Covid-19 rates are falling – but there is still further to go

Confirmed new cases of Covid-19 in Brighton & Hove continue to fall steadily during lockdown. The rate is now lower in the city than the rest of Sussex.

In the seven days up to 29 January there were 564 confirmed new cases in the city – a 36% drop on the previous week. This is equivalent to a weekly rate of 194 per 100,000 residents – which is lower than England at 269 per 100,000 and 244 per 100,000 in the South East.

However, high numbers of seriously ill patients are being treated in hospital for Covid-19.

Alistair Hill, Director of Public Health said:

“For the third week in a row, I am pleased to say confirmed new cases are steadily coming down in all age groups. I want to thank everyone in Brighton & Hove for helping to slow the spread of Covid so successfully.

.“Very sadly, I must also report that the most recent data shows the number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in Brighton & Hove is higher than the previous highest week in April 2020.

“This sombre fact is a reminder of the need to keep doing everything we can to stop Covid spreading.

“The new vaccination centre at the Brighton Centre is busily vaccinating eligible people to the government’s schedule. There is no need to contact your GP, the council, or the Brighton Centre to find out when you will get your vaccination. When it is your turn the NHS will write to you with all the details you need to book your appointment online or over the phone.

“While the NHS vaccination programme is underway, we must all do everything we can to stop Covid spreading.  Please continue to follow the rules by staying at home as much as possible and diligently following the hands, face, space guidelines – especially in busy places where you cannot stay two metres apart from other people.”