Keep looking out for Covid symptoms
In the 7 days up to 5 November (based on data published on 10 November) we had 899 confirmed new cases of COVID-19 in Brighton & Hove.
This is:
- Down 23% on the previous 7 days
- equivalent to a weekly rate of 308.2 per 100,000 residents
- lower than the South East which was 379.2 per 100,000
- lower than the rate for England, which was 356.1 per 100,000
What this means for Brighton & Hove
Alistair Hill, Director of Public Health at Brighton & Hove City Council, said:
“It’s good to see another decrease in our overall cases this week but our rates remain high, especially in school age children.
“To stop our case rate rising, it’s important we all keep looking for signs of Covid and make sure anyone with symptoms tests and isolates.
“With Covid now circulating alongside flu and winter colds it can be difficult to tell what’s Covid and what’s a cold.
“Although Covid symptoms are not the same for everyone, the main ones continue to be a high temperature, a loss of or change to your sense of taste or smell, and a new or continuous cough.
“These are often accompanied by other less common symptoms such as a headache, sickness, muscle pain, sore throat or runny nose that can easily be confused with a cold or flu.
“If you spot any of the main Covid symptoms, even mild, you should book a PCR test as soon as possible and stay at home until you get the result. And if friends, family or colleagues mention feeling unwell, please remind them to get a test.
“If you don’t feel well but it turns out not to be Covid, it’s still best to have stayed at home to prevent spreading infections to others.”
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 still 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. Walk-in vaccination sessions are available but many are currently busy so it’s best to book an appointment in advance 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 and others, 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.
- order free test packs online to be delivered to you at home
- pick packs up from Jubilee Library or Hove Town Hall
- collect packs from a pharmacy – you need to register for a collect code before picking up tests from a pharmacy
- get a supervised test at a pharmacy
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.
