Some of the measures brought in in response to the Omicron variant have now ended. 

You can continue to protect yourself and others by:

• Getting vaccinated and getting your booster dose
• Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces
• Letting fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer
• Getting tested and self-isolating if required.

You can find local vaccine information, including walk in sessions and pop up clinics, on the Sussex Health and Care Partnership website. For example, 'superstar Saturday' in Hastings on 12 February where vaccinations will be available from a range of locations in the town, no appointment needed.

Early signs of Omicron infection are cold-like symptoms. So if you are feeling ‘a bit off’ or you think you ‘just have a winter sniffle’ then take a PCR test to be sure.

We urge everyone to get into the routine of carrying out rapid lateral flow tests regularly. It's very important to report the result of every coronavirus test that you do yourself. Find out how to do lateral flow tests at home and where to get them.

The NHS app is the fastest way to see if you're at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the sooner you can alert and protect your loved ones and community.

Have you taken a moment recently to stop and check in on how you’re feeling? In the distraction of daily life, it can be easy to miss some of the signs our minds and bodies give us to slow down and take care of ourselves, or when things aren’t quite right. COVID-19 in particular has created range of reasons you may be feeling low or worried at the moment.

Take a look at our article for signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression to look out for and where to get support with your mental health - including if you're worried about money, worried about someone else, or feeling lonely.

It’s so important to make sure you take good care of your body and mind every day, not just when you get sick.

Eating well, reducing stress, exercising regularly, and taking time out when you need it are effective ways to self-care. They can help you to feel well, stay healthy, and be able to manage in difficult times. Keeping healthy means you’re less likely to get seriously ill from coronavirus or other winter illnesses.

It may be cold outside, and winter brings its own struggles, but there are things you can do to help you stay well during the colder months. Visit the website for advice on looking after yourself and others this winter.

The minor injuries unit (MIU) at Crowborough War Memorial Hospital will reopen on Monday 14 February 2022 following a temporary closure.

The unit, run by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, has been temporarily closed since August 2021, when staff were redeployed to help the NHS respond to significant pressures across the local area.

With high levels of need, increased people requiring hospital admission and high and unpredictable sickness rates across the health and care workforce, this short-term measure allowed the NHS to continue to offer a consistent minor injuries service for local people at two out of three community hospitals in East Sussex.

The MIU will be open again from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

A new Local Offer website has been launched which provides a comprehensive range of information and resources aimed at supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The East Sussex Local Offer website has been developed to bring together useful information about SEND support and the services available across the county in one, easily accessible location. East Sussex County Council has designed the site in collaboration with parents, carers and professionals.

The modern and accessible website includes new illustrations, and features such as audio readers for every line of text.

Visit the new site to find out more.

There are a number of opportunities to give your feedback on NHS services in East Sussex at the moment:

• Children, young people, parents and carers are being invited to tell us about their experiences of using the physical health NHS services for people aged 0-25 years in Sussex. The survey should take about 10 minutes and closes on 6 February 2022.
• Have you used weight management services in East Sussex? The Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups are asking for your feedback as they are reviewing the support currently available. Take part in the survey before 9 February 2022.
• There's still time to give your views on proposals to improve the cardiology (heart) and ophthalmology (eye) services at hospitals in East Sussex. The consultations run until 11 March 2022.

East Sussex County Council leaders are set to discuss a £453 million budget which invests in vital services and helps prepare for future challenges.

The proposed 2022/23 budget ensures stability now, supporting services residents rely upon, and cancelling almost £900,000 of savings due to be made from the early help service which will mean continued support for vulnerable families. 

Full Council will be asked to make a final decision on the budget at its meeting on Tuesday, February 8.

Read more about the budget plan, including plans for the allocation of extra spending, Council Tax, and the future financial outlook.