Coronavirus (Covid-19) information

Latest information:

From February 24th

The government has published its plan for living with COVID-19.

This means from 24 February:

• You will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. New guidance will advise people who test positive to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
• You will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if you are an unvaccinated close contact, and will no longer be advised to test for 7 days if you are a fully vaccinated close contact. New guidance will set out precautions for reducing risk to yourself and others.

From January 27th, 2022, Plan B restrictions will be lifted. This means that:

• People should now talk to their employers to agree arrangements to return to work in the office.
• There will no longer be a legal requirement to wear a face covering. The government suggests that you should continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet. Face coverings will no longer be advised for staff and pupils in communal areas of secondary schools, nor for staff in communal areas of primaries.
• Venues and events will no longer be required by law to check visitors’ NHS COVID Pass, but Covid passes can still be used on a voluntary basis if the organisers of events wish them to be checked

On January 17th, 2022, the advice for self isolation changed. People self isolating as a result of a positive coronavirus test can stop self isolating at the start of day 6 if they get 2 negative rapid lateral flow test results on days 5 and 6 and do not have a temperature. Tests must be at least 24 hours apart. If either test is positive, people must wait 24 hours before testing again.

On January 11th, 2022, the advice for people who have a positive lateral flow device (LFD) test result changed. Those who get a positive result from a lateral flow test are no longer required to have a follow-up PCR test, and they should stay at home and self-isolate immediately.

People who have a positive lateral flow test result should only have a follow-up PCR test if:

• they wish to claim the Test and Trace Support Payment
• they have a health condition that means they may be suitable for new coronavirus (COVID-19) treatments
• they are taking LFD tests as part of research or surveillance programmes, and the programme asks them to do so
• they have a positive day 2 LFD test after arriving in England

Lewes District Council has started to accept applications for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant for businesses affected by the Omicron outbreak over the winter period.

Due to concerns over the new Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the government has implemented ‘Plan B’ of its Winter Plan, in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).

This means:

• From 10 December, face coverings will be required by law in most indoor settings.
• From 13 December, office workers who can work from home should do so.
• From 15 December, certain venues and events will be required by law to check that all visitors aged 18 years or over are fully vaccinated, have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or have an exemption.

The government advises that:

“It is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result should stay at home and self-isolate. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should arrange to take a PCR test as soon as possible, even if you’ve had one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.”

Lewes Town Council continues to monitor the situation, and thanks residents and proprietors for adhering to and encouraging the Plan B rules, including the wearing of face-coverings in indoor settings.

For more information

Full details of measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) can be found on the gov.uk website.

The advice issued by the NHS and the Government is updated regularly at nhs.uk/coronavirus and gov.uk/coronavirus

Town Council business and venues

Town Council premises

Town Council facilities and offices are open, operating at 75% capacity. Mask-wearing is mandatory and aspects of good practice will remain encouraged (social distancing, regular hand washing, etc) and any updates will be advised accordingly. These measures may need to be changed at short notice, and updates will be added to the Town Council website and social media channels.

Town Council meetings

Town Council meetings returned to being held physically from May 2021 in line with legislation. Members of the public are, as ever, welcome to attend meetings. However, in light of the above Covid-19 safety measures, capacity in the Council Chamber will be limited and members of the public are advised to contact the Town Council in advance if they wish to attend. 

Malling Community Centre

Remains open and continues to operate at 75% capacity in order to maintain a level of social distancing.

After January 27th, 2022 mask-wearing will not be mandatory, but is encouraged alongside good practice by attendees (an element of social distancing, regular hand washing etc) and any further action will be advised accordingly.

Event organisers are not required by law to check that all visitors aged 18 years or over are fully vaccinated, have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or have an exemption. This means that attendees aged 18 years or over must show their NHS COVID Pass, or an alternative proof of a negative test result, such as an NHS Test and Trace email or text proof, to gain entry into the event. However, if organisers choose to request a Covid pass, this is at their discretion. 

Vaccinations

The vaccination booster programme has been accelerated with a target of offering all eligable adults a booster vaccination before the end of 2021.

The Government’s advice reads:

“All adults in England have now been offered at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines are safe and effective. Getting fully vaccinated is the best way of protecting you and others against COVID-19.

If you have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine, you should get vaccinated. Evidence indicates that 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provide very effective protection against hospitalisation. It usually takes around 2 to 3 weeks for your body to develop its protective response.

To maintain this high level of protection through the coming winter, you should also get a booster vaccine for COVID-19 when offered. Winter is a difficult time when our immunity is weaker. Getting the booster vaccine is an essential part of ensuring immune defence this season.”

To find your nearest vaccination centre, search on the NHS website

Support

If you require further support, Lewes District Council has a page of helpful information and links