In the seven days up to 4 July (based on data published on 9 July) we had 1,275 confirmed new COVID-19 cases in Brighton & Hove – up from 691 cases the previous week. This is:
- a 84.5% increase on the previous week
- equivalent to a weekly rate of 438.3 per 100,000 residents
- higher than the south east which was 192.9 per 100,000
- higher than the rate for England, which was 275.6 per 100,000.
What this means for Brighton & Hove
Two new symptom free drop-in PCR Mobile Testing Units, one at the Peace Statue on Hove seafront and one in Jubilee Square, in front of Jubilee Library, have now been opened to help detect more Covid cases and minimise the risk of transmission.
Calling all 18-29 year olds
Locally, cases have risen fastest in young people so we’re asking all 18-29 year olds to take a symptom free PCR test at one of our two new testing sites. This will let you know if you have the virus so you can self-isolate and help break the chain of transmission.
Don’t worry, if you do have a positive Covid test result – you can apply for financial help – if you’ll lose pay by having to self-isolate.
Practical or wellbeing support from our community hub is also available to help with everyday domestic tasks and support you with how you might be feeling.
Where are the new walk-in PCR test sites and when are they open?
- Peace Statue, Hove Seafront: 12noon–7pm, every day (from Sunday 11 July)
- Jubilee Square, next to the library: Monday-Saturday, 10am–5pm and Sunday, 11am-5pm
Why should I take a PCR test?
- 1 in 3 people can have Covid and be spreading it without realising.
- Symptom-free PCR testing will find cases quickly so that you can self-isolate and stop the spread.
- Not everyone in the city is vaccinated yet, there are still vulnerable people who could become very unwell if they get Covid.
- If Covid rates are allowed to rise, there is a risk of new variants developing.
- Cases are rising fastest in people aged 18-29.
- Many bars, cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the city have had to close in the last few weeks and more are at risk of needing to because of staff in those age groups either contracting Covid or having to self-isolate.
What’s the most important action we can all take to help stop Covid spreading?
Speaking about the rise in cases, Alistair Hill, Director of Public Health for Brighton & Hove urges people to get their first vaccinations now and get their second after eight weeks. He said:
“The vaccine programme is a fantastic success and is weakening the link between infection, serious illness and people having to go to hospital.
“So I say to everyone who hasn’t had their first vaccination, please go and do this as soon as possible.
“Convenient, no appointment, no documentation vaccination sessions are open now every day in Brighton & Hove. Over the weekend they are at Brighton Racecourse and Hove Lawns, and from Monday 12 July, drop-in sessions will also be open at the Brighton Centre as well as other mobile locations.
“And, if you had your first vaccination eight weeks ago and are waiting to get your second, you can also do this now at the no appointment, no documentation vaccination sessions.
“Text your friends and family to support them to get their vaccinations too.
“All the details of these sessions can be found at www.sussexhealthandcare.uk/get-my-jab”
Schools and students
All parents and carers and their support bubbles, and especially 11-18 year olds at schools and colleges, should still be taking Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests at home, two times a week and reporting the results. This ask will continue over the summer holidays.
Keep following the rules and advice
Brighton & Hove is open for business – and if we all continue to follow the rules and advice, we'll be able to continue enjoying what the city has to offer.
The basics
- If you’re able to, wear a face covering when you’re inside busy crowded places.
- Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble.
- Where this is not possible, stay 1 metre apart with extra precautions like wearing a face covering.
- Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds.
- Keep public indoor areas well ventilated.
Testing
- Take the free twice-weekly rapid Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing, kits that are for people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms, at home and isolate if positive.
- Get free LFD kits online or from a pharmacy
- Record your results - and if it is positive, please book a PCR test immediately to confirm the result.
- And if you have symptoms – no matter how mild – please get a PCR test and self-isolate.
Meeting other people
- Take care and meet outdoors rather than indoors where possible.
- Hugging friends and family is allowed, but please consider the vulnerability of people you hug and the people they are in contact with.
- If you do meet indoors.
- Keep the windows open and wipe surfaces clean regularly.
- Up to 6 people or two households can mix indoors.
- Up to 6 people or two households can stay overnight in somebody's home.
