Boost your protection and slow the spread of COVID-19

In the 7 days up to 3 December (based on data published on 8 December) we had 1882 confirmed new cases of COVID-19 in Brighton & Hove.

This is:

  • up 20.3% on the previous 7 days
  • equivalent to a weekly rate of 645.1 per 100,000 residents
  • lower than the South East which was 659.1 per 100,000
  • higher than the rate for England, which was 493.3 per 100,000 

The government has announced a move to Plan B and the introduction of further measures in England to slow the spread of the virus.

They include:

  • From Friday 10 December: face coverings must be worn in most indoor settings (not hospitality)
  • From Monday 13 December: office workers who can work from home should do so
  • From Wednesday 15 December: a Covid pass showing evidence of vaccination status or a recent negative test will be required to enter places where large crowds gather.

What this means for Brighton & Hove

Alistair Hill, Director of Public Health at Brighton & Hove City Council, said:

“With cases high across the country and in response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant across the UK, we need to boost our protection from the virus. It’s more important than ever that we all get our vaccines as soon as we can. It's crucial to get your booster if you are currently eligible.

“Testing and isolating are vital to reduce the spread. If you feel unwell, please stay at home, and if you have any Covid symptoms, book a PCR test or order one online.

“Before you socialise, meet others, or go out to any crowded or enclosed places please take a lateral flow test, keep your groups small, wear a face covering, and if you’re meeting indoors, let in some fresh air.

“Whatever the variant we all need to keep following public health advice to slow the spread of infection and keep each other safe.”

What you should do to help keep yourself and others safe

Get your Covid vaccines, your booster and your flu jab when you’re offered it​. View the latest advice on who is eligible and how to get your vaccines.

Take lateral flow tests before you meet others, socialise or go to crowded or enclosed places. Please report all results and if you test positive you must self-isolate and order a PCR test. You can order tests online, collect from Jubilee Library or Hove Town Hall or pick them up at local pharmacies (using a collect code).

Stay at home if unwell, to reduce the risk of passing other illnesses onto friends, family and others in your community.

If you have any Covid symptoms, or test positive with a lateral flow test, self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test.​ Continue to self-isolate if positive and access support if you need to.

Close contacts of someone who’s tested positive should get a PCR test and isolate if required.

Reducing close contacts will reduce your risk. Keep your groups small when you socialise.

Meet outside where possible, or open a window to let fresh air in.​

Wear a face covering in all crowded or enclosed spaces. From 10 December, face coverings will be required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport.

Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser regularly and cover coughs and sneezes.

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