The infection rates in West Sussex continue to drop, with an average of 86.1 positive cases per 100,000 people across the county in the seven days from 13 to 19 February, compared to the national average of 119.9 per 100,000.
At the same time, more than half a million COVID-19 vaccinations have already been given to protect people across Sussex in the most vulnerable groups.
The news comes after The UK’s four chief medical officers have agreed the Covid-19 alert level should move from five – its highest – down to four as the risk of the NHS being overwhelmed within 21 days “has receded”.
West Sussex County Council is now reviewing the government’s lockdown exit plan and the impact it will have on our services.
The easing of restrictions relies on infection rates coming down even more. Therefore, health leaders in West Sussex have asked people to stick to the latest restrictions which currently remain in place.
Dr Tony Hill, West Sussex County Council’s Interim Director of Public Health, said: “As more and more people receive their vaccinations, each one takes us a step nearer to coming out of lockdown.
“I’m pleased to see the cases in West Sussex fall, but COVID-19 is still present in our community and numbers will rise again if we don’t stick to the rules.
“We must continue to keep West Sussex safe by following the current guidelines, washing our hands regularly, wearing face masks whenever necessary and keeping a social distance from those outside of our households.”
Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults & Health and Chair of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board, said: “The pandemic has been a difficult time, especially for those who have lost loved ones, battled coronavirus themselves or who have suffered hardship.
“The lockdown exit plan, along with the ongoing vaccination programme, hopefully offers some optimism for the coming months.
“However, it is still vital that we all play our part by following the rules to make sure everyone’s efforts to get us back to normal have not been in vain.”
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