Protect your friends, family and the NHS

In the 7 days up to 18 March (based on data published on 23 March) we had 2795 confirmed new cases of COVID-19 in Brighton & Hove.

This is:

  • Up 20.5% on previous 7 days
  • equivalent to a weekly rate of 958.1 per 100,000 residents
  • lower than the South East which was 1040.1 per 100,000
  • higher than the rate for England, which was 820.6 per 100,000 

What this means for Brighton & Hove

Positive cases in the city remain high and rising this week.

The NHS across the country is currently experiencing high levels of need and all services locally remain really busy. The rise in COVID-19 cases continues to affect both those people coming into hospital who also have COVID-19, and health and care staff, which is adding to the pressure on space and staffing in our hospitals.

High numbers of cases are also having an impact in our schools and businesses through sickness and absences.

Please make sensible decisions to lower your chances of catching and spreading COVID-19.

Continuing to follow the public health advice will not only help to protect our families, friends and communities, but also support our NHS, schools and businesses.

Protect yourself and those around you

Get vaccinated

Vaccines are the best way of protecting you and your family and friends from illness. If you haven’t had all of your COVID-19 vaccines yet, it’s not too late and it’s easy to get yours in Brighton & Hove. Locations are available throughout the city and there’s no wait.

If you’re not sure about getting the vaccine or if you have questions, you can go along to a vaccination session and speak to someone about it. There'll be no pressure to have the vaccine on the day, but you can find out more.

If you need help getting to a vaccination service a free transport service is available. 

Let fresh air in

In poorly ventilated areas any virus in the air can build up. Letting fresh air if you are meeting indoors or meeting outside reduces the chance of spreading COVID-19.

Consider wearing a face covering

While rates of infection are still high, consider wearing a face covering in crowded or enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet. This is even more important if you have any symptoms.

Face coverings are also required in many health and care settings including hospitals, GP surgeries and pharmacies, as well as everyone who is visiting or working in care homes.

Stay at home if you are unwell

The most effective way to avoid passing on COVID-19 or any other illnesses if you are infected is to stay at home and avoid contact with others.

Test if you have COVID-19 symptoms

Free testing is available until the end of March, so please use it.

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms you should stay at home, avoid contact with others and book a PCR test. 

If you test positive you are no longer legally required to self-isolate but should stay at home, avoid contact with other people and follow the guidance for people with COVID-19 and their contacts.

Wash your hands regularly

Continue to protect yourself and others by covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more to limit the spread of any viruses.

Play your part to help the NHS provide the best possible service at this busy time

  • Use the right services for your needs at the right time
  • Save emergency services for saving lives
  • Be patient with our staff, they are trying to keep people safe
  • Wear a mask in hospital and healthcare settings
  • If you can, have a lateral flow test before attending a healthcare setting
  • Get your vaccines to protect yourself against COVID-19 and flu

Please do not delay in coming forward with health concerns, but please use services in the most appropriate way.

  • contact your GP as normal if you have an urgent, persistent or worrying health concern
  • phone 111 for 24/7 medical help and advice
  • use pharmacies and urgent treatment centres in the communities for urgent issues

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