Symptom-free testing, one vaccination experience, and more - today's coronavirus update

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Coronavirus alerts.

19 March 2021

 

This update is for members of East Sussex County Council and our partners

Vaccine programme in Sussex - latest

vaccine update

This week the NHS in Sussex passed 100 days since it delivered the county's first Covid-19 vaccination. Progress since then has been outstanding and data published yesterday shows that 739,357 doses have been delivered up to 14 March.

As the Government announced earlier this week, there will be a reduction in vaccine supply from 29 March. This means that a smaller number of first doses will be available for around four weeks from that date.

Since the start of the vaccination programme the NHS has been adjusting to fluctuations in vaccine delivery week-by-week and is used to working in this flexible way.   

It is stressing that all booked vaccination appointments will continue unless individuals hear directly from a vaccination service or centre. 


No-one's safe until we're all safe

symptom free

Businesses and organisations looking for symptom-free testing for their workforce have just under two week to apply directly to the government scheme.

The scheme is open to all businesses registered in England whose employees cannot work from home. Businesses must register for the scheme before 31st March. Full details are available on the government website.            

Symptom-free Covid-19 testing is also now available across Sussex for anyone over 18 who cannot work from home and who does not have access to a symptom-free test through other routes. For more information visit: http://ow.ly/aoey50E038h


Transport to vaccine appointments

sign

East Sussex residents who have no means to get to their COVID-19 vaccination appointment can now book a free return journey to help them attend.

To book free travel please book your vaccination appointment first and then call 07871 603 235 to speak to a travel coordinator. The booking service is available between 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00 Monday to Friday.

Once you are through to a travel coordinator you will be asked the following questions:

  • Do you have access to transport to attend your vaccine appointment?
  • Do you have a family member, friend or carer who can help with transport? They do not have to be in your bubble as per government guidelines.

If both of these options are not available the travel coordinator will arrange transport for you, including any additional needs such as wheelchair-friendly vehicles.

All transport providers have signed up to a COVID-19 safety policy to ensure that all precautions are in place for a safe journey.


Vaccination - one patient's experience

vaccine jab

Attending a vaccination appointment can be a daunting prospect for many – but it’s one of the most important steps in our fight against coronavirus. Thousands of people across East Sussex have already had one or both doses of their Covid-19 vaccination and our local NHS services are working hard on keeping up that momentum.

Beaconsfield Road Surgery in Hastings has shared a story from one of their patients, describing the process of receiving their vaccination at the Kings Centre. From the text message inviting them to booking to actually getting the jab itself, this is a really useful summary of what you can expect when you attend your vaccination appointment. Read this Patient's journey


Let's make sure young carers get support

Young Carers

It was Young Carers Action Day on Tuesday (16 March) and the theme this year was about protecting young carers' futures and making sure each young person gets the support they need. We want to let them know that they are not alone - especially during the pandemic and lockdown when pressures on young carers have increased.

Care for the Carers offers support to all young carers aged 5 to 17 years living, attending school or caring for someone in East Sussex. Their service provides support to young carers before they reach crisis point and to help their physical and mental wellbeing. If you know a young person who could benefit from this support, find out more at Young Carers Service in East Sussex


East Sussex - latest Covid-19 cases

Stay Home

The number of new cases in East Sussex continues to be much lower than the national figure. 

The latest stats show an infection rate of 16 new cases per 100,000 population in East Sussex while the rate for England is 58.

The figures reported below show the number of new cases for the latest 7-day period available.  For comparison, the figure in brackets is the number of new cases in the seven day period covered by the previous update. Source: https://coronavirus-staging.data.gov.uk/details/cases   18 March, 2021

Table: Total number of lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in East Sussex in the seven days leading up to 13 March 2021

Area

           No. new of cases                

  Rate per 100,000 population

 

 

 

 

Eastbourne

       17 (13 previous update)

            16 (12) 

 

 

 

 

Hastings

               21 (28) 

            23 (30) 

 

 

 

 

Lewes

               26 (28) 

            25 (27) 

 

 

 

 

Rother

               10 (12) 

            10 (12) 

 

 

 

 

Wealden

               16 (19)

            10 (12) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East Sussex

       90 (100 previous update)

             16 (18)

 

 

 

 

England

        32,793 (33,016)

             58 (59)

 

 

 

 

You can also see fuller context for East Sussex and commentary from the Director of Public Health in the weekly bulletin published each Friday.


ESCC help and advice webpage

Coronavirus alerts.

There is a web page on our website that brings together a range of information and advice regarding the coronavirus. 

Visit: Coronavirus - help and support


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