"HOSPITAL admissions are increasing fast and more local people will die as a result of the virus," a health chief has warned in a sombre statement issued today.

Brighton and Hove City Council's director of health Alistair Hill made the chilling warning as new data revealed that one in 45 people in the South East have got Covid-19.

The weekly coronavirus rate for Brighton and Hove has skyrocketed to 608 new cases per 100,000 population in the most recent complete data - covering the week leading up to December 31.

The Argus: Alistair Hill, Director of Public Health for Brighton and Hove City CouncilAlistair Hill, Director of Public Health for Brighton and Hove City Council

This figure has almost doubled in a week, and now stands at more than ten times the rate in the city at the end of November.

Mr Hill said: "Every age group and every part of our city is affected.

“The latest national ONS survey shows that roughly 1 in 45 people in the South East have got the virus.

“Sadly more people are becoming very ill, hospital admissions are increasing fast and more local people will die as a result of the virus.

The Argus: Hove seafront on New Year's Eve 2020, days before the introduction of a third national coronavirus lockdownHove seafront on New Year's Eve 2020, days before the introduction of a third national coronavirus lockdown

“In order to save lives it is absolutely vital that we break the chain of transmission.

“Everyone must follow the rules of the lockdown and stay at home.

"If you are outside of your home you must adopt the measures necessary to prevent the spread of the virus: think hands – face – space.

“And while the roll out of the second Covid vaccine this week is good news, I ask you all to be patient.

"The NHS is working to a priority list of those most at risk first, and those who work closest with them.

The Argus: Brighton city centre on a morning during Tier 4 restrictionsBrighton city centre on a morning during Tier 4 restrictions

“Please do not contact the NHS to get a vaccine. You will be contacted when it’s your turn.”

A coronavirus test should be booked "at the first sign of any Covid symptoms", a council spokesman said.

These include a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, and a loss of smell or taste.

Anyone with symptoms must self-isolate, and book a test online or by calling 119.