Work together to beat Covid and keep Brighton & Hove safe
Covid cases in the Brighton & Hove rose by 39% last week with rates in the city creeping closer to the England average.
In the seven days up to 14 May we had 54 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in Brighton & Hove which is equivalent to a weekly rate of 19 per 100,000 residents. That’s close to the England rate at 21 per 100,000 and higher than the South East, which was 12 per 100,000
Data shows the largest rise in cases this week has been among young people who are most likely to be first to take advantage of the new freedom to socialise indoors in hospitality venues now we’ve moved into phase three of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown
Director of Public Health, Alistair Hill, has this to say about the rise in recorded cases:
“Last week I warned that the increase in new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the city was a wake-up call.
“We talk in percentages and numbers per hundred thousand, but let’s remember that every one of those 54 cases is a person – our neighbours, friends, family, familiar faces we nod hello to in playgrounds and shops.
“This week we also started to enjoy a bit more freedom to socialise indoors in groups or six or two households, but as wonderful as that is, it comes with risk
“Being indoors, with different people, for longer periods of times significantly increases the chance the virus will spread. It’s still safest to meet outside – even when you’ve had one or both vaccines.
“Just because we can meet indoors now, doesn’t mean we have to. Our local businesses have created plenty of fabulous safe and comfortable al fresco spaces. But if the weather drives you indoors, keep windows and doors open to let fresh air circulate, make sure to reduce how long you stay inside and avoid sitting too close to other people.
“You will have seen in the news that the variant of concern first identified in India (B1.617.2) appears to be more transmissible and this is causing concern across the country.
"When you are eligible, getting vaccinated as soon as you can is the best way to protect yourself and others from the virus.
“If you, or someone you know, has been invited to book your vaccination but haven’t done so yet it’s not too late, the invitation remains open, do it now. Everyone over the age of 36 can book online or call 119.
“The relaxing of restrictions has been hard won. It would be awful to have to go back into lockdown.
“We must do everything we can to stop the virus from spreading. Let’s work together to beat Covid and keep Brighton & Hove safe for everyone.”
