Safety is still paramount as we welcome the bank holiday weekend

Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, encourages us to continue with our efforts to prevent Covid-19 infection and to take up the offer of a vaccination.

“Although reported confirmed cases of Covid in Brighton & Hove came down this week, the virus is still an unwelcome visitor in our city.

“Covid-19 is still with us and we’re not out of the woods just yet. Keeping up the basic Covid safety guidelines of hands, face, space and fresh air remains crucially important. We can enjoy the promised warmer weather over the bank holiday weekend meeting outdoors. But if you are thinking about meeting indoors – remember it’s still only permitted in small groups of up to six people, or two households.

“It’s also really important we keep up our efforts, as the new B.1.617.2 variant first identified in India is now with us and is considered to spread more quickly than the B1.1.7 (Kent) variant. Research by Public Health England shows that both doses of the vaccine are needed for stronger protection against this new strain.

“As we stay on the path to tackle the pandemic, on top of regular testing and following the guidance, the vaccine is a key way we can protect ourselves and the people we love. Everyone aged 30 and over is now eligible to book their first vaccination, and I’d encourage everyone to take this up. The time between first and second jabs has also been reduced from 12 weeks to eight weeks for everyone over 50 or those who are clinically vulnerable. So if you have a second appointment booked and receive notification about changing the date, it’s really important to act on this.

“For those who’ve not yet taken up the opportunity for your first vaccination it’s also not too late, the invitation remains open. Working closely with the NHS, we’re making every effort to make it as easy as possible for everyone to be vaccinated with alternatives if you can’t get to one of the main vaccination centres. If travelling to your vaccination is an obstacle, a free transport service can be booked on 0300 303 8060.

“I know so many of you have worked so hard and sacrificed much to keep our city on the path to recovery. Thanks to everyone in our city - and let’s continue with our efforts to keep Brighton & Hove safe. 

“As ever, to request help for yourself or someone else, whether it’s food or assistance you can contact the council’s Community Hub on 01273 293 117.”

Related news