THE rate of coronavirus infections in the city remains "very high" as cases rose by more than 20 per cent in a week.

In the seven days up to August 6 there were 1375 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in Brighton and Hove - higher than last week’s figure of 1135.

The rise marks a 21 per cent increase and is equivalent to a weekly rate of 471 per 100,000 residents.

It means the city has a higher rate of infection than the South East which was 253.3 per 100,000 and higher than England, which was 296.6 per 100,000.

Brighton and Hove City Council warned that infection amongst young people remains "very high" but the number of residents in hospital is "much lower" than around the new year.

The weekly update from the Public Health team read: "Rates of Covid-19 infection in our city continue to remain very high in all age groups, especially in young people.

"The number of people with COVID-19 in our local hospital has increased, however it is much lower than when case numbers were very high around the new year.

"This shows that the vaccination programme is working.

"However, we still have further to go to ensure everyone is protected.

"Vaccination rates in our city are lower than many areas of the country.

"Only three in every four adults in Brighton & Hove have had their first vaccine dose.

"Take-up is low among 25 to 34 year olds. Just six in ten people in this age group have started to get vaccinated.

"It’s important that everyone takes up the vaccine offer, especially because so many more of us are mixing socially again in our homes and venues across the city."

It comes days after it was revealed that the Brighton Marathon will go ahead without supporters on the starting line.

The swell of runners and well-wishers gathering in Preston Park, Brighton has become one of the defining sights of the event, but coronavirus concerns mean there will be a “runner-only” area in the park at the start of the race.

There will also be no baggage drop service in Preston Park and instead all runners will have to drop off their kit bags at least one day before the event for collection at the finish line.