Symptom-free tests catch Covid before it spreads
The last three weeks have seen some of the lowest case rates in Brighton & Hove since early autumn.
In the seven days up to 19 March there were 114 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in the city which is a 36% increase on the previous week and equivalent to a weekly rate of 39 per 100,000 residents. This is still lower than the rate for England, which was 56 per 100,000 but higher than the South East at 34 per 100,000.
Alistair Hill, director of public health explains:
“Whilst the rate has increased this week, this is equivalent to an additional three cases each day compared to a fortnight ago, before schools reopened fully.
“It is likely that this increase is partly a result of the roll-out of symptom-free testing in schools, workplaces and the community. More cases without symptoms are being diagnosed which means the programme is successfully reaching people who did not know they had been infected with Covid-19, enabling them to self-isolate and contain the virus before it can spread.
“I want to thank the people of Brighton & Hove for all for the amazing efforts you have made in helping to reduce the level of Covid-19 infection in the city. Thank you for following the restrictions and lockdown measures and taking up the vaccine.
“I’m asking everyone who needs to work or volunteer away from home, or has children at school or nursery, to make regular symptom-free testing part of your weekly routine. That way we can control the virus and prevent further outbreaks.”
Next Monday, 29 March, the government’s Stay at Home will be relaxed and groups of up to six people, or two households, will be able to meet outdoors. Organised outdoor sports and weddings attended by up to six people can also restart. But meeting indoors and travel will still not be allowed. The government is urging people to continue to work from home and remain in the area local to where they live.
Mr Hill said:
“I know this has been a very difficult year, with long stretches when we have unable to see family and friends. Too many of us have been ill or have lost loved ones.
“As lockdown measures are gradually relaxed, we must all continue to keep up good infection control, including social distancing and not mixing with others until we are allowed to, hand washing, and wearing masks when we are asked to.
“Vaccinations, symptom-free testing and infection control are all essential elements of the government’s route out of lockdown. Please continue to be patient over the next few months while the restrictions remain in place.
“If we all move forward cautiously, we will be able to reduce the risk of any future outbreaks, save lives and return to a more normal way of life.”
