, to help those who need practical aid and support during the pandemic.
It has received around 55,000 inbound calls and online support request forms, made nearly 40,000 outbound calls and delivered more than 3,000 urgent food parcels across the county.
Requests for support can be made online or by calling 033 022 27980.
The meeting also heard the latest news on the Keep West Sussex Safe campaign, which calls on people to regularly wash their hands, maintain social distancing, wear face coverings when required and to self-isolate immediately and get tested if they develop symptoms which include a new continuous cough, a high temperature and/or a loss of or change in your sense of taste and smell.
Local businesses, organisations, communities and services can download and share campaign material, including posters, online.