Covid-19: number of new cases fall by more than a third in Brighton and Hove

The number of confirmed new cases in the city dipped by 37 per cent, with rates now closer to those across the South East.

In the seven days up to May 21 there were 34 confirmed new Covid-19 cases, which is equivalent to a weekly rate of 11.7 per 100,000 residents – close to the South East rate of 12.2 per 100,000 and lower than the average for England, which was 23 per 100,000.

Director of Public Health Alistair Hill welcomed the fall in numbers but urged people to remain cautious.

He said: "After the previous week’s steep rise in confirmed Covid cases in the city, numbers have dipped again.

"I know how confusing it can seem for rates to keep rising and falling. With rates of infection in our community now much lower than before lockdown, it only takes a handful of cases to account for a significant percentage change.

"However, we are seeing the number of cases increase in some parts of the country which shows why we need to remain so cautious.

“Covid is still an unwelcome guest in our city. Keeping up the Covid safety guidelines and getting vaccinated as soon as you can remain crucially important."

It comes as one million people in Sussex have now received their first vaccination.

Mr Hill urged people to not delay getting their second vaccine and said it was crucial for people to have two doses.

He said: "We learned this week that the Pfizer and Astro Zeneca vaccines are both highly effective against the B.1.617.2 variant first identified in India as well as the B.1.1.7 (Kent) variant that is dominant in the UK.

"The latest research showed that while one dose gave some protection, it increased significantly after the second dose.

"That’s because the three vaccines currently available in the UK are all designed to work across two doses.

"Having two doses leads to a stronger, better immune response from your body and longer-lasting protection.

"The time between first and second jabs has been reduced from 12 weeks to eight weeks for everyone over 50 and those who are clinically vulnerable.

"So, if you have a second appointment booked and receive notification about changing the date, do not ignore it.

“To protect the people we love, keep Brighton and Hove safe, and take pressure off the NHS it is important everyone gets two doses. Book your first jab as soon as you can and do not miss your second vaccination appointment.”