With 56 new confirmed cases of Covid Brighton & Hove last week rates in the city are still lower than England as a whole and remain in the same range as the South East.
In the seven days up to 28 May we had 56 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in Brighton & Hove which is a 71% increase on the previous week and equivalent to a weekly rate of 19.3 per 100,000 residents. That’s close to the South East rate of 20.7 per 100,000 and lower than the England, which was 30.9 per 100,000
Head of Public Health Intelligence, Kate Gilchrist, explained why we should focus on the story behind the numbers and not be overconcerned by the high percentage rise.
She said:
“This week we saw an increase of 23 cases, compared with 33 cases in the previous week, but in percentage terms this is a 71% increase. In the past few weeks, overall rates have been relatively low. So, when seen as a percentage, even a modest rise in cases looks like a sharp percentage rise.
“We can expect to see numbers vary week on week as we ease out of lockdown. But even so, we need to remain alert because every new case reported shows us the virus is still circulating among us.
“The biggest number of reported cases was among young people and young adults who have not yet been vaccinated. But reassuringly, in the 60+ age group cases remain very low. This is especially significant as most people in that age group will have had both vaccinations, which demonstrates how successful the vaccines are at controlling the virus.
“Vaccinations are proving to be very effective at reducing the spread of Covid but on their own are not enough to keep Brighton & Hove safe. The Covid safety guidelines of hands, face, space and fresh air, with regular testing, remain crucially important while the NHS vaccination programme rolls out to reach all age groups – even for those people who have been vaccinated.
“Each of these safety measures work in combination with each other - and vaccinations - to give the best overall protection.
“To protect the people we love and keep pressure off the NHS it is important that everyone who is able to gets vaccinated with the recommended two doses. The first shot provides good protection but both doses are needed for the vaccines to be fully effective.
“We’re doing everything we can to make it as easy as possible for everyone to be vaccinated with a mobile vaccination service visiting communities to reach everyone who can’t get to the main vaccination centres. And a free transport service for people who don’t have means to travel to their vaccination appointment can be booked by phone on 0300 303 8060 from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday.”