Local Covid case rise outstrips national trend
New confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Brighton & Hove have increased sharply by 160% on last week’s numbers. Symptom-free lateral flow tests have helped find cases in time to take action to slow the virus.
In the seven days up to 10 June we had 213 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in the city which is a 160% increase on the previous week and equivalent to a weekly rate of 73.2 per 100,000 residents. That’s higher than the South East rate of 41.2 per 100,000 and the England rate of 72.7 per 100,000.
The city’s public health team have previously suggested numbers would rise now that regulations are relaxing and the Delta variant is the most common strain in the country. But such an increase in such a short time outstrips the national trend.
Alistair Hill, Director of Public Health, explains the background to this sharp rise. He said:
“Over half of those new cases were found in teenagers and young adults under the age of 25. This group hasn’t had the chance to get vaccinated yet, but that’s not the full story behind this jump. We know that a lot of transmission is occurring when people got together in close contact at social events and take the virus home with them.
“Fortunately, many of the cases were discovered by symptom-free LFD tests in time to do something about it. That just shows how effective routine, symptom-free testing is at finding and stopping the virus. Early detection means the people with Covid and their contacts have been able to self-isolate to slow down the virus
“I want to thank everyone who has self-isolated and helped to keep Brighton & Hove safe. They really are protecting others in our community by breaking the chain of transmission.
“The vaccination programme is making a real impact, that’s true, but at the same time too many people are relaxing too soon and forgetting the Covid safety guidelines.
“The Covid virus spreads in particles on our breath when we speak, cough and laugh. When people are in close contact with each other there is a risk of catching the disease by breathing in those particles. That’s why keeping up the ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ guidelines when you’re with other people is so important – both inside and outdoors.
“I’m urging everyone in the city – whether you’ve been vaccinated yet or not – to make the Covid safety guidelines and regular symptom free testing part of your everyday routine. And if you haven’t taken up your vaccination invitation yet, please make it a priority.”
