Coronavirus: Eastbourne infection rates are in England’s top 10

The warning comes from Eastbourne council leader David Tutt as the town remains in the top 10 list of the worst infected places in England by coronavirus. And although the rate of infection is falling in much of Sussex, Eastbourne is still the highest in the county with 892 cases per 100,000 people, according to data revealed by the Public Health boss for East Sussex Darrell Gale.

Mr Gale said, “The rates in East Sussex have finally started to decrease. The weekly rate in East Sussex has declined from 777 per 100,000 last week to 579 per 100,000 for the week ended 15 January. This continues to be higher than the England average which is now 497 per 100,000.

“Eastbourne remains the area with by far the highest rate at 892 per 100,000. Wealden and Hastings remain above the England average at respectively 578 and 520 per 100,000, followed by Lewes and then Rother – 492 and 394 per 100,000 respectively.

“Although we appear to have passed the peak of cases in East Sussex, it is concerning that the rate in Eastbourne is not yet declining as fast as the rest of the county.

“The declaration of a major incident remains across Sussex. Hospitals are continuing to experience substantial pressures due to demand on beds from the increased number of Covid-19 cases now being higher than it was in April during the first peak.

“The continuing national lockdown measures mean that you must not leave, or be outside of your home, except where necessary. Adherence to the national lockdown seems to be having an impact on Covid rates and is starting to reverse the trend of December and early January, so I thank everyone for their efforts. By all following the stay at home guidance we can get East Sussex back to the low rates we previously experienced.

“Please all continue to share the messages about staying at home, hands face space, and the resources from Germ Defence – Spread the website, not the virus and adapt the messaging in the way that best resonates with the communities you work with.”

The message from Mr Gale was reiterated by Eastbourne council leader David Tutt who said the level of infection in Eastbourne “is a cause for great concern”. And he criticised those people who drove to beauty spots including Butts Brow and Beachy Head.

Councillor Tutt said, “I am amazed that there are still people who do not understand the seriousness of this pandemic.

“I hear reports of large numbers of people visiting Butts Brow and Beachy Head. The message is very clear, stay at home and work from home if at all possible.

“If or when you go out for exercise, keep that close to your home, you should not be driving to take exercise. Wear face masks, wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face and keep your distance from others, even when out in the open.”