The county of West Sussex remains at the Medium COVID-19 alert level so just a reminder of the main rules we should follow: –
People must not meet in groups larger than 6, indoors or outdoors.
You should work from home where possible
All businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law, such as nightclubs.
Certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am.
Schools, universities and places of worship remain open.
Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees.
Organised indoor sport and exercise classes can continue to take place, provided the Rule of Six is followed.
A very comprehensive version of the Government guidance notes on Medium alert level can be found here: –
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-medium
A number of visual aids have been produced to remind us of all the various protocols to observe to help prevent the spread of coronavirus – and now we have a Local Medium Covid Alert Poster you might care to print as a quick guide – unfortunately BPC is not offering free fridge magnets! The poster can be found here: –
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/926136/COVID-19_LocalAlertLevel_Medium.pdf
Coronavirus cases in West Sussex
In their latest report WSCC have advised as follows: –
“In the 14 days between 27 September and 10 October, 587 people tested positive in West Sussex. Cases are rising but at 37.2 cases per 100,000 population (the weekly incidence rate), West Sussex remains below the regional and national level. For comparison, the seven-day incidence rate for England (published 12 October 2020) was 150.1 per 100,000 population, for the period 1October to 7 October. The seven-day incidence rate varies amongst our districts and boroughs as does which district and borough has the highest rate. Over the period 4 October to 10 October, Horsham had the highest rate with 54.2 per 100,000 population and Arun had the lowest rate at 19.9 per 100,000 population.
“Of the people testing positive for COVID-19 in West Sussex over the seven-day period, 69% were aged under 40, and 9% were over 60. Young adults showed the highest age-specific incidence rate during this period”.
Travel corridors
For the latest update from the Government on countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate please see here:-
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridorsutm_source=6235edd8-632c-41b3-9ffd-4f977d184e8b&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-
notifications&utm_content=immediate
Fraud and the pandemic
Charity Fraud Awareness Week runs from the 19th to 23rd October and The Charity Commission is warning trustees and donors to strengthen defences as it fears the pandemic has created environments that are enabling charity fraud. For further information please see here: –
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/watchdog-warns-charities-and-the-public-to-protect-
themselves-against-fraudsters-amid-pandemic?utm_source=09125f01-f8b4-4c81-98ca-
7c317894577f&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
You may recall that in our Newsletter of 30th September we reported that scammers purporting to represent the NHS Test and Trace service were telling people they needed to be tested – at a cost of £50 – and requested credit card or bank details. Unfortunately, as the Charity Commission warns, attempted fraud has increased significantly in these current times and we would thoroughly recommend that you have a look at an excellent guide from Sussex Police of the type of scams you may encounter, how to deal with them and report them.Please see here: –
https://www.sussex.police.uk/search?q=scam
Please stay safe and keep well and do not hesitate to ask for help with shopping and medical prescriptions by contacting: –
Fr. Peter Mallinson (Bury) 839057 or Ken & Diana Rowsell (West Burton) on 831475
