Information on Coronavirus
For the most up to date information about COVID-19, go to GOV.UK.
Update (16th August 2021)
If you’re fully vaccinated or under 18 you no longer need to self-isolate after close contact with someone who has COVID-19. If you have symptoms you should still isolate and take a PCR test. Find out when to self-isolate and what to do on the NHS website.
Updated 16 July 2021.
Coronavirus remains a serious health risk. It’s important to stay cautious and help protect yourself and others. In England:
- Meet up outside or if you’re indoors open windows or doors if you have visitors.
- If you think you might have COVID-19 symptoms, take a PCR test and stay home.
- Wear face coverings in crowded places to help protect others.
- Check in with the NHS COVID-19 app when you’re out.
- Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds with soap.
- Get vaccinated if you are 18 or over. (You can get your 1st dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if you're aged 16 or 17.)
Go to the Sussex Health & Care Partnership website for the latest updates of Coronavirus news for West Sussex.
Sussex Health and Care Partnership have published a page with helpful translated information around COVID-19 and the vaccination programme.
If you think you might have coronavirus
Symptoms
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A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
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Loss or change in sense of smell or taste
Most people with symptoms have at least one of these.
Many people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others. This is why everyone is advised to get tested regularly.
Find out about regular rapid COVID-19 tests
What to do if you have these symptoms
- Get a PCR test to check if you have COVID-19
- You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result.
Find our more and order a PCR test
Get help from NHS 111 if:
- You are worried about your symptoms
- You are not sure what to do
How to self isolate if you or someone in your house has coronavirus
Stay at home and self-isolate.
- Do not go to work, school, or public areas
- Do not use public transport or taxis
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Do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home
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Do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care
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Do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one
Your isolation period includes the day the first person in your household’s symptoms started (or the day their test was taken if they did not have symptoms, whether this was an LFD or PCR test), and the next 10 full days.
For more information about when to self isolate and what this means for families visit the NHS website.
In England from 16 August, if you’re fully vaccinated or under 18, you will not need to self-isolate following close contact with someone who has COVID-19. You’ll still need to take a PCR test and self-isolate if it’s positive.
Local Tracing Partnership service
The Local Tracing Partnership service has been set up to support the national NHS Test and Trace service across East Sussex and West Sussex.
If you have tested positive for coronavirus, the national NHS Test and Trace team will contact you to give advice and obtain details of anyone you’ve been in contact with.
However, if the NHS Test and Trace team have been unable to contact you within 48 hours, your case will be passed to West Sussex County Council who will try and contact you.
The local service is based at the COVID-19 Community Hub in West Sussex and active from 8.00am to 8.00pm daily, including weekends.
For more information on Local Tracing Partnership services, click here.
How to avoid catching or spreading germs
Do:
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Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
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Put used tissues in the bin straight away.
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Wash your hands with soap and water often, and for 20 seconds – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
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Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Don't:
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Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Face masks - when to wear one
The legal requirement to wear a face mask in all settings has now ended. However, people may wish to continue wearing them, and that personal decision should be respected.
The Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas and some businesses and travel operators can even make wearing a face mask compulsory for customers and passengers.
Some people are exempt from wearing face coverings, read more here.
Coronavirus vaccine
Click here for updates on the COVID-19 vaccination programme in West Sussex.
Or you can go to the Sussex Health & Care Partnership website. You can find FAQ's here too.
Further information
Go to the Sussex Health & Care Partnership website for the latest updates of Coronavirus news for West Sussex.
Other places for information:
