Lockdown is working in Brighton & Hove

The rate of Covid-19 cases is now lower in Brighton & Hove than the rest of England and the South East.

In the seven days up to 12 February there were 200 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in Brighton & Hove. This is equivalent to a weekly rate of 69 per 100,000 residents and lower than the South East at 102 per 100,000 and England at 143 per 100,000

The number of inpatients needing treatment for Covid-19 in our local hospitals is coming down too. On 16 February, there were 63 inpatients with Covid-19 at the Royal Sussex County Hospital including 22 patients in need of critical care.

Alistair Hill, Director of Public Health, said:

“This great progress is thanks to the efforts of all the people and businesses who are staying home during lockdown and following the Covid safety measures when away from home.

“We all want lockdown to end as soon as possible. To help make that happen, please continue to stay home except for essential reasons and keep within your local area when away from home – especially with the predicted warmer weather coming at the weekend.”

Mr Hill also commented on the NHS vaccination programme:

“We also hit a vaccination milestone locally this week with everyone in the top four priority groups in Sussex being offered their vaccination. More than 450,000 people in Sussex have now received their first jab.

“The NHS is contacting everyone when it is their turn. To receive your invitation, please make sure that you have registered with a local GP.”