Covid-19 cases rise in Brighton and Hove

The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Brighton & Hove has risen ‘slightly’ but remains lower than the national rate.

Brighton and Hove Council has released the latest figures which show in the seven days up to 23 April, there were 49 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in the city.

This is a 26 per cent increase on the previous week and equivalent to a weekly rate of 16.8 per 100,000 residents.

It still compares well to the rate for England, which was 24.8 per 100,000 and the South East at 19 per 100,000.

The ciy’s health chief has once again urged residents to remain vigilant and to stick to the government guidance.

Director of Public Health, Alistair Hill, said: “It’s wonderful to see no reported cases in the over 60s in this week’s published data. This is an achievement we should not underestimate.

“Although most will have now had at least their first dose of the vaccine, it’s also down to your continued efforts in following restrictions.

“While the rates in all other ages remain low, we have seen a number of cases in school aged children and young people. With schools and colleges fully re-opening, any need for self-isolation means missing out on face-to-face education.

“Just a few cases can have a big impact on learning. When mixing together outside of schools please stay safe and stick to the rules around group sizes and meeting outdoors.

“It’s crucial we all keep up good habits around ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’, as well as vaccinations, testing and isolating.

“I know I say this every week but we must not forget why we still need to do it. Covid is still around, it’s still dangerous and we need to do all that we can to prevent the spread. These are the same simple actions we need to remember and repeat.

“Carrying masks, making space and using sanitiser should now be like picking up your phone and keys when you leave the house.”

Mr Hill urged everyone to book up for a vaccination if they are eligible, and to encourage friends and family to do the same.

He said: “Vaccinations are moving quickly down the age groups. Anyone aged 42 and over is now eligible. If you’re close to this age, please keep an eye out and book an appointment as soon as you are able to.

“They also continue to be offered to those with underlying health conditions, unpaid carers and health and care workers.

“For those that are eligible but need support, there’s now smaller quiet sessions that can be booked, buddies available to go with you, mobile sites across the city each week, and free transport to get you to your appointment.

“And you can help your own friends and family to get vaccinated too. Talk them through how to get one and discuss any questions they might have. Lots of the answers can be found on the Sussex Covid-19 Vaccination Programme web page.

“Regular symptom-free testing is also now easier than ever. You can order tests online, pick them up from almost all pharmacies in the city, or book a test near you.

“Rapid testing is the best way for us to find the cases where there are no symptoms and isolate quickly to stop it spreading to friends, family, colleagues and classmates.

“And for those who are showing symptoms, please don’t use a rapid test, you must book a PCR test. There’s plenty of testing capacity in the city, so results are returned quickly.

“I know it’s not easy for everyone who tests positive, or is a contact, to self-isolate. But it’s crucial that anyone who needs to does stay at home for the whole 10 days. Support is available for anyone who is finding it tough.”