Concerns 'Unofficial' Brighton Pride Events Could Cause Rise In Cases

Saturday, 7 August 2021 06:00

By Oliver Dyer @olidyer

Concerns over large 'unofficial' Pride gatherings have prompted a warning from Brighton's director of public health.

Brighton and Hove City Council is predicting a surge in visitor numbers on what would've been the city's main Pride weekend.

"Uncertainties" over mass gatherings meant organisers had to scrap the event earlier this year, for the second year running.

It's cancellation isn't expected to stop people flocking to the city, however. Alistair Hill, health director, says he's " expecting things to be busy".

He's issued a warning that COVID-19 remains very-much at large. He said:

"The virus is still circulating among us and it spreads most quickly and easily when people get together in groups.

“I’m asking everyone to do what we can to prevent cases from rising further and protect our communities.

“The single most important thing is, if you have any of the Covid-19 symptoms like a cough, fever, change to sense of taste or smell – even if very mild - you must stay home and book a PCR test. Please do not go out."

COVID cases in Brighton and Hove had started to drop in the week to July 30, with the number of confirmed cases falling by three per cent.

Latest figures show a rise in cases, however. In the last 24 hours, 232 were recorded, according to Government data.

Leader of the council, Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty, is urging everyone to celebrate Pride in a safe way.

She said:

“Ahead of a busy weekend and with Covid-19 cases unfortunately still high in the city, we’re asking everyone to continue to do everything we can to keep Covid cases down. We know the last thing people want is to become sick or pass on Covid-19 to others.

“Please remember that not everyone you’ll come across will feel safe in crowded places, and that meeting outdoors or in well ventilated spaces is still better than meeting indoors.

“We’re also proud to be a mask-friendly city where many of us continue to wear face coverings when we’re away from home.

“As we mark a slightly different Pride weekend, let’s keep doing everything we can to keep each other safe – so we can look forward to welcoming back the fantastic community parade, festival and Pride celebrations with a bang next year.”

She added:

"Brighton & Hove is a friendly and welcoming city and we believe passionately in the importance of Pride as a celebration of LGBTQ+ history, and to mark progress in the fight for equality.

“Though we’ve come far, there’s still a long way to go, particularly as the pandemic has deepened inequality. Hate crimes and discrimination persists – including in our own city, as sadly evidenced recently.

“Although events will be different this year, we want everyone marking Pride to be able to do so in a safe way. That means reporting any hate crimes or unacceptable behaviour too and taking care of each other."