ONLY one in two adults have received their coronavirus vaccine, as the city prepares for life without restrictions on "Freedom Day".

In the seven days up to July 9, there has been 1270 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in Brighton and Hove - a 4 per cent increase on the previous week.

That is equivalent to a weekly rate of 436.6 per 100,000 residents, higher than the South East rate of 242.1 per 100,000 and the England rate of 341.5 per 100,000.

The pattern of infection has risen in all areas of the city and all age groups.

According to the city council, the data shows the spread is much lower among those age groups who have been fully vaccinated.

The highest rates continue to be among people aged 18 to 29 who have only relatively recently had the opportunity to get the jab.

Dr Katie Cuming, public health consultant with Brighton and Hove City Council, recommends that everyone in the city continues to remain cautious and act responsibly after restrictions end on Monday, to stop the virus spreading "out of control".

She said: “Only one in two adults in the city has had two vaccinations so we still have a little way to go before everyone is properly protected.

"There are still vulnerable people among us who could become very unwell if they catch the virus.

“As well as keeping up the basic good hygiene habits that we’ve been following for the past year, the two most important things we can do are to get vaccinated and take symptom-free Covid tests twice a week.

“If you haven’t already booked your first vaccination, please do so today.

"If you are due your first or second dose it is now easier than ever to get vaccinated in Brighton and Hove with walk-in vaccinations available every day at sites around the city, including the Brighton Centre, Hove Lawns and the Racecourse.

“The full course of two doses of the Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Moderna Covid-19 vaccines reduces the risk of catching the disease by between 75 per cent to 80 per cent and double-vaccinated people who do fall ill are less likely to spread the virus by almost 50 per cent.

“Free lateral flow tests can be picked up at most chemists and other places around the city, including Jubilee Library. They can also be ordered online to be delivered to your home.

“Because cases are rising most quickly among young adults we’re asking all 18 to 29-year-olds to take a symptom free PCR test at one of our two new walk-in PCR testing sites at the Peace Statue on Hove Seafront and Jubilee Square, next to the library.

“And of course, if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 you should isolate immediately and get a coronavirus test. You don’t have to travel to a testing site to get one, they can be ordered online to be delivered to your home.

“Restrictions are being lifted but the pandemic is not over yet. Together, we must all play our part and help keep Brighton and Hove safe.”