A public health official has urged people to ‘keep good habits’ after the number of new Covid-19 cases rose by more than a quarter in Brighton and Hove.
In the seven days leading up to Friday April 23, 49 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the city, which is a 26% increase from the previous week and equates to a weekly rate of 16.8 per 100,000 inhabitants.
This rate is lower than England’s rate, which was 24.8 per 100,000, and lower than the South East rate, at 19 per 100,000.
Public Health Director Alistair Hill said: “It is essential that we all maintain good habits around ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’, as well as vaccinations, testing and isolation.
“Covid is still there, it’s still dangerous and we have to do everything we can to prevent the spread.
Brighton seafront at the start of the month. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
“While rates at all other ages remain low, we have seen a number of cases in school-aged children and youth.
“With schools and colleges fully reopened, any need for self-isolation means missing out on face-to-face education.
“Just a few cases can have a big impact on learning. When mixing outside of schools, be sure to stay safe and obey the rules about group sizes and outdoor meetings.”
Dr Hill added that no cases were reported among those over 60 in data released last week, which he described as “an achievement we should not underestimate”.
He said: “Although most of them have received at least their first dose of the vaccine, it is also thanks to your continued efforts to follow the restrictions.
“Wearing masks, making space and using disinfectant should now be like picking up your phone and keys when you leave the house.
Photo: Eddie Mitchell
“These are the same simple actions that we have to remember and repeat.”
Anyone aged 42 and over is now eligible for a vaccine, and the vaccine is also offered to people with underlying health conditions, unpaid caregivers, and health and care workers, said Dr Hill.
“If you’re near that age, keep an eye on yourself and make an appointment as soon as possible.
“For those who are eligible but need assistance, there are now smaller sessions that can be booked, friends available to go with you, mobile sites across town every week, and free transportation to get you there. to your appointment, ”he added.
Dr Hill urged people to take advantage of the rapid tests that are now available in the city for those without symptoms.
Rapid test kits can be picked up from Hove Town Hall
He said: “Regular testing without symptoms is also easier than ever. You can order tests online, pick them up at almost any drug store in town, or book a test near you.
“Rapid tests are the best way for us to find cases where there are no symptoms and isolate them quickly to prevent them from spreading to friends, family, colleagues and classmates. .
“And for those with symptoms, please don’t use a rapid test – you need to book a PCR test.
“There is a lot of testing capacity in the city, so the results are returned quickly.
“I know it’s not easy for anyone who tests positive, or who is a contact, to self-isolate, but it’s essential that anyone who needs it stays home for the 10 days. integers.
“Assistance is available for anyone who is having difficulty.”
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-29 17:33:00
