Yesterday’s national tier review sees Brighton & Hove remaining in Tier 4 – Stay at Home.
The announcement comes as the latest data published on 28 December shows that in the seven days to 17 December there were 915 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in Brighton & Hove.
This is a 50 per cent increase from the previous week and is:
- equivalent to a weekly rate of new cases of 314 per 100,000 residents
- lower than the rate for England, which was 402 per 100,000 and the South East which was 492 per 100,000
- like the previous week, the numbers of confirmed cases of Covid-19 has risen in all age groups in the city
Doctor Katie Cuming, a Public Health Consultant for Brighton & Hove City Council, said today that Covid-19 was spreading fast in the city. She said:
“The new variant is much more transmissible than the previous one. You are at higher risk of catching Covid if you spend time in close contact with someone with the virus, than you previously were.
“Around one in three people with Covid-19 have absolutely no symptoms and will be spreading the virus without realising.
“The latest and best advice is for us all to act like we’ve got the virus.
“We must all avoid large gatherings of any kind, not mix indoors with households who are not in our support bubble and when we’re indoors, let fresh air in.
“This year it is so important not to meet up with people outside of your household or your support bubble to mark new year.
“New year’s parties and gatherings at this time could be Covid 'super-spreader' events, leading groups of people to catch the infection and potentially become seriously ill; resulting in the loss of more lives.
“Demand for all NHS services across Sussex has risen significantly with the annual pressures that come with winter and the addition challenge of higher infection rates of Covid-19 in the community in recent weeks.
“Staff across the NHS are working tirelessly to ensure they continue to provide safe consistent care and roll out the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
“Please help them by following all the guidance to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
“See in 2021 safely and smaller this year. Celebrate New Year's Eve and the new year at home."
Being in Tier 4 – Stay at Home means:
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The Clinically Extremely Vulnerable are advised to stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors for exercise or to attend health appointments.
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No household mixing, aside from support bubbles and two people meeting in public outdoor spaces.
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Hospitality closed, aside from sales by takeaway, drive-through or delivery.
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Essential shops can open. Non-essential retail must close and can only open for click-and-collect and delivery.
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Everyone must work from home unless they are unable to do so.
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Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities open during term time. Registered childcare, other supervised activities for childcare purposes, and childcare bubbles permitted.
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Gyms and indoor leisure facilities must close.
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Hotels and other accommodation must close (with limited exceptions)
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Personal care providers – hair, beauty, nail and massage – must close
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You must not stay overnight away from home. Limited exceptions apply.
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Funerals of up to 30 people permitted. Wakes and other linked ceremonial events can continue in a group of up to six. Weddings of up to six can continue in exceptional circumstances.
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Indoor entertainment venues are closed. Some outdoor attractions may remain open.
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Places of worship are open for private prayer and communal worship, but you cannot interact with anyone outside your household or support bubble.
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You must stay at home and only travel for work, education or other legally permitted reasons. If you must travel, you should stay local, and reduce the number of journeys you make. You must not leave a Tier 4 area or stay overnight away from home. Residents in Tiers 1 - 3 should not enter Tier 4 areas. Do not travel abroad if you live in a Tier 4 area unless an exemption applies.
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You can leave your home to exercise by yourself, with your household or support bubble, or with one person from another household. Outdoor sport allowed but gatherings limit applies except for youth and disabled sport.
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You can visit relatives in care homes with COVID-secure arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods, and window visits.
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No sports or live performances can take place.
You can find guidance on all the tiers on the government website
Support is available if you need it
The council’s Covid webpages have information on the services and support available.
Support in Brighton & Hove over Christmas 2020
The council’s Community Hub can be contacted for emergency help with food, energy bills and other essentials, please search for Brighton & Hove Community Hub online or phone 01273 293 117.
Book a test at the first sign of any Covid related symptoms
If you experience any Covid related symptoms – even if very mild – you must immediately self-isolate with your household and book a test.
There are three Local Testing Sites in the city in Portslade, East Brighton and a new site at Preston Park.
All tests must be booked online or by phoning 119.