CASES of covid-19 across Brighton and Hove have risen by 252 in the last 24 hours, latest figures show.

A total of 32,974 have tested for the virus in the city since the pandemic started, up from 32,722 on Wednesday.

Brighton and Hove’s rate of infection stands at 11,303 cases per 100,000 people - lower than the average for England at 12,993.

The latest figures come amid concerns that England may have to reintroduce some covid restrictions to slow the spread of the virus.

Daily infections across the UK have now surpassed 50,000 for the first time in three months.

The British Medical Association has accused the government of being “wilfully negligent” for not reimposing some measures, such as mandatory face coverings.

However, the government has said it will not introduce so-called Plan B measures “at this point.” This would include compulsory face coverings in some areas, encouraging people to work from home where possible, as well as powers to introduce vaccine passports.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the plan will only be activated if the NHS begins to come under “significant pressure.”

He said: “We knew the coming months would be challenging.

“We will be very carefully monitoring hospitalisation rates, admission rates, ICU (intensive care unit) rates, the usual metrics we have used through this pandemic to judge how our NHS is coping,” the spokesman said.

“Obviously we won’t hesitate to act if needed.”

The spokesman also denied claims that the government is preparing a so-called Plan C, which was rumoured to include a ban on household mixing to control the spread of coronavirus over the winter months.

Alastair Hill, director of public health for Brighton and Hove City Council, has urged residents to ensure they get tested to avoid spreading the virus further.

He said: “Covid is still around and there are still many people with virus but no symptoms. I’d encourage you all to keep testing regularly so that if you have Covid you can find out quickly and isolate so you don’t spread it to friends, family and colleagues.”

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