Sussex coronavirus lead reveals battle with the virus

ACC Dave Miller is urging us to 'work together and protect each other'.

Author: Ryan BurrowsPublished 15th Jan 2021

The man leading Sussex's fight against coronavirus has revealed the effect the virus has had on him personally.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Miller, head of the Sussex Resilience Forum and leader of Operation Apollo since last year, tested positive for the virus six weeks ago.

In an open letter to the county, ACC Miller said that he was suffering from coughing fits and fatigue as a result of the 'invisible enemy'.

"I have a brother who is working exhaustingly to keep a care team running in Brighton; watching him struggle as they attempt to provide 24/7 care to people who desperately need it.

"As a school governor and father, I too am experiencing the challenges parents are facing as yet again they are asked to balance work and childcare at short notice.

"Like many of us, I have friends in the NHS and hear how very difficult it has been and continues to be for them, their patients and families.

"None of us are immune. None of us. And seems to be a complete lottery as to how we'll be affected. We can all contract it and pass it on, some of us without even knowing we are doing it."

ACC Miller has urged Sussex to 'stay strong, work together and protect each other' in the hopes that the virus can be overcome sooner.

He has said that emergency service teams would continue to work on areas such as logistics, the delivery of PPE to those who need it and the ongoing vaccination effort, which may also involve members of the armed forces.

In his message, ACC Miller said the 'vast majority' of people in Sussex and Surrey are continuing to 'accept the personal responsibility' of sticking to lockdown rules.

He has told those who bend the rules that it is 'not OK to be reckless or irresponsible because we are tired, frustrated, bored', and promised that officers would continue to sanction people for breaches.

"Twelve months ago, while I knew this was coming, I was concerned, not fearful. Now I am. I am worried for the people who are vulnerable; for the elderly.

"I fear for our children and the lack of socialisation they are experiencing. I worry for the long-term impact of Covid on myself and my family.

"But most of all, I worry about the people who are not adhering to the guidelines – the ones not concerned by police enforcement or social responsibility.

"The ones where even the pain and suffering that this horrible virus is inflicting on humanity isn’t enough to prevent them from taking responsibility and keeping each other safe."

ACC Miller's open letter can be read in full here.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.