In the 7 days up to 29 October (based on data published on 3 November) we had 1174 confirmed new cases of COVID-19 in Brighton & Hove.
This is:
- Down 5.3% on the previous 7 days
- equivalent to a weekly rate of 402.4 per 100,000 residents
- lower than the South East which was 454.3 per 100,000
- lower than the rate for England, which was 415.4 per 100,000
Alistair Hill, Director of Public Health at Brighton & Hove City Council, said:
“Although the data shows a small decrease, our rate is similar to last week and remains high.
“Cases are highest in secondary school age children but are rising fast in primary age. Therefore the Public Health team have the following advice for families with young children.
“All family members aged 11 and over should take LFD tests twice a week to help identify infections at an early stage and break the chain of transmission.
“Tell older family or friends and those that are vulnerable to get their booster jab as soon as they are eligible (182 days since second dose) to increase their protection against Covid as well as their flu vaccination.
“There’s simple changes we can make to our behaviours too.
“It may sometimes be too cold to meet outside but please open a window to let fresh air in. Encourage everyone in the family to wash their hands regularly and encourage little ones to do the same. While rates are high it’s a good idea to avoid holding large parties and sleepovers. Keep wearing a face covering wherever you need to be close to people not in your household. And as always, if you have any symptoms of Covid, however mild, please don’t go to school, stay at home and get a PCR test.
“Please consider all the people you come into contact with. Grandparents who look after your children, friends you meet, relatives you visit, the people next to you on the bus or in front of you in the queue at the supermarket, and those coming into your homes to visit or to work. Think of them and do what you can to protect them.”
What you can do to help keep Covid cases down and reduce the spread
Get your Covid vaccines, your booster and your flu jab when you’re offered it.
- First and second doses (after 8 weeks) are available to book online or find a walk-in session near you.
- Covid boosters are available for people aged 50 and over, health & social care workers and those with underlying health conditions where it's been 182 days (6 months and 1 week) since your 2nd jab. You can attend a walk-in session but please be aware that many sessions are currently busy so it’s best to book an appointment to avoid a long wait.
- Vaccinations for 12-15 year olds are being organised through schools or you can book an appointment through the national booking service. Find out more about vaccines for 12-15 year olds.
- Flu vaccines are available now and free for many people. See who’s eligible and how to book. Many people are eligible for both the flu and the COVID-19 booster vaccines. If you are offered both vaccines, it's safe to have them at the same time.
Wear a face covering in crowded or enclosed places, including on busy buses and trains. It’s not just about protecting yourself, it can also help make sure others feel safe.
Meet outside where possible, or let fresh air in.
Everyone aged 11 and over should take twice-weekly lateral flow tests and report all results. If you test positive you must self-isolate and order a PCR test.
Get a PCR test if you have any symptoms, even mild, or if you test positive from a lateral flow test. Then stay at home and isolate for 10 days if you test positive. If you have any symptoms it’s important that you get a PCR test and don’t use the LFD home test kits.
Close contacts of someone who’s tested positive should get a PCR test. If you are a close contact and not fully vaccinated you should stay at home and self-isolate for 10 days even if your PCR is negative. If you are a contact and fully vaccinated (where you received your second dose more than two weeks ago) or if you are under 18 years and 6 months, you no longer need to self-isolate while waiting for your PCR result.