Category: Covid-19

Message from the joint East Grinstead surgeries 8 January 2021:

Having confirmed our first COVID19 vaccination deliveries, we will begin vaccinations within the next week (subject to changes in delivery dates). NHS England has set out clearly the priority order of groups of residents and frontline health and care workers to be vaccinated over the coming weeks and months.

We will be contacting patients directly to invite them to vaccination clinics which will be held at Meridian Hall, East Court, College Lane, East Grinstead, RH19

We ask that you do not call GP practices directly as we will not be able to assist. This will prevent phone lines being available for people with medical needs and other queries which inevitably stops patients who need our services being able to access them.

Here is a link to information on why people will have to wait for their vaccination – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-why-you-are-being-asked-to-wait/why-you-have-to-wait-for-your-covid-19-vaccine

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation throughout this pandemic.

As we return to a full-scale national lockdown, please abide by the latest government guidelines. East Grinstead Covid-19 rates have increased significantly over the last two days. Please see here to access information surrounding the rate of infection.

We have an urgent request from local GP’s not to phone them to book a vaccine and rather wait until you are contacted by them for an appointment. If you are not registered to a GP, please visit www.moatfield.co.uk where you can register.

At this time East Grinstead has officially recorded very high infection rates:  we are the highest in West Sussex with 2 of the 3 areas being well above the national average.

Everyone, within our Town, is asked to abide by the tier two rules so that the infection figures can come down and we can hopefully see the back of this virus. The more we bend or break the rules set out by the government the more chance of spreading the virus to those you love and the chance of being moved into the more severe tier 3. (damaging for our economy).  These are the rules in Tier 2:

We would like to remind everyone of the maximum of ‘six people outside’ rule. The rule also applies to school pupils who congregate after school as they are no longer classed in their school bubble.

When you are shopping or using the town centre, please think about your journey times; can you go out a little later when it is not so busy?   Mid Sussex District Council has enabled free car parking from 3 pm for each Saturday in December,  in all their car parks. Many shops will be staying open later (we are compiling a list and will post it as soon as we can) so please if you can go out a little later, it will be less busy and safer from larger crowds.

We are hearing about vaccination roll-outs coming in the next few weeks starting with the most vulnerable and elderly. Do not contact the GP surgery or other medical unit asking when you will get your jab; you will be contacted by the NHS directly.   Your invitation will tell you how you can book your appointment.

Mid Sussex District Council is urging residents who are struggling to meet their household costs to get in touch for support and advice.

The coronavirus pandemic has made 2020 an extremely difficult year and the Council is encouraging local people to seek help if they are facing issues with debt, are struggling with household bills or are finding it hard to pay their rent and/or Council Tax.

Mid Sussex District Council is signed up to the national Citizens Advice Good Practice Protocol, a public commitment to the principles of fairness, partnership working and transparency in local authority debt collection.

By working together, local authorities, enforcement agencies and advice agencies give Council Tax payers a better service, helping people to pay their Council Tax bills while accessing debt advice where needed. Early intervention and proactive contact with people struggling with bill payments can help prevent them incurring further charges and help alleviate stress.

“We know that there are people across Mid Sussex who are experiencing difficulties,” said Councillor Andrew MacNaughton, Mid Sussex Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning.

“If you are unable to make your rent or mortgage payments, our Housing Needs Team is here to help you. If you’re struggling, please get in touch so that we can help make sure you do not risk losing your home.

“Our Housing Needs Team are trained, knowledgeable, will work with you on your options, and can guide you towards other sources of support, like claiming benefits and debt management.

“If you are a tenant of a social landlord in Mid Sussex please get in touch with your landlord as they can also provide assistance.  If you are in difficulty, please do not ignore the problem because it will not go away.

“Landlords too may be facing financial pressures and tenants should continue to pay their rent if they can afford it. If you are a private landlord who may be serving notice on your tenant due to arrears, please contact us because we can offer advice and mediation to both you and your tenants to help avoid evictions.”

Councillor Ruth De Mierre, Mid Sussex Cabinet Member for Customer Services said:

“We want people to know that, if you are struggling to pay your bills, you’re not alone and we can help you get through this difficult time.

“If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax, we have a Revenues team who can put you in contact with the Money & Pensions Service, who provide free independent debt advice. They can help you to put payments of non-priority debts, like credit card bills, on hold and create arrangements that work for you and your unique financial situation.

“We know it’s hard to take that first step and reach out for help but the worst thing you can do is ignore the situation because it could lead to court proceedings, additional costly fees, and ever increasing debt. Ultimately, it could even result in you losing your home. Please don’t delay, get in contact with us if you are struggling and together we’ll help you through this.”

Jason Mather, Head of Client Services for Citizens Advice in West Sussex (North, South, East), said:

“We’re delighted that Mid Sussex District Council has signed the national Citizens Advice Council Tax Good Practice Protocol committing to fair collection practices, and to be building on our strong relationship and partnership work for the benefit of people living in Mid Sussex.”

If you are struggling financially please contact Mid Sussex District Council on 01444 477564 or email revenue@midsussex.gov.uk

To contact the Mid Sussex Housing Needs team call 01444 477574 or email housingadvice@midsussex.org.uk

Alternatively, Citizens Advice in West Sussex provide free, confidential, independent and impartial advice. Email or web chat at www.advicewestsussex.org.uk or call 0344 477 1171.

Key messages

• To stop the spread of the virus remember Hands. Face. Space: wash your hands regularly, use a face covering when social distancing is not possible and try to keep your distance from those not in your household.
• There is now very high demand for coronavirus tests and it is vital we test people with symptoms to help stop the spread of the virus.

If you have covid symptoms, you must get a test.

If you don’t have symptoms, don’t get a test.

We all need to play our part to protect the NHS Test and Trace service for those who really need it.

• A recent survey at testing sites found a quarter of people turning up did not have symptoms. If you don’t have coronavirus symptoms, and have not been advised to take a test by a doctor or a public health professional or by your local council, you should not be booking a test. Healthcare professionals will be checking those for symptoms at testing sites.
• If you have any coronavirus symptoms you must isolate immediately for 10 days (don’t wait for a test or a test result before doing so)
• If you are identified as a contact of a positive case you must isolate for the full 14 days (even if for some reason you got a negative test during that period)

You should NOT get tested:

If you have returned from abroad or are about to travel, you are returning to the workplace, you have been in contact with a confirmed case or if another member of your household has symptoms. You may be advised to isolate if you have been in contact with a confirmed but you should only get a test if you have symptoms.

By following these simple rules, we can ensure people who need a test can get one.

When to get a test or not:

• Only get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to get tested a doctor or a public health professional or by your local council. The main symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.
• Do not use this service to get a test in order to travel to another country. We do not provide certificates for travel purposes. You can pay for a private test.
• If your employer, school, or travel company has asked for evidence of a negative coronavirus test result, we are unable to provide this service. You should only get tested if you have symptoms.
• If someone in your household starts to have symptoms, then they must get tested and the rest of your household should self-isolate with them whilst they wait for the results. If you or other members of the household don’t have symptoms, then you should not get a test – only people with symptoms should get tested. Most people who are tested in person get their results the next day. Full guidance on self-isolation is available on gov.uk.
• If you have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus you should not get tested unless you have coronavirus symptoms. A negative test result does not change the period of time that you will be required to self-isolate.
• If you have been abroad and are quarantining, you should not get tested unless you have coronavirus symptoms. A negative test result does not change the period of time that you will be required to quarantine.
• Do not stockpile tests. If you develop symptoms in future you will be able to book a test. There is no need to order a test in case of future use.
• If you have symptoms and need to book a test, you can do this online or by ringing 119. Do not call 111 which is an urgent care service and cannot help with tests.

For organisations and employers:

• Schools: please follow the official guidance on testing. It is very important that this guidance is followed. Schools should not advise pupils or teachers to take a test unless they exhibit one or more of the listed symptoms. If there is a confirmed case then schools should not advise entire classes or year groups to get tested. Only those with symptoms or those advised by their clinician or Local Authority should get a test. Schools must not require students without symptoms to provide evidence of a negative test before letting them back to school.
• Employers: you should not be asking members of staff to get tested before they come into the workplace. You can also help by communicating the guidance around testing to your staff.
• Travel companies: you should not be directing clients to NHS Test and Trace to get a test for anything related to overseas travel.

Dear residents and partners,

So far in West Sussex we have had a relatively low number of cases of Coronavirus. That is mainly thanks to you for continuing to follow the government guidelines on regular handwashing, wearing face coverings, social distancing and getting tested.

However we have seen an increase in recent weeks in the number of people who have tested positive for Coronavirus.

We have to continue to do all we can to keep the numbers as low as possible. It means taking preventative action to stop the spread of the virus including regular handwashing, practising social distancing, wearing a face mask when appropriate and getting tested when you have symptoms.

Our website has the latest guidance and information on how to prevent the spread of the disease and what we will do in the event of an outbreak in West Sussex. We really hope we won’t have to implement these plans, but we are ready to act if we need to.

We’ll continue to monitor all our cases in West Sussex and publicise key messages about how people can help us to control the virus. The Keep West Sussex Safe information campaign is running across the county with a particular focus where there are areas of concern.

As restrictions continue to relax and guidance changes, it is inevitable that there are questions about what you can and can’t do, especially when it comes to gatherings and spending time with people outside of your household.

We have heard this week that social gatherings of more than six people will not be allowed in England from Monday 14 September. This will apply in any setting, indoors or outdoors. This single measure replaces both the existing ban on gatherings of more than 30 and the current guidance on allowing 2 households to meet indoors. There will be some limited exemptions. For example, if a single household or support bubble is larger than 6, they can still meet up.

Please continue to follow these guidelines. We appreciate how hard it has been not to see friends and family in the way we are used to, but there are ways to be in touch and stay safe at the same time. We are very grateful to all residents for their continued efforts to ensure the county remains safe. We have done so well to control the spread of COVID-19 in West Sussex up until now. Please help us to keep it that way.

Let’s avoid a local lockdown and keep West Sussex safe.

Mid Sussex leisure centres will reopen on Tuesday 1 September.

A special Council meeting took place on Wednesday 19 August to formally approve the new operating arrangements to ensure the leisure centres could re-open as soon as possible.

The decision to open the Kings leisure centre in East Grinstead, The Dolphin leisure centre in Haywards Heath and The Triangle leisure centre in Burgess Hill follows months of negotiations with Places Leisure, who operate the centres on behalf of the Council.

Since they were asked to close the leisure centres in March, Places Leisure have worked closely with Public Health England and the trade body ukactive to ensure the centres are able to reopen safely in line with government guidance. Councillors agreed that the Council would support reopening costs which are forecast as being potentially £2.5m in the year to April 2021.

As customers return to the leisure centres, they will notice lots of new measures in place to keep them, and leisure centre staff, safe. Signage will be in place to help people follow social distancing, there will be hand sanitising and cleaning stations, the number of people taking part in each activity will be reduced and cleaning regimes will be greatly enhanced.

Customers will be asked to book all activities in advance via the Places Locker app or the Places Leisure website. There will be a 15-30 minute changeover period between each session to allow customers time to exit their activity safely and Places Leisure staff to clean the facilities.

Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on leisure across the country and Mid Sussex’s leisure centres were not immune from this. We have worked hard with Places Leisure to find a way to reopen our three centres in a Covid-secure and financially sustainable way.

“The Council is making available a huge financial support package for leisure in Mid Sussex, potentially £2.5 million in this financial year, a level of subsidy which was not required before Coronavirus and without which the leisure centres would not reopen. Given the huge sums of money involved, which this year will come from the Council’s reserves, it is right that we have taken time to thrash out the best possible deal.

“Our leisure centres are an important part of our community and it’s fantastic that they will now be able to reopen on 1^st Sepember. I know how keen people are to get back to the gym, exercise classes and the swimming pool and I would like to thank residents for their patience while we negotiated this support package.

“Once the leisure centres are open, I hope that residents will make use of them. They are safe and the more they are used, the less the burden will be on the taxpayer. I hope that the reopening on 1^st September will be another important step towards a more normal way of life”.

Steve Warriner, Places Leisure Area Manager said: “We’re delighted that The Dolphin, Kings Centre and The Triangle will be re-opening on 1 September and we look forward to welcoming customers back to our gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools.

“You will be able to find details of our opening times, customer FAQs and a list of all our available activities on our website at www.placesleisure.org/reopening/midsussex.”

Thank you to the 17,455 residents who took part in our coronavirus survey back in May. We asked you to provide feedback on how the coronavirus was affecting you so we could better understand the situation in West Sussex. Below is a snapshot from the results:

Community connection:  48% of our survey respondents said the coronavirus pandemic had a positive impact on how connected they felt to their local community. A further 28% of respondents reported no impact, whilst around 23% reported a negative impact.

Your financial situation: 33% (around a third of all those participating in our survey) said their financial situation had been negatively impacted by the pandemic.  Just over a third (36%) of our respondents reported a negative impact on their job.

Mental health: Almost half the people in our survey (49%) said they experienced a negative impact on their mental health, and 30% said they were concerned about the impact of coronavirus on their mental health in the future, and 6% said they needed help or support with their mental health but were not getting it. However, 15% were not at all concerned about their mental health and 12% of respondents reported that the pandemic had resulted in a positive impact.

Access to healthcare/medicine/dental care: More than half of respondents (57%) reported a negative impact on access to healthcare, medicine or dental care and 53% reported being concerned about the impact of the pandemic on their access to these services in the future. However, 31% said they experienced no impact, and 5% of respondents reported on a positive impact on their access to healthcare, medicine or dental care.

Education: Just under a third of our respondents (31%) reported a negative impact on their child’s/children’s education or schooling and 32% reported being concerned about the impact of coronavirus on education in the future.  21% reported no impact on their child’s education/schooling, but around 4% reported a positive impact.  34% commented they did not know or said this question did not apply to them.

Lockdown activities: Overall, gardening was the most often reported ‘lockdown activity’ reported by our respondents (65%), followed by spending time on social media and reading books (both 52%), although there were variations by age. For example, whilst all groups reported spending time on social media within their top three activities, gardening was the top activity for those aged 45 and over (64-73% across those age groups), helping their children to learn at home was the most often reported activity for 35-44 year olds (69%), baking/cooking tops for 25-34 year olds (69%) and watching tv/streaming and time on social media came a close second (70% and 68% respectively) for those aged 16-24.

More of our residents are using online video meeting software:  72% of you told us you had started using online video meeting software, or had increased your use of it since the pandemic began.

Please visit our survey results page to see the full results and the actions we are taking.

Finally, a reminder that last week we launched our new campaign to Keep West Sussex Safe which has information online about what we can all do to reduce the spread of the virus. Our pages are being updated frequently so please take a look. 

Thank you for your continued support.

• Lockdown easing comes with risks of further outbreaks. To help us manage any new outbreaks in the county we have developed a ‘local outbreak control plan’ which includes details about the public health response and what actions businesses and residents might be asked to take – please take a look.
• Stay safe as pubs and restaurants reopen – Leaders from local authorities, blue light services and health have come together to urge people to stay alert to Covid-19 and avoid placing strain on local services as businesses reopen. Read more.
• More items allowed at recycling sites- From Monday (6 July) residents will be able to deposit more items at our Household Waste Recycling Sites. For full details read our release online. 
• ‘Select and Collect’ service coming to a West Sussex Library near you! – From Monday (July 6), West Sussex Library service is introducing a ‘Select and Collect’ service
• Help keep our county clean  As lockdown restrictions are relaxing more people are visiting public spaces and areas of natural beauty.  Keep our countryside, beaches and parks clean by taking a bag for your own rubbish in case you cannot find a bin, or the bin is full.
• Coronavirus updates – Visit our website for the very latest service updates. Visit the webpage.
• Birth registrations open for 2,000 West Sussex babies born since lockdown – Find out more.

Even though lockdown is easing if people still need support it is available

Wherever you live, if your request is urgent, for example, you are going to run out of food or medicine within the next three days, please phone 033 022 27980 so that we can make sure you get the help you need as quickly as possible.​

Support from district and boroughs – For residents who do not meet the criteria for receiving direct Government support, but still need help.

• Adur & Worthing Councils – Community request form
• Crawley Borough Council – Community request form
• Horsham District Council – Community request form

Support from the County Council’s Community Hub – The team are coordinating all other support requests across the county and arranging help.

Request support via our form (external link)