AN MP has said the city must come together to get to the "pandemic finish line" after it became an “area of enhanced response”.

Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade, made the comment following the Department of Health and Social Care’s announcement that Brighton and Hove with receive additional support to tackle its surging coronavirus rates.

The new status will mean Brighton and Hove will receive more resources for vaccinations and testing in a bid to curb the virus's spread.

Mr Kyle said: "Covid rates in the over 60 age group has doubled in a week and combined with very high rates in young people makes fresh action imperative.

"Additional testing, public awareness raising of measures that keep people safe, plus more public health workers in our city are all needed and welcome.

"This weekend there will be mobile walk-in vaccination centres around the city and I implore those who have not yet taken advantage of our amazing vaccination programme to use this fantastic service now.

"We as a city must come together to get through this crucial challenge and not let it delay our arrival at the pandemic finish line."

The government says the support package aims to suppress the spread of the Delta variant by breaking chains of transmission.

On July 3, the Covid rate per 100,000 residents in Brighton and Hove was 434.

This is compared to the England average of 264 and the south east average of 186.

Rates remain highest in the 15-29 age range at 857.

However, rates in every age group, including the over 60s, have risen over the previous week.

The government’s additional support package includes the option to deliver extra testing within targeted areas, the provision of logistical support to maximise vaccine uptake, and further help for local campaigns.

This approach has also been used in areas across the North West, and Bedford and Birmingham.