Two parts of East Sussex - Hastings and Rother - have been moved to the highest level of alert (tier 3) in response to rapidly rising cases of Covid.

The rest of the county - Eastbourne, Lewes and Wealden - remain under the current tier 2 restrictions

All of us, wherever we live and work, should do everything we can to stay safe and avoid spreading the virus. 

Hastings and Rother

The tighter new rules come into force at 12.01 am on Saturday (19 December):

• do not mix with anybody indoors (or in your garden) who you don’t live with or bubble with
• outdoors, do not mix in groups of more than 6 - and only in public spaces
• avoid unnecessary journeys, especially outside the area
• bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants are closed (except for takeaways)
• hotels, cinemas, theatres and other indoor entertainment closed
• shops, leisure and sports facilities remain open.
• Hairdressing and other personal care is allowed

You can read the full guidelines for tier 3 on gov.uk

Eastbourne, Lewes and Wealden

The current Tier 2 rules remain in place

• 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

You can read the full guidelines for tier 2 on gov.uk

Keith Glazier. leader of East Sussex County Council, said:

"I know these new restrictions won’t be easy for the people and businesses of Hastings and Rother but they’re a response to a very worrying rise in cases here and many other parts of the South East.

"We at the county council will keep working hard with all our partners to help get through this. I’d urge all of us to do everything we can to avoid spreading the virus and above all, to stay safe."

Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health for East Sussex, is asking you to do all you can to limit the risk of infection for you and your loved ones this Christmas. 

Darrell said: “Despite the efforts of so many, the number of cases In East Sussex continue to rise at any alarming rate - with well over 1,000 new cases in the last seven days.

“We’re all keen to enjoy the festive season after a tough year but if we relax too much now, by the end of January we will see many more hospital admissions, a huge strain on our NHS and more deaths.

“From 23 to 27 December you are allowed to be in a Christmas bubble of up to three  households. But that doesn't mean you have to do this. 

“I would strongly advise us all to think very carefully about the risks.  First, avoid travelling outside your local area.  Reduce your social contacts wherever you can  - could you keep in touch over the sprouts by video call this year?  Can any meetings with family and friends be done outdoors - by going for a walk together for instance?  And, if you’re at home with another household, remember to keep socially distanced and ensure your rooms are well ventilated.

“Let’s do everything we can to keep each other safe this Christmas.”