The government has announced that social distancing measures would remain in place for “at least” 3 more weeks.
– social distancing measures have been successful, but it is a mixed and inconsistent picture
– the infection rate has not come down as far as we need it to
– any changes to social distancing measures now would risk a significant increase in infections and undo the progress that has been made
The government also announced 5 things which need to be satisfied before they will consider relaxing the current restrictions. The evidence needs to show the following:
– that the NHS can continue to cope
– there needs to be a sustained fall in death rates
– there is reliable data that the rate of infection is decreasing
– operational measures around things like Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) are in place
– that relaxing social distancing measures will not result in a second peak of infections and deaths.
Everyone should therefore continue to:
– stay at home
– only go outside for food, health reasons or work (where this absolutely cannot be done from home)
– stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
– wash your hands as soon as you get home
Full guidance on staying at home and away from others
Anyone can spread the virus. Stay home and save lives.
Holiday lets must stay shut
Emergency legislation now in place states that accommodation providers must remain closed to guests until further notice. Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or similar, even for isolation purposes and holiday property owners must not allow guests to stay.
If guests who have previously booked accommodation turn up, they should be sent home. They are not permitted, by law, to stay. Accommodation providers who flout the law are liable for prosecution and face unlimited fines.
Public toilets
Following the continued restrictions on movement, the council will be closing the majority of public toilets in the city from tomorrow, Friday 17 April.
Mayor to honour city Covid-19 Community Champions
The Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Alexandra Phillips, is calling on residents in the city to nominate people in their community.
Nominations are being sought for anyone living or working in Brighton and Hove who has shown outstanding community spirit and dedication which has made a direct and significant positive impact on the lives of others.
To nominate, please send a letter or email of no more than 250 words (no attachments) including the name of the person, contact details and what it is that the person is doing to merit the nomination. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Nominations to be sent to mayorsoffice@brighton-hove.gov.uk or to the Civic Office, Brighton Town Hall, Bartholomew Square, Brighton BN1 1JA by the 1 May.
A panel of community leaders chaired by the Mayor will select the winners, whose names will be announced at Full Council on the 14 May. A Community Champion certificate will be sent to the nominee. At a later date, a celebration will be held in the Mayor’s Parlour to thank the Champions for the contribution they have made to their community.
Brighton and Hove update
As at 16 April, the city’s total number of positive cases stood at 227. There have now been a total of 256 deaths across Sussex healthcare trusts (not just Brighton & Hove).
The Council has established a Community Hub which offers additional help in coping with coronavirus. The Community Hub is focused on helping people who do not have an extreme medical condition but who may be vulnerable because they are isolated from help, too unwell to buy food or have other pressing difficulties because of coronavirus. Community Hubs also provide a place for people to find out about volunteering opportunities. To request support yourself or on behalf of someone else using the details below:
Community Support Telephone: 01273 293117
The Council is also producing daily briefings which can be found here
Healthwatch information and advice
We have started a project for our volunteers and staff to phone vulnerable people after their discharge from the Royal Sussex County Hospital. This is helping to ensure that people are receiving the advice and care they need.
Healthwatch is using your feedback to raise issues, concerns and questions with local servcies and city leaders. Your stories help us tell them what additional help and information is needed. Please get in touch and share these with us, both good and less good; as well as any questions that you may have.
Lastly, do remember to check out our website where you will find regular updates, answers to frequently asked questions, updates on local health and social care services, and links to other organisations who may be able to offer support. If you need information on a particular topic please let us know office@healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk
Healthwatch website. Information is available in a variety of formats and our fully accessible Covid-19 webpage can be accessed here