Coronavirus: The Latest Developments In Sussex (Wednesday, 8)

Here’s all the coronavirus related news that’s gone on in Sussex over the last 7 days.

As of Wednesday, (July 8) at 6am, the following figures are the known number of Covid-19 cases in each district:

East Sussex - 1.494

West Sussex - 2,691

Brighton and Hove - 768

Sussex Total - 4,953

RSPCA fears more calls about abandoned pets as lockdown financial woes bite.

After 373 calls about abandoned pet animals last summer, the RSPCA said it fears a greater number this year as financial problems caused by the coronavirus lockdown begin to bite harder.

The charity said it typically sees abandonment peak in the summer months. 

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A University of Sussex professor says mathematical predictions about the spread of coronavirus can never be fully accurate: and politicians should remember this, and not abuse them to make political points.

A group of 22 experts, including a professor from the University of Sussex, have warned that coronavirus researchers modelling the pandemic are 'too precise in their claims'.

Professor of Science and Technology Policy, Andrew Stirling, is one of the international science policy experts who claim that researchers are not sufficiently transparent about their uncertainties.

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Brighton Palace Pier reopens!

Brighton's iconic Palace Pier reopened on Saturday with measures in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Pier announced its plans to reopen on its website and social media channels this week. 

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More work needs doing to clean-up Rother's coastline. Over a single weekend, ten tonnes were found.

After almost 10 tonnes of waste was collected from one beach in Sussex in just one week - a campaign has been launched to clean up Rother's coastline.

While most of the rubbish – the equivalent of around 190,000 plastic bottles, was collected from bins on Camber Sands beach, council leaders are concerned at the amount of litter being left behind by visitors.

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Brighton and Hove Albion's charity says it staff we delivered 12,500 meals to 800 local families in just eight weeks.

The cost of providing emergency food during the covid-19 coronavirus crisis has risen to £200,000, with extra cash coming from Brighton and Hove City Council.

The money – some raised through a crowdfunding appeal – has helped pay for thousands of meals and food parcels for people in “food poverty”, according to a report to councillors.

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Chichester District Council is planning to use more than 8 million pounds from its reserves to pay costs caused by coronavirus.

Chichester District Council plans to use more than £8m from its reserves to pay for the costs it has endured during the pandemic.

The council has lost around £1m each month thanks to the loss of income from things such as car parking charges and an increase in costs such as finding emergency housing for the city’s homeless during lockdown.

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Arun's playgrounds WILL be among those reopening this weekend -- but social distancing must be in place.

Children in Arun will have something to celebrate - and to do - as play areas are set to reopen across the district.

In line with the latest guidance from the Government, some of the 80 play areas operated by Arun District Council are set to reopen on July 4.

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And playgrounds in Eastbourne are also to reopen.

Childrens' play areas in Eastbourne are to reopen from Saturday (July 4) in line with government guidance on easing lockdown measures. 

Eastbourne Borough Council's Neighbourhood First team is working hard to carry out safety inspections and essential maintenance ahead of their reopening.

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Worthing Theatres And Museum said up to 19 redundances are in consideration, along with wage cuts, because of uncertainty about when operations might resume.

Management behind Worthing Theatres and Museum tonight (July 2) said they are consulting with employees about possible redundancies, and plans for reduced hours and pay, as the organisation faces an uncertain future.

Despite being awarded an Arts Council England grant in June to offset some of the costs brought about by closures of theatres and museums during the coronavirus lockdown, Worthing Theatres and Museum said the support still isn't enough — and a restructuring must take place.

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