Brighton has one of the lowest coronavirus rates in England

There were 152 confirmed new cases of Covid-19 in the city in the week leading up to February 20, the latest complete figures, meaning it has a weekly rate of 52.3 cases per 100,000 population.

This placed Brighton and Hove within the bottom 10 per cent of all 315 local authority areas in the UK.

The city's coronavirus rate has been steadily decreasing since the third national lockdown was introduced in January.

Brighton during the third coronavirus lockdown

There were 27 per cent less coronavirus cases in the most recent figures than there were the week before.

And the current rate of 52.3 is dramatically lower than the figure of 776.3 recorded in the week leading up to January 8.

It is also lower than the current rate in England (118.3) and the South East (80.7).

Alongside the drop in coronavirus cases reported in Brighton and Hove, the city has also seen a fall in the number of inpatients needing treatment for Covid-19 in its hospital.

Brighton during the third coronavirus lockdown

As of Wednesday, there were 51 inpatients with Covid-19 at the Royal Sussex County Hospital including 18 patients in need of critical care.

Brighton and Hove City Council's director of public health Alistair Hill said: "Once again, I’m happy to share that cases have reduced in Brighton and Hove. Our rates put us in the lowest 10 per cent of all local authorities in England.

"While we are certainly moving in the right direction, remember that we’ve come down from an extremely high position and there’s still a way to go. Prevention is still crucial and we are still in a lockdown. Please keep up with the good work you've been doing.

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"The government has this week shared their plan for gradually lifting the lockdown in England. This is something we can all look forward to but I do want to reinforce that this is a roadmap and not set in stone.

"Restrictions will only be lifted on these dates if we keep the virus under control. So please keep following the guidance, get tested and book your vaccine as soon as you are able to."

He also issued advice on the ongoing NHS vaccination programme.

Mr Hill said: "This week vaccination invites are being sent to informal carers and people on the Learning Disability Register. If you haven’t yet received an invite please wait to hear from your GP.

Brighton during the third coronavirus lockdown

“If you were offered the vaccine earlier in the year and haven’t already taken it up, please book an appointment as soon as possible. For anyone who is 65 or over, clinically extremely vulnerable, a frontline health or social care worker, or who is eligible for a Carer’s Allowance, the fastest way to get your vaccination is to book through the national booking system to go to the Brighton Centre.

“Even if you’ve had Covid, you still need to get a vaccine to protect yourself and others, and help stop the spread.

Brighton during the third coronavirus lockdown

“For anyone that’s concerned or unsure about getting the vaccine I would like to remind you that months of testing have proven that the vaccines are safe. They have been tested with adults of all ages, people with a range of health conditions and from different ethnic backgrounds.

“And for those that are worried about leaving the house to go to a busy vaccination centre, please be reassured that every precaution is being taken to make sure they are safe and if you need support to get there it is available.”