Healthcare chiefs in West Sussex are urging residents to follow the national lockdown rules, as the county's infection rate climbs above the national average.
Hospitals in Chichester, Worthing, Haywards Heath and Brighton are now caring for many more patients with Covid-19 than at the peak of the pandemic's first wave, last April.
West Sussex's infection rate has now climbed above the national average for England, according to the latest Government data - prompting warnings of strain for hospitals.
In the seven day period before December 30, the county's infection rate climbed to 555.2 per 100,000 people, with the national average being 518.5.
Chief medical officer at Western Sussex Hospitals and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals said:
"I wish to thank all our outstanding teams who have been working extraordinarily hard throughout Christmas and New Year.
"This week, we continue to care for an increasing number of patients with coronavirus, as well as many others in need of hospital treatment and emergency assistance.
"While we do have robust plans in place to ensure we can look after more patients, our hospitals are now extremely busy and our workforce is understandably tired and in need of people's support.
"With a more contagious variant infecting more and more people in Sussex, we're asking residents to help save lives by staying home. Please help us help you, by supporting the lockdown."
The national lockdown rules only permit you to leave your home under limited circumstances, but this does include seeking medical assistance and attending hospital appointments.
Dr Findlay added:
"Our hospitals remain open for everyone who needs them. Patient safety is our number one priority and we have extensive measures in place to keep both our patients and staff safe.
"Unfortunately, as the number of people requiring urgent care increases, we do have to postpone some planned care and routine procedures.
"We deeply regret having to do this and never take the decision lightly. We only take this step to ensure we are able to treat patients who need urgent care quickly and to maintain the highest standards of safety for all our patients.
"We contact everyone affected directly, so unless you hear from us, please attend any appointments you may have as normal. It is important for you to be seen. Thank you."
Residents are being urged to still use health services such as NHS 111 if they need to, and to still call 999 in the event of a genuine medical emergency.
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