The number of Covid-19 cases in East Sussex: scientific adviser issues warning to nation

The latest government figures show 1,884 people in East Sussex have now tested positive for the virus.

On Monday (September 21), the government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance warned the UK could see 50,000 new coronavirus cases a day by the middle of October, without further restrictions. Yesterday, 3,899 cases and 18 deaths were reported in the UK.

In its latest surveillance update, the county council said the seven-day average number of cases is ‘steadily increasing’ in East Sussex, adding ‘this mirrors the trend nationally’.

The number of cases is still well below the amount seen in April and early May – the peak of the first wave.

Eastbourne borough – 511 cases (seven cases per 100,000 in past week: September 11 to September 17)

Since September, Eastbourne has started seeing an increase in cases, according the county council. ESCC said many are linked to care homes which mirrors the recent national increase in care homes.

Hastings borough – 188 cases (two cases per 100,000 in past week: September 11 to September 17)

Hastings has seen very few cases of Covid-19 and only saw sporadic cases through June and July. However, according to ESCC, the rate increased in the last month, resulting in Hastings having the highest weekly-rate for any borough or district in East Sussex. Last week, the rate dropped, ESCC said, to the same as the East Sussex average.

Lewes district – 418 cases (four cases per 100,000 in past week: September 11 to September 17)

ESCC said there appears to be a ‘small but notable’ increase in cases in Lewes but said the low numbers make it hard to interpret currently.

Rother district – 225 cases (four cases per 100,000 in past week: September 11 to September 17)

ESCC said Rother has seen a notable increases in cases during September, which reflects the increases in both East Sussex and nationally.

Wealden district – 542 cases (four cases per 100,000 in past week: September 11 to September 17)

Wealden has seen a gradual increases in cases in the past few weeks, according to ESCC, and again reflects the picture seen in East Sussex and nationally.