THE RATE of coronavirus infections in the city has fallen below the national average.

The number of coronavirus cases in Brighton and Hove increased by 196 in the last 24 hours, official figures show.

In the city, the rate of infection now stands at 8,814 cases per 100,000 people, lower than the England average of 9,866.

Figures also show that Brighton and Hove recorded no new coronavirus deaths in the latest 24-hours.

The latest figures follow a change in the Covid guidance which means people who are fully vaccinated will no longer have to isolate.

But Brighton and Hove City Council has urged people to continue taking Covid PCR tests and to book their vaccinations.

The weekly update from the Public Health team read: “People who are a contact and have only had one jab or haven’t started to get vaccinated yet will need to isolate, which means missing work and not being able to go out for ten days.

“Children aged under 18 and a half also no longer need to self-isolate if they are a contact of a case of Covid-19. The same rules apply to them as fully vaccinated adults who need to book a PCR test.

“Everyone who has any Covid-19 symptoms, or a positive PCR test, must self-isolate right away – that guidance hasn’t changed.

“Everyone will have different feelings about restrictions easing and some may prefer to proceed with more caution, and that’s okay.

“It’s down to us as individuals to be responsible and to do what feels most comfortable for us.

“Many indoor venues are still encouraging the use of face coverings and we fully support that.

“Taking up the vaccine will not only protect you, your friends and family but also having had two vaccine doses means you will not have to self-isolate if you are a contact of a case of Covid-19.”

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