COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise in the city.

In the seven days up to 18 March (based on data published on 23 March) 2,795 confirmed new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Brighton & Hove.

This is up 20.5 per cent on the previous seven days and is the equivalent to a weekly rate of 958.1 per 100,000 residents.

The rate is lower than the South East which was 1040.1 per 100,000, but remains higher than the rate for England, which was 820.6 per 100,000.

Brighton and Hove City Council said people should continue to follow public health guidance to lessen the pressure on local NHS services.

A spokesman said: “Positive cases in the city remain high and rising this week.

“The NHS across the country is currently experiencing high levels of need and all services locally remain really busy. The rise in COVID-19 cases continues to affect both those people coming into hospital who also have COVID-19, and health and care staff, which is adding to the pressure on space and staffing in our hospitals.

“High numbers of cases are also having an impact in our schools and businesses through sickness and absences.

“Please make sensible decisions to lower your chances of catching and spreading COVID-19.

“Continuing to follow the public health advice will not only help to protect our families, friends and communities, but also support our NHS, schools and businesses.”

Free Covid-19 testing for all comes to an end on April 1 – but the Council is urging people to get tested while they can.

Free test in England are being scaled back as people scramble for free test packs while they are still available.

However they will still be made available to the most vulnerable.

Officials have previously said that the number of free tests available each day will be capped to “manage demand” as the Government scales back free testing for people in England.

The public have been encouraged not to stockpile test packs, but since ministers announced the end of the free testing programme for most of the population it has been difficult for many to access them.