Issue 7

Wednesday 25 March 2020

This briefing is sent to: West Sussex County Council Members, Leaders and Chief Executives of West Sussex District and Borough Councils, West Sussex MPs, and the Corporate Leadership Team of West Sussex County Council

Key contacts:

Anna Raleigh – Director of Public Health

Hannah Clubb – Head of Communications

Martin Funnell – Resilience and Emergencies

Key sources of information:

WSCC website

WSCC social media  – Twitter and Facebook

Government’s coronavirus website

The very latest advice and information is available on the government’s website including new guidance for staying at home and away from others.

You can keep abreast of government policy updates by registering your email address via this link.

The number of cases in the UK continue to be reported daily by the Chief Medical Officer.

There are 52 recorded cases in West Sussex according to the latest data from Public Health England.

We are working with the NHS locally to keep as many people out of hospital as we can. This is a joint effort across the health and social care system.

The NHS is writing to people it has identified as at risk of severe illness if they catch Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19). This is because of an underlying disease or health condition that means if they catch the virus, they are more likely to be admitted to hospital than others. We are developing plans to support these people through a community hub. More information can be found on a new web site.

We continue to review the fast-changing situation. Visit our website for the very latest updates.

Latest guidance on residential care, supported living and home care guidance is available online.

If you receive any requests for interviews or comment, continue to direct journalists to the WSCC Press Office. Our press contacts remain as follows:

Press Office – Pressoffice@westsussex.gov.uk / 03302 228090

Out of hours – Dutypress.officer@westsussex.gov.uk / 07767 098415

If you have any queries, please email publichealth@westsussex.gov.uk.