Brighton and Hove’s Covid-19 infection rate now higher than national average

The city’s rate of infection per 100,000 is higher than both the average for England and the rest of the South East.

In the seven days up to Friday January 8, based on data published on Wednesday January 13, there were 2,244 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in Brighton & Hove which is an 18 per cent per cent increase per 100,000 residents from the previous week.

This is equivalent to a weekly rate of 771 per 100,000 residents - higher than the rate for England, which was 655 per 100,000 and the South East which was 699 per 100,000.

Hospitals in the city are also seeing significant increases in the volume of patients with Covid-19 which is putting extra pressure on the NHS.

Alistair Hill, Brighton and Hove’s Director of Public Health, said: “The new variant of the virus is highly contagious and it has been estimated that one in three people with Covid do not show any symptoms, which means they could be infecting other people without knowing it.

“The continuing high rates among the over 60s is especially concerning as they are the age group most likely to need hospital care for Covid.

“To slow the spread of the virus and reduce pressure on the NHS it is vital that everyone follows the Government’s national lockdown directive to stay at home. You should only leave home for one of the essential reasons given by the government.

“If you do go out you must keep a two-metre distance from other people, wear a face covering if you can and keep your hands clean and sanitised. At the first sign of any Covid symptoms book a test immediately and self-isolate with the rest of your household.

“If we all work together, we can reduce transmission of the virus and stop Covid from spreading out of control in the city.”