This week saw the Government setting out a four-stage roadmap out of lockdown which aims to see all restrictions on social contact removed from the end of June 2021.

However, meeting each stage depends on the data. This means that it is essential for everyone to follow the rules for each stage so that we say goodbye to social restrictions as soon as possible!

Check out our summary of the roadmap, plus what you can do if you're feeling anxious about lockdown measures easing: The roadmap out of lockdown

The vaccine for COVID-19 is here and the NHS is working to vaccinate as many people as it can as quickly as possible.

The vaccine is available from more than thirteen locations across the county as well as two national vaccination centres, one in Eastbourne and one in Brighton.

However, we know that some people want more information about the vaccine. We have answered some of the questions that people may have and have cleared up some of the misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccines here:

Get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Did you know, that in East Sussex, food makes up more than a third of the waste in our bins? And if we all stopped wasting bread at home in the UK for a year, it could do the same for greenhouse gas emissions as planting 5.3 million trees?

When we throw away food that could have been eaten we are not just wasting food but the valuable resources that went into making it including water, land and greenhouse gases. 

Make quick, simple changes this Food Action Week (1 to 7 March) to help make a big difference: Reduce your food waste and fight climate change

The census is happening very soon, and it only comes around once every ten years!

Taking part in this important national survey means you get to help shape the future of your community. Your data will help inform decisions about services needed in your area, like doctors’ surgeries and new schools.

Find out why the census is important and how your data is protected. 

Being a mum can be hard work! This last year has been especially tough, with children at home and parents trying to support school lessons – often while working.

Make sure you thank the mums in your life this Mother’s Day, Sunday 14 March, with some of these ideas: Mother’s Day gift guide

County’s £417 million spending plans approved

Vital services in East Sussex will be supported with a £417 million budget after councillors approved spending plans for the new financial year. Read more about the spending plans for the council.

Information and support for residents who have been advised to shield

Information and support is available for residents who have recently been advised to shield because they have now been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus.

Promising results from innovative safety programme

Pilot schemes from an innovative programme to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on East Sussex roads have started to show promising results. Find out more about the road safety schemes.

Virtual LGBTQ+ exhibition launched

A virtual exhibition exploring the experiences of young LGBTQ+ people in East Sussex has been launched during LGBT History Month.

Project explores creative ways to survive lockdown

Groups hardest hit by the effects of Covid-19 and the restrictions in place to slow the spread of the virus are being invited to use creative pursuits such as music, art, photography and writing, to express their feelings and connect with others. More information about the The Everyday Creativity project is on our newsroom.