CAROLINE ANSELL MP: We must be vigilant, but confident, when leading our daily lives

This was also largely to be expected when the tougher lockdown measures were eased.

It really is now a case of seeing how the ‘new normal’ affects infection numbers but the government has shown it will take quick action to limit the spread.

The fact remains it will not be possible to eliminate this pandemic unless there is a vaccine so we will have to learn to live with it as best we can and do everything to limit its spread.

This means there will be flare-ups in different places but we have a better idea of how the virus works and better treatments for it.

We must be vigilant but also confident we can go about our daily lives.

Here in Eastbourne the infection rate is stable.

We do have cases but they are, at present, not rising.

This is good news but we must not be complacent otherwise we could run the risk of being put back into some form of lockdown too.

Testing is available again until Saturday in Eastbourne but you must book in advance using the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/

Anyone who has symptoms needs to get tested as it will help with test and trace.

In great news for our town, the Grade II listed Winter Garden has received £1.6 million from the government to restore the building to its Victorian splendour.

This is yet another substantial government investment in our town and it is most welcome.

The funding is part of the £900m Getting Building Fund covering 34 projects.

The cash recognises the Winter Garden is a cultural destination of regional importance and it shows that we must also look to the future if we are to recover from this pandemic.

Other good news about the project is it will add a much needed £1 million to the local economy, create and safeguard scores of jobs and make sure Eastbourne remains a top cultural destination along the south coast.

In more positive news, Eat Out to Help Out throughout August has started, and more than 100 Eastbourne and Willingdon restaurants have signed up.

If you can, please support our vital hospitality industry – it has been hard hit by COVID-19.

Diners receive a 50 per cent discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in, up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner.

The scheme is available very Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until August 31 and you can use it as many times as you like.