PEOPLE are being urged to get vaccinated following a rise in Covid cases across the city.

In the seven days up to October 15, the number of confirmed new coronavirus cases in Brighton and Hove rose by 27.2 per cent to 930.

This is equivalent to a weekly rate of 318.8 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the rate for the South East rate of 450.5 per 100,000.

Alistair Hill, director of public health at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “There has been a rise in overall cases this week – both in the city and across England.

“As stated in yesterday’s government announcement – vaccines remain our primary line of defence against the virus.

“Locally the NHS is making it as easy as possible for you to get your vaccines. Walk-in clinics are available every day for first and second doses, and for Covid boosters for those that are eligible.

“So whether you are yet to have your first vaccine, or due your second, booster or flu, please get your jab as soon as you can.”

In a statement the council have laid out what it suggests members of the public can do to reduce the spread of the virus:

  • Get your Covid vaccines, your booster and your flu jab when you’re offered it
  • First and second doses (after 8 weeks) are available for everyone aged 16 or over. Book online or find a walk-in session across the city
  • Covid boosters are available for over 50s, health & social care workers and those with underlying health conditions where it's been six months since your 2nd jab. If it’s been 182 days since your second dose you can book online or attend a walk-in session at Churchill Square
  • Vaccinations for most 12-15 year olds are being organised through schools. Find out more about vaccines for 12-15 year olds
  • Flu vaccines are also free for many people. See who’s eligible and how to book. Many people are eligible for both the flu and the coronavirus booster vaccines. If you are offered both vaccines, it's safe to have them at the same time
  • Wear a face covering in crowded or enclosed places
  • Meet outside where possible, or let fresh air in
  • Keep taking twice-weekly lateral flow tests, report your results and isolate if required, you can order free test packs online to be delivered to you at home, pick packs up from Jubilee Library or Hove Town Hall, collect packs from a pharmacy – you need to register for a collect code before picking up tests from a pharmacy – or get a supervised test at a pharmacy
  • Get a PCR test if you have any symptoms, even mild, or if you test positive from a lateral flow test. Then stay at home and isolate for ten days if you test positive. If you have any symptoms it’s important that you get a PCR test and don’t use the LFD home test kits
  • Close contacts of someone who’s tested positive should get a PCR test, if you are a close contact and not fully vaccinated you should stay at home and self-isolate for ten days even if your PCR is negative, if you are a contact and fully vaccinated (where you received your second dose more than two weeks ago) or if you are under 18 years and six months, you no longer need to self-isolate while waiting for your PCR result

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