The number of new coronavirus cases in Brighton and Hove has fallen to the lowest level since September last year despite a loosening of lockdown rules.

But Brighton and Hove City Council's director of public health, Alistair Hill, has warned that "transmission will rise if we lower our guard".

The most recent Public Health England figures show there were 37 cases of Covid-19 reported in the seven days leading up to April 9, giving the city a rate of 13 new cases per 100,000 population.

There were long queues outside Primark in Brighton as an easing of lockdown measures allowed non-essential retail to reopen Credit: Eddie Mitchell

This marked a 14 per cent drop on the figures from the week before, and was lower than the rate for both England (28) and the South East (18).

And, Brighton and Hove City Council says, rates are consistently low across all age groups in Brighton and Hove.

The drop in the number of new cases was recorded just over a week after lockdown rules were loosened on March 29, with organised outdoor sports allowed to resume and groups of up to six (or two households of any size) permitted to meet outdoors.

Brighton UK 12th April 2021 - A couple enjoy a glass of bubbly at the famous English's Oyster Bar and Restaurant in The Lanes, Brighton, as the next stage of lockdown easing begins in England Credit: Simon Dack

However, while Mr Hill welcomed the boost to public morale that resulted from the further easing of lockdown measures again on Monday, with non-essential retail and pub gardens now allowed to reopen, he warned that mixing in public places also brings the risk of the virus spreading again.

He said: "Transmission will rise if we lower our guard. Now more than ever, it is essential to follow the safety guidelines to stop Covid. When you go outside, please always remember: hands, face, space, and fresh air.

"The progress of the roadmap depends on the virus remaining contained while the NHS vaccination programme rolls out.

Brighton UK 12th April 2021 - Shoppers queue outside the TKMax store in Brighton this morning as the next stage of lockdown easing begins in England with non essential shops opening up for the first time in months : Credit Simon Dack / Alamy Live

Brighton UK 12th April 2021 - Shoppers queue outside the TKMax store in Brighton this morning as the next stage of lockdown easing begins in England with non essential shops opening up for the first time in months : Credit Simon Dack / Alamy Live

"Up to one in three people with Covid-19 don’t have symptoms. For that reason, we are encouraging all residents to make regular symptom-free testing part of your weekly routine.

"The tests are free, you do not need to pay for them, and they can be done at home in your own time. You can collect them from pharmacies and centres all around the city or you can get them delivered directly to your home address.

"As we take our first steps on the road out of lockdown the signs are positive. Let’s keep it that way by staying safe and supporting each other."