East Sussex has been classed as at ‘high risk’ from Covid which means that new rules will be in force in our county when the current national restrictions come to an end on Wednesday (December 2).

The government’s ‘high risk’ assessment, announced today, puts East Sussex in the middle of three tiers of alert for coronavirus. It recognises that virus rates are rising here, although still lower than in many parts of England.

From Wednesday, these rules will apply in East Sussex:

• No mixing indoors with people from other households
• Outdoor mixing is allowed for up to six people
• Pubs and bars may only serve alcohol as part of a substantial meal. They must shut by 11pm
• Shops can remain open and hairdressing and other personal care is allowed
• Gyms and leisure centres may open

The high alert tier: what you need to know

All of us will still have choices to make about how we act within these regulations, as Director of Public Health Darrell Gale discusses below. 

Before the new tier system comes into force on Wednesday, please continue to follow the current national restrictions

A message from Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health for East Sussex.

"Putting East Sussex in the ‘high risk’ tier for coronavirus reflects the uncomfortable truth that cases here are still rising quite steeply rather than coming down, as they are in England as a whole.

"For months we’ve had one of the lowest infection rates in the country. But we’ve never been insulated from the risks of Covid spreading rapidly in our community and we’re at a point where that may be starting to happen, with 136 cases per 100,000 of population over the last seven days.

"This is still below the national average, but it won’t stay that way unless we act now to reverse the upward direction the virus is taking in East Sussex. All of us have responsibility for what happens next. 

"By following the rules set out for high risk areas, we can start to turn things around. In particular, I’d urge everyone to avoid crowds, reduce your travel and  social contact as much as possible and if you must meet others, do it outside if you can. 

"As well as following the regulations we all have choices to make. Reflect on who you really need to see at this time (or at Christmas). Think about how you'll avoid crowds, especially in shops and marketplaces.  If you really need to go Christmas shopping for instance, why not do it at less busy times?

"It will be many months before vaccinations can alter the overall path of the virus. But we can do that immediately by thinking about the rules we must follow and the effect of the actions each of us take. I’d love to see East Sussex moved out of the high-risk category, and I’m sure you would too.

"So let’s do something about it together."

The NHS in East Sussex is on the hunt for potential vaccinators and volunteers to help protect us when a safe and effective vaccine is available.

Nurses, doctors and other health professionals - including students and the recently retired - are wanted to help run vaccination clinics so all NHS vital services are kept operating smoothly. 

Find out more and volunteer