GOVERNMENT advice has emerged urging people not to travel into and out of the city due to rising cases of the Delta variant of coronavirus.

The guidance for Brighton and Hove says people should minimise travel, avoid meeting people indoors and to keep two metres apart from people that you do not live with, including friends and family.

The guidance states: "As part of the enhanced support package, extra guidance will be set out on steps people can take, such as minimising travel in and out of the affected areas".

It was published on Monday – the same day the city was declared an “enhanced response area” to tackle the spread of Covid-19.

However, Brighton and Hove City Council did not include travel guidance in its initial list of measures and support being introduced in the city.

Advice against travelling in and out of the city was published on the cabinet office website on Monday.

This approach has also been deployed in areas across the North West, and Bedford and Birmingham.

The Department of Health and Social Care said the aim of this additional support is to slow down the rate of infections in the area, allowing time for more people to get both vaccinations.

Health Minister Lord Bethell said this further support is a “short-term measure”, and case rates in the area will be regularly reviewed to determine if support is still needed.

He said: “Working closely with the local authority, we are providing a strengthened package of support in Brighton and Hove.

“We know this approach can work and it is based on our successful partnerships with other areas where there was a significant rise in cases.

“This extra support is intended to help slow the rate of infection as we begin to lift restrictions, allowing more people to get double jabbed.

“The most important thing that people in this area can do is take a test if they are offered to do so, practise hands, face, space and fresh air, and get their jab – the vaccine is building a wall of protection around us all.”

Additional measures that have been introduced as part of the government’s support package include extra testing within targeted areas, the provision of logistical support to maximise vaccine uptake, and further help for local campaigns.

Brighton and Hove City Council has been contacted for a comment.