The new restrictions announced by PM Boris Johnson this week are tougher than the lockdown in November and make it clear that everyone must stay at home. Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) stresses this is the single most important action to take to protect the NHS and save lives.
In a statement, BHCC say you must not leave or be outside of your home except where you have a ‘reasonable excuse’ such as shopping for essentials, exercising once a day, seeking medical assistance, escaping domestic abuse, or working if you cannot work from home.
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In the seven days up to the December 31 there were 1,768 new cases in Brighton & Hove.
This is equivalent to a weekly rate of new cases of 608 per 100,000 residents; an increase of 91% compared to the previous week (318 cases per 100,000); higher than the rate for England (547 per 100,000); and slightly lower than the South East (651 per 100,000)
Like previous weeks, the numbers of confirmed cases of Covid-19 has risen in all age groups in the city.
Alistair Hill, Director of Public Health for Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “Covid-19 is spreading rapidly in Brighton & Hove. The weekly number of positive tests is now more than 10 times higher than at the end of November. Every age group and every part of our city is affected.
“The latest national ONS survey shows that roughly 1 in 45 people in the South East have got the virus.
“Sadly more people are becoming very ill, hospital admissions are increasing fast and more local people will die as a result of the virus.
“In order to save lives it is absolutely vital that we break the chain of transmission.
“Everyone must follow the rules of the lockdown and stay at home. If you are outside of your home you must adopt the measures necessary to prevent the spread of the virus: think hands – face – space.
“And while the roll out of the second Covid vaccine this week is good news, I ask you all to be patient. The NHS is working to a priority list of those most at risk first, and those who work closest with them. Please do not contact the NHS to get a vaccine. You will be contacted when it’s your turn.”
BHCC goes on to say that if you experience any Covid related symptoms – even if very mild – you must immediately self-isolate with your household and book a test.