Fifty per cent drop in the number of new Covid-19 cases in Brighton and Hove - but it’s ‘too soon for hugs’

The latest figures show another drop in the numnber of new cases of Covid-19 in Brighton and Hove.

But the city’s health chief has urged residents to maintain social-distancing and said it’s “too soon for hugs”.

According to stats released today (April 8) in the seven days up to Good Friday, April 2, there were 46 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in the city - a 50 per cent decrease on the previous week and equivalent to a weekly rate of 16 per 100,000 residents.

This is lower than the rate for England, which was 39 per 100,000 and the South East at 35 per 100,000. Rates are even lower in the most vulnerable over 60 age group at 12 per 100,000.

Alistair Hill, Director of Public Health, said: “As a city we can be proud that our patience and diligence has reduced the spread of the virus so effectively.

“But although we’ve done so well so far, I need to everyone not to drop your guard yet. Covid is still among us.

“As tempting as it might be next week, when we can go shopping and enjoy a meal or drink outside with friends and family, please continue to maintain social distancing. It is too soon for hugs and we still cannot meet up indoors yet.

“Shops and businesses are going to great lengths to keep everyone safe. Please help them by following any one-way systems in place, maintaining a safe distance from each other, wearing face coverings when asked, and providing contact details for NHS track and trace.

“If you have symptoms of Covid please self-isolate and get a PCR test. Accessing symptom-free LFD testing, and self-isolating following a positive result, can also help to slow the spread of Covid.

“We’ve come this far by supporting and caring for each other. Let’s keep going while the vaccination programme rolls-out. Then we can stay on track and enjoy the next step out of lockdown when restrictions ease again in May.”