BRIGHTON and Hove has recorded its highest number of weekly Covid deaths since the pandemic began.

The figure for the week leading up to January 22, the most recent complete data, topped the previous highest figure which was reported in the week leading up to April 17.

In a statement issued today, Brighton and Hove City Council also warned that there are high numbers of seriously ill patients being treated at hospital in the city with the virus.

Director of public health Alistair Hill said: "Very sadly, I must also report that the most recent data shows the number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in Brighton and Hove is higher than the previous highest week in April 2020.

"This sombre fact is a reminder of the need to keep doing everything we can to stop Covid spreading."

Office for National Statistics data, published on the Brighton and Hove City Council website, reveals there were 31 Covid deaths in the week leading up to January 22.

This marked an increase from the previous highest weekly figure, 27, recorded in the week leading up to April 17.

However, there are promising signs in the city as the number of recorded coronavirus cases decreased significantly for the third consecutive week.

The Argus: A quiet Brighton during the coronavirus pandemicA quiet Brighton during the coronavirus pandemic

In the week leading up to January 29, the most recent case figures, there were 564 new Covid cases recorded in Brighton and Hove, a 36 per cent decrease on the figure from the week before.

This gives the city a weekly coronavirus rate of 194 new cases per 100,000 residents.

The weekly rate leading up to January 22 was 303, in the seven days up to January 15 it was 494.4, and in the week up to January 8 it was 776.3.

Director of public health Alistair Hill said: "For the third week in a row, I am pleased to say confirmed new cases are steadily coming down in all age groups. I want to thank everyone in Brighton and Hove for helping to slow the spread of Covid so successfully.

"...The new vaccination centre at the Brighton Centre is busily vaccinating eligible people to the government’s schedule.

"There is no need to contact your GP, the council or the Brighton Centre to find out when you will get your vaccination.

"When it is your turn the NHS will write to you with all the details you need to book your appointment online or over the phone.

The Argus: A quiet Brighton during the coronavirus pandemicA quiet Brighton during the coronavirus pandemic

"While the NHS vaccination programme is underway, we must all do everything we can to stop Covid spreading.

"Please continue to follow the rules by staying at home as much as possible and diligently following the hands, face, space guidelines – especially in busy places where you cannot stay two metres apart from other people."