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Brighton: "Minimise Travel In And Out", Government Instructs Amid Coronavirus Surge

Brighton (Photo: © Greater Brighton Economic Board)

Minimising travel in and out of affected areas is one of the new guidelines the government is giving to Brighton today (July 13) as it responds to a "significant" increase in coronavirus cases in the city.

The Department for Health and Social Care said additional support to prevent the spread of the virus was being deployed from last night (Monday 12 July) throughout Brighton and Hove.

Ministers claimed the "wall of protection" the vaccine is providing is severely weakening the link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths.

The aim of this additional support was to slow down the rate of COVID-19 infection in Brighton and Hove, allowing time for more people to get both vaccinations.

The additional support package whose delivery was due to begin last night included:

  • the option to deliver extra testing within targeted areas,
  • the provision of logistical support to maximise vaccine uptake, 
  • further help for local campaigns,
  • extra guidance for self-protection, including minimising travel in and out of affected areas.

The government said this approach has also been deployed in areas across the North West, and Bedford and Birmingham.

According to health chiefs, this will be "a short-term measure", and case rates in the area will be regularly reviewed to determine if support is still needed.

Brighton and Hove City Council announced its own support measures for the city starting today.

  • Additional testing in the city, with two symptom free walk-in PCR Mobile Testing Units at the Peace Statue on Hove seafront and in Jubilee Square, by Jubilee Library
  • Additional advertising and campaigning support and materials – to further promote both testing and vaccination, aimed at the highest risk groups. 
  • An engagement team to supplement the work the city’s Covid Marshalls and other council teams are doing in bars and restaurants and heavy footfall areas to promote testing and vaccination. 
  • The green light to ask all secondary schools and colleges with children and young people aged Year 7 or above, to reintroduce face coverings in classrooms and communal areas for staff and pupils.

There was a plea to those aged 18 to 29 to get vaccinated, and take regular free lateral flow tests, as cases were multiplying at the greatest rate in people of this age group.

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council called the additional support "good news" for the city.

He said:

“Our city is very much open for business, but the high quantity of Covid cases in the city means we need residents and visitors to be especially cautious.

“Most legal restrictions are likely to end in a week; however, Covid is sadly far from over and we must all keep taking responsibility to protect ourselves, families, friends and communities.

“I urge everyone to keep up washing hands, wearing a face mask indoors and in crowded spaces, maintaining a safe distance, keeping rooms well ventilated and meeting outdoors as much as possible, this week and after 19 July.

"Help keep our city open and safe.”

Health Minister Lord Bethell added:

"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."

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