Brighton & Hove: Council Warns Of Rise In Covid Cases

Brighton & Hove City Council have reported 1,232 new covid cases in the city in the week up to October 22nd.

This is:

• up 32% on the previous 7 days
• equivalent to a weekly rate of 422.3 per 100,000 residents
• lower than the South East which was 534.8 per 100,000
• lower than the rate for England, which was 481.5 per 100,000 

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

“Positive cases have risen again and this week we’ve seen a rise in all age groups.

“We all need to do what we can to stop cases rising further and keep each other feeling safe. 

“Alongside vaccinations and testing we should keep following the hands, face, space and fresh air guidance where we can. It really does make a difference.

“I’d recommend that everyone should still be wearing face coverings in busy places, including public transport. It’s not difficult for most of us, and by wearing a mask you’re not only protecting others but also helping many people feel safer to be out. 

“Regular testing using lateral flow tests helps to identify cases early and break the chain of transmission.

“For those returning to secondary school or college, or even heading into to work after a half-term break, please take a lateral flow test before you go back.” 

Advice from the council on what you can do to help keep cases down and reduce the spread:

Get your Covid vaccines, your booster and your flu jab when you’re offered it.

• First and second doses (after 8 weeks) are available for everyone aged 16 or over. Book online or find a walk-in session across the city.
• Covid boosters are available for people aged 50 and over, health & social care workers and those with underlying health conditions where it's been 6 months since your 2nd jab. If it’s been 182 days since your second dose you can book online or attend a walk-in session. 
• Vaccinations for most 12-15 year olds are being organised through schools or you can now book an appointment through the national booking service. Find out more about vaccines for 12-15 year olds.
• Flu vaccines are also free for many people. See who’s eligible and how to book. Many people are eligible for both the flu and the COVID-19 booster vaccines. If you are offered both vaccines, it's safe to have them at the same time.

Wear a face covering in crowded or enclosed places, including on busy buses and trains. It’s not just about protecting yourself, it can also help make sure others feel safe.

Meet outside where possible, or let fresh air in.

Keep taking twice-weekly lateral flow tests and report your results. If you test positive you must self-isolate and order a PCR test.

• order free test packs online to be delivered to you at home 
• pick packs up from Jubilee Library or Hove Town Hall
• collect packs from a pharmacy – you need to register for a collect code before picking up tests from a pharmacy
• get a supervised test at a pharmacy  
• students and staff should get their tests from their schools and must test before returning after the half term

Get a PCR test if you have any symptoms, even mild, or if you test positive from a lateral flow test. Then stay at home and isolate for 10 days if you test positive. If you have any symptoms it’s important that you get a PCR test and don’t use the LFD home test kits. 

Close contacts of someone who’s tested positive should get a PCR test.

If you are a close contact and not fully vaccinated, you should stay at home and self-isolate for 10 days even if your PCR is negative.

If you are a contact and fully vaccinated (where you received your second dose more than two weeks ago) or if you are under 18 years and 6 months, you no longer need to self-isolate while waiting for your PCR result.