The NHS has urged the public to “remain vigilant” amid a rise in Covid cases.

The health service in Sussex said healthcare settings need to continue to limit the spread of infection because of vulnerable people in their care. 

But they have seen a rise in people coming to hospital for other reasons who also have Covid - meaning they need to be treated separately from those who are infection-free.

Hospitals in the county have also seen rising numbers of staff off work with Covid, putting added pressure on services and those staff who are working.

The NHS is asking the public to play their part in helping healthcare workers provide the best possible services during this time, urging people to save emergency services for saving lives, use the right services for your needs, wear a mask in hospital and healthcare settings and be patient with staff.

Chief nursing officer, Allison Cannon said: “It is important that, as we transition to living with Covid, we still remain vigilant and protect the most vulnerable in society, as well as those who work in healthcare settings. 

“You must still wear a face covering when using health services and you should also keep practising good hand hygiene.

“If you are over 75, you may have already received a letter inviting you to get your spring booster, it is extremely important you do this, as Covid is still present in our communities and we want to ensure you are as protected from it as possible.

“If you are yet to have your first or second dose of the vaccine, or your original booster, please also come forward.”

Public health director for Brighton and Hove Alistair Hill said that, while free testing has come to an end, the pandemic has not come to an end.

He said: “Rates remain high across Sussex and it’s up to us all to follow the public health advice to protect ourselves, our communities and those who are most at risk.

“Vaccination remains our best defence, and low-dose vaccines are now available to all children aged five to 11 years, in addition to those aged 12 and over who are eligible.

“Together with basic good hygiene like covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing as well as regular hand washing, we can all help to keep Sussex safe.”

People who test positive are no longer legally required to self-isolate, but are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days.

Masks are no longer legally required in most public spaces, but are still required in healthcare settings, including GP surgeries, hospitals and care homes.

Free PCRs and lateral flow tests are now only available for some patients in hospital, care home residents, people working in some high-risk settings - including hospitals, care homes and prisons, and people eligible for community Covid drug treatments because they are at higher risk of serious illness if infected.