'Act like you have it' to prevent Covid-19 spreading in West Sussex
Health bosses issue plea as infection rates continue to drop
Acting like you have it is the best way to avoid spreading coronavirus and help West Sussex come out of lockdown.
That's according to local health leaders, who have issued a plea to the public as cases continue to drop across the county.
Infection rates are now at an average of 86.1 positive cases per 100,000 people in the county as of the seven days to last Friday (February 19th), compared to the national average of 119.9 per 100,000.
At the same time, more than half a million COVID-19 vaccinations have already been given to protect people across Sussex in the most vulnerable groups.
West Sussex County Council is now reviewing the government’s lockdown exit plan and the impact it will have on our services.
The easing of restrictions relies on infection rates coming down even more. Therefore, health leaders in West Sussex have asked people to stick to the latest restrictions which currently remain in place.
Dr Tony Hill, West Sussex County Council’s Interim Director of Public Health, said:
“As more and more people receive their vaccinations, each one takes us a step nearer to coming out of lockdown.
“I’m pleased to see the cases in West Sussex fall, but COVID-19 is still present in our community and numbers will rise again if we don’t stick to the rules.
“We must continue to keep West Sussex safe by following the current guidelines, washing our hands regularly, wearing face masks whenever necessary and keeping a social distance from those outside of our households.”
Amanda Jupp, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Adults & Health and Chair of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board, said:
“The pandemic has been a difficult time, especially for those who have lost loved ones, battled coronavirus themselves or who have suffered hardship.
“The lockdown exit plan, along with the ongoing vaccination programme, hopefully offers some optimism for the coming months.
“However, it is still vital that we all play our part by following the rules to make sure everyone’s efforts to get us back to normal have not been in vain.”