West Sussex: Covid Cases Above National Average - Director Of Public Health Warns NHS Under Pressure

Friday, 12 November 2021 07:09

By Jade McLean

Alison Challenger, the Director of Public Health in West Sussex, has warned rising numbers of covid cases in the county are putting the local NHS under increased pressure.

Between October 30 and November 5, there were more than 3,990 new cases of Covid-19 across West Sussex, which is an average rate of 459.9 per 100,000 people who had the virus in the county.

The national average is 356.1.

Ms Challenger said:

"We must all do what we can to help us stay safe as we head towards the Christmas period and bring those case numbers down to make sure we can spend it with our loved ones.

"The hands, face, space and fresh air guidance was crucial to bringing us out of previous restrictions, and we should all continue to follow it to bring down our current infection rates.

"A recent survey has shown that people still acknowledge the importance of measures including social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus. By following hands, face, space and fresh air we can actively protect ourselves and those around us.

"You can of course also still book a Covid-19 vaccination appointment via the national booking website, which also allows those who are eligible to book their booster. There are locations across West Sussex and you can even arrange free transport to and from your appointment if you wouldn’t otherwise be able to get to the vaccination site.

"It is also extremely important this winter that people get the flu vaccine if available, as more people are likely to catch the virus because fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Research shows if you get flu and Covid-19 at the same time, you're more likely to be seriously ill, that’s why I’d urge you to get vaccinated against both and take up the offer of free vaccinations if you are eligible.

"Please, let’s all help keep West Sussex safe."