Make sure you're testing

In the 7 days up to 2 January (based on data published on 7 January) we had 4,585 confirmed new cases of COVID-19 in Brighton & Hove.

This is:

  • up 4% on the previous 7 days
  • equivalent to a weekly rate of 1571.6 per 100,000 residents
  • higher than the South East which was 1523.5 per 100,000
  • lower than the rate for England, which was 1786.8 per 100,000 

The government has made a number of changes to the Covid guidance in the last week and the country remains in Plan B.

From 4 January: it is recommended that secondary school pupils wear face coverings in classrooms.

From 11 January: if you get a positive rapid lateral flow test result, most people will not need to take a PCR test to confirm the result but should self-isolate immediately. If you will be applying for a Test and Trace Support Payment you will still need to take a PCR test.  

What this means for Brighton & Hove

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

“In Brighton & Hove our case rates are now the highest they’ve been.

“Demand for lateral flow tests is high and symptom free testing remains crucial to make sure we’re not spreading Covid.

“I know many people have struggled to get lateral flow tests over the last few weeks or have used up supplies at home. Please make an effort to pick up more test kits, and if you know someone else is finding it difficult to get hold of some please help them out.

“New stock is made available on the national website throughout the day so keep trying and tests remain easily available from Jubilee Library every day and from Hove Town Hall on Monday to Friday.

“You should be testing whenever you are meeting others or going to places that are likely to have high numbers of people or poor ventilation.

“Alongside testing we need to be doing all we can to reduce the risk to ourselves and to the most vulnerable around us. Please continue wearing masks, keep contacts down, ensure good ventilation and maintain good hygiene. And if you haven’t booked your 1st, 2nd or booster vaccine, appointments are now easily available in the city every day.”

Actions we should all take to keep ourselves and others safe

Book your 1st, 2nd and Covid booster vaccines and your flu jab as soon as you’re able to. Plenty of appointments are available to book online or call 119. Walk-in vaccinations are also available across the city.

  • The booster is now available for everyone aged 18 or over where it has been 3 months (91 days) since your second dose.
  • Flu vaccines are available now and free for many people. 

Reduce your close contacts and keep groups small. The fewer people you meet the safer you will be.

Meet outside where possible or open a window when you’re inside.

Wear a face covering in all crowded or enclosed spaces. Face coverings are required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport. You should also wear them in outside areas that are busy like bus stops, at outdoor events and when you’re shopping.

Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser regularly and cover coughs and sneezes.

Take lateral flow tests before you meet others, socialise or go to crowded or enclosed places. You can order tests online or pick up test kits from Jubilee Library, Hove Town Hall or at local pharmacies. Please report all results online or by calling 119. From 11 January if you test positive you no longer need to order a PCR test to confirm the result but you must self-isolate.

Stay at home if unwell, to reduce the risk of passing other illnesses onto friends, family and others in your community.

If you have any Covid symptoms you must self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test.​ Follow the latest self-isolation rules if positive and access support if you need to.

If you've been in close contact with someone who's tested positive for COVID-19 and you’re: