Living safely with Covid-19

In the 7 days up to 19 February (based on data published on 24 February) we had 1855 confirmed new cases of COVID-19 in Brighton & Hove.

This is:

• down 25.7% on previous 7 days
• equivalent to a weekly rate of 635.8 per 100,000 residents
• higher than the South East which was 553.6 per 100,000
• higher than the rate for England, which was 422.2 per 100,000 

The government has set out a plan for removing remaining domestic restrictions in England.

From 24 February

• People testing positive for COVID-19 are no longer legally required to self-isolate. Stay at home if you can and avoid contact with other people.
• You no longer have to take daily tests or are legally required to self-isolate following contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Guidance is available for contacts and household contacts to reduce their risk to other people.
• The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme has ended. If you were told to self-isolate before 24 February you can still make a claim up to 6 April.

From 1 April

• Free testing for most people will no longer be available. Limited free symptomatic testing will continue for a small number of at-risk groups, including social care workers.
• People who are most at risk from COVID-19 will be offered an additional booster in the Spring.

What this means for Brighton & Hove

Alistair Hill, Director of Public Health at Brighton & Hove City Council said:

“COVID-19 has not gone away. However, for now, with case numbers falling and vaccination offering strong protection from serious illness, the risks across the community are lower and we can start to look forward and live safely with COVID-19.

“The last two years have been difficult for so many of us. They have also shown us how enormous efforts have made a real difference. I would like to thank everyone for the important part you have played in getting vaccinated, following public health advice, staying at home when needed and supporting each other. I encourage you now to be patient and not to rapidly change your behaviours just yet.

“As the remaining restrictions are lifted and we adjust to living with Covid, please do so with caution and consideration for others.

“Please remain cautious. Despite a welcome decline in cases, particularly in children and young people, thousands are still contracting COVID-19 each week in the city. Making sensible decisions, such as wearing a face covering in crowded places and letting fresh air in will help to stop further spread of the virus.

“Be considerate. If you feel ill, stay at home and avoid others while you have symptoms.

“Think of others. Remember that some of us remain at higher risk. Be conscious that your actions affect the people around you as well as yourself.”

What you should do to protect yourself and those around you

There are still steps you can take to reduce your risk of catching and spreading COVID-19:

• Get vaccinated so you have the best protection against COVID-19
  • 16+: book online or visit a walk-in session
  • 12-15: get vaccines through schools, or book an appointment online at Churchill Square. Parents or carers must attend.
  • 5-11: find out more
• Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meet outside.
• Consider wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet.
• Take a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms and stay at home and avoid contact with other people if testing positive.
• Try to stay at home if you are unwell to reduce the risk of passing on any illnesses to others.
• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more to limit the spread of COVID-19.