Promising start to route out of lockdown
The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Brighton & Hove continues to fall and is now back to same level as September last year.
In the seven days up to 9 April, there were 37 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in the city which is a 14% decrease on the previous week and equivalent to a weekly rate of 13 per 100,000 residents.
This is lower than the rate for England, which was 28 per 100,000 and the South East at 18 per 100,000. Rates are consistently low across all age groups.
Director of Public Health, Alistair Hill, welcomed the boost to public morale that resulted from the easing of lockdown measures on Monday, with the reminder that mixing in public places also brings the risk of the virus spreading again.
He said: “Transmission will rise if we lower our guard. Now more than ever, it is essential to follow the safety guidelines to stop Covid. When you go outside, please always remember: hands, face, space, and fresh air.
“The progress of the roadmap depends on the virus remaining contained while the NHS vaccination programme rolls out.
“Up to one in three people with Covid-19 don’t have symptoms. For that reason, we are encouraging all residents to make regular symptom-free testing part of your weekly routine.
“The tests are free, you do not need to pay for them, and they can be done at home in your own time. You can collect them from pharmacies and centres all around the city or you can get them delivered directly to your home address.
“As we take our first steps on the road out of lockdown the signs are positive. Let’s keep it that way by staying safe and supporting each other.”
