Covid-19 cases rise by 18 in East Sussex

The number of people who have tested positive for the virus was up to 1,759 as of 9am today (September 8), according to Public Health England (PHE).

The government health body is now including Pillar 2 tests – those carried out by commercial partners – alongside Pillar 1 tests, which are analysed in NHS or PHE laboratories and which made up the first stage of the Government’s mass testing programme.

The rate of infection in East Sussex now stands at 316 cases per 100,000 people, far lower than the England average of 537.

Across the UK, the number of recorded cases increased by 7,749 over the weekend, to 350,100.

Cumulative case counts include patients who are currently unwell, have recovered and those that have died.

Meanwhile, the total covid-related deaths in East Sussex is 235 people, according to the government.

In Eastbourne there has been 46 deaths. While, in Hastings the death toll is much lower at eight people.

In Lewes, 68 people have died in connection with coronavirus; in Rother 37, and in Wealden 76.

Throughout the UK, 41,554 people in total have died in relation to the virus.

These figures relate to the number of deaths of people who had a positive test result for covid-19 and died within 28 days.

According to the government, the actual cause of death may not be covid-19 in all cases.

People who died from covid-19 but had not tested positive are not included and people who died from covid-19 more than 28 days after their first positive test are not included.

Some data reporting by Patrick Jack.

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