THE number of new weekly coronavirus cases in Brighton and Hove fell by almost 50 per cent, the most recent figures show.

There were 264 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the week leading up to November 20, compared to the 519 reported in the previous seven days.

This data, issued by Brighton and Hove City Council, means the city's seven-day rolling rate now stands at 90.8 new cases per 100,000 residents.

The Argus: An empty Brighton seafront on the day the city found out it would soon be facing Tier 2 restrictionsAn empty Brighton seafront on the day the city found out it would soon be facing Tier 2 restrictions

This is lower than the figure for the South East region (162.3), the English average (218.4) and the city's rate from the previous week (178.4).

It is also among the lowest weekly coronavirus rates recorded by all local authority areas in England.

This figures come after Brighton and Hove residents were told they would face Tier 2 restrictions from December 2, when the national lockdown will be lifted.

The Argus: The updated tier systems Credit: PA GraphicsThe updated tier systems Credit: PA Graphics

The only areas which will face Tier 1 restrictions are Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and the Isle of Wight.

These have weekly coronavirus rates of 59.1 and 60 respectively.

However, while the recent drop in cases in Brighton and Hove is a promising sign, director of public health Alistair Hill has warned that there have been dramatic peaks and troughs in the city's infection rate throughout November.

He said: "We’ve seen the numbers of cases rise and fall dramatically over the past month. We know we still have a worrying number of cases within our most vulnerable communities.

"When lockdown ends next week, it’s really important that we don’t relax our efforts.”

The Argus: The coronavirus testing centre in East Brighton ParkThe coronavirus testing centre in East Brighton Park

However, he commended residents for their efforts in driving Brighton and Hove's infection rate down.

He said: "Cases in Brighton and Hove have decreased in the past week. I think this shows that people in the city are taking lockdown seriously and it is having the right effect.

"The point of lockdown is to restrict the opportunities for people to gather and potentially spread Covid. Our stats this week suggest that lockdown is working for us. 

“So I want to thank everyone who has helped to reduce the rate of transmission in the city during lockdown.

"But I am continuing to ask that we all keep this up when we go into Tier 2 next week."

The Argus: Brighton and Hove City Council's director of public health Alistair HillBrighton and Hove City Council's director of public health Alistair Hill

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty also issued a thank you to residents for their actions during the second national lockdown.

But he warned there was a "long way to go" before the pandemic was defeated.

Cllr Mac Cafferty said: "To every person that has stayed at home, made space for others, worn a mask, washed their hands, followed the guidelines – thank you for the sacrifices you continue to make.

"The individual actions we are taking, together, are saving lives and protecting the NHS.

"But I would appeal to everyone that we have a long way to go until we have beaten this pandemic.

“While some businesses in the city will be looking forward to reopening, I am acutely aware of the continuing effect on the hospitality sector during what is normally one of their busiest times of the year.

The Argus: A quiet Brighton seafront on the day the city found out it would face Tier 2 restrictionsA quiet Brighton seafront on the day the city found out it would face Tier 2 restrictions

"I urge them to seek advice and lobby for further financial support as well as check for eligibility to the council’s business grants scheme.

“We should respect the sacrifice many have already made and keep working to bring down and keep down transmission rates of Covid in the city. 

“The worst scenario before we have a vaccine would be to have a big increase in cases at the very time of the year when our hospitals would usually be busy. Let’s not take that risk. 

“Please think about others and continue to stand up for most vulnerable.”