The outbreak of COVID-19 has posed a never before seen challenge for the emergency services all over the UK and in Brighton and Hove city it has been no different. David Fakeye reports.
In an unprecedented effort, public services across Sussex are coming together to protect and support the communities of Sussex in the face of COVID-19.Typical of the Sussex spirit, all branches of the emergency services all over Sussex have joined hands together to help in the fight against this ravaging pandemic.
A spokesperson on the Sussex Resilience Forum said, “It truly is a mammoth effort and local services are working together in a way and on a scale never before seen, absolutely committed to saving lives and protecting the NHS in Sussex.”
While the NHS in Brighton is working tirelessly to save lives, the police have had to adapt to facing a different type of problem. Police in Sussex has gone from their more traditional duties of chasing down criminals to making sure residents abide by the conditions of the lockdown as imposed by the government.
Brighton and Hove council leader Nancy Platts delivered a message which suggested that Sussex police are up to the task of enforcing the conditions of the lockdown. She said “It is vitally important we follow the lockdown and social distancing rules, but that will be impossible if so, many people visit Brighton. I will place police at the main train station this weekend and they will be turned away if they don’t have a good reason to visit Brighton.”
Sussex police reiterated Nancy Platts message when they echoed the constant pleas for people to stay at home unless they have to go out.
The official Twitter Account of the Sussex police tweeted “officers will be on patrol to reassure and support people over the Easter break but as ever, our plea is for everyone to do the right thing and stay at home to help save lives and protect the NHS.”
Meanwhile, East Sussex fire services have been struggling with the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, with a reported 58 staff off work after exhibiting corona related symptoms and are in self-isolation.
Despite the strain, the pandemic has caused the county’s Chief Fire Officer Dawn Whittaker maintains: “The fire brigade is still able to respond to 999 calls as normal”.
