Covid-19: don't drop your guard over the holiday period

In the 7 days up to 11 December (based on data published on 16 December) we had 1884 confirmed new cases of COVID-19 in Brighton & Hove.

This is:

  • down 1.7% on the previous 7 days
  • equivalent to a weekly rate of 645.8 per 100,000 residents
  • lower than the South East which was 658.5 per 100,000
  • higher than the rate for England, which was 540.1 per 100,000 

The government has introduced further measures and changes to testing and vaccine eligibility this week to slow the spread of the virus.

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

“Although there has been a very small drop in the published weekly case rate, in the last two days we have seen 900 new infections reported. This rapid increase is explained by the spread of the Omicron variant and I expect this trend to continue in the coming days.

“Please don’t drop your guard over the holiday period – the actions you take now will reduce the risk to you and others.”

Actions we should all take to keep ourselves and others safe

Prioritise booking your 1st, 2nd and Covid booster vaccines and your flu jab as soon as you’re able to. Book online or call 119 to make an appointment. If you can’t book at first, check again as appointments are being added every day. Please keep local and dedicated walk-in sessions for those who really need it.

  • The Covid booster is now available for everyone aged 18 or over where it has been 3 months (91 days) since your second dose.
  • Flu vaccines are available now and free for many people. 

Reduce your close contacts and keep groups small. The fewer people you meet, the safer you will be so prioritise who you see.

Meet outside where possible, or open a window when you’re inside, on public transport or in a car to let fresh air in.

Wear a face covering in all crowded or enclosed spaces. Face coverings are now required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport. You should also wear them in outside areas that are busy like bus stops, at outdoor events and when you’re shopping.

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

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 pick up test kits from Jubilee Library, Hove Town Hall or at local pharmacies and you can order tests online.

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.

If you've been in close contact with someone who's tested positive for COVID-19 (any variant) and you’re:

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