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National figures show there are now 73 cases of coronavirus in East Sussex confirmed by Public Health England (up from 45 yesterday). However, as testing has now been confined to those symptomatic in hospitals, and with some care home testing too, there will certainly be many more cases of the virus in the county.
We should consider East Sussex to have as high a prevalence as other areas; and live life accordingly; minimising all but essential contact.
(For information: Across the UK there are now 25,150 confirmed cases. 387 in Surrey, 383 in Kent, 146 in West Sussex, 44 in Brighton & Hove)
Full NHS advice
We continue to keep staff updated and recognise that we are working through exceptional times in which well-being is an essential foundation in supporting us all.
Here is some of the support on offer for staff:
- We have provided staff with tips for supporting their mental and physical health whilst working from home.
- The HR FAQs now has a ‘Wellbeing – Support for Staff’ section.
- We now have almost 100 mental health first aiders trained.
- We have made tools available for staff to carry out wellness checklists, that can be easily completed at home from our mental health resources on the intranet.
- The Employee Assistance Programme can support staff with counselling, debt management, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, managing relationships, including holding difficult conversations and support and advice for managers in managing staff.
- This week marked the start of the ESCC dedicated campaign for staff well-being during COVID-19. There will be a different theme each week, starting with emotional support. Every day on Yammer, there will be new tips, suggestions and resources to help staff get through this difficult time.
The Coronavirus Act 2020 introduced measures to temporarily ease local authorities’ duties under the Care Act 2014. The Govt has now published ASC guidance on how local authorities can use Care Act easements to ensure the best possible care for people in our society during this exceptional period.
Public Health England has published a factsheet and other materials Information for children to help children understand what Coronavirus is, the importance of hand washing and how to help stop the virus spreading. This was developed by the Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust. They have also made an animation to go with it. A We Transfer link to the video for download is here.
Community hubs are now operating in all five of the boroughs and districts in East Sussex. These hubs provide phone and online support for anyone who is isolated, anxious or unwell at home and do not have family or friends they can call on. Volunteers and staff from local councils and the health service will then ensure they try to get the right assistance to the people who need it most.
Contact details and more information here: Community Hubs
A reminder that there is now a web page on the East Sussex Council Council website that brings together a range of information and advice regarding the coronavirus.
The new page is here
This is a daily email to keep you in touch with how East Sussex is responding to coronavirus. If you do not wish to receive it, you can easily unsubscribe using the link below. If there are other people who would like to receive it they can sign up with their email address here
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