THE Labour group has confirmed that one of its councillors has tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement, the Brighton and Hove Labour group said that during a full council meeting this evening, the unnamed councillor received a positive result from a PCR test they had taken the day before.

As soon as the councillor received the test result, they notified leaders of each of the party groups and then left Brighton Town Hall to self-isolate.

The council's monitoring office was notified and the meeting was adjourned.

The statement from the party said: "The councillor was confident that they were Covid-safe having taken multiple lateral flow tests over recent days, including today, and all coming back negative.

"The councillor has had both vaccines and for over a year has been taking a weekly PCR test. This is because they work in a sector that requires regular testing, outside of their Council duties."

Government advice currently states that anyone with Covid symptoms should self-isolate straight away until you receive your test results. You should not leave home, except to post a covid test kit or to attend a PCR appointment.

Labour added that the positive case emphasises the need to test regularly, follow Covid guidelines, wear masks and remain vigilant.

The statement said: "We can all take steps to help keep cases down and reduce the spread, getting Covid vaccines, booster and flu jab when offered, wearing a face covering in crowded or enclosed spaces, meeting outside where possible or letting fresh air in, taking twice-weekly lateral flow tests, and following the guidance."

The council meeting was abruptly suspended after a prolonged refreshment break, with remaining business adjourned until the next council meeting.

Addressing councillors earlier this evening, mayor Alan Robins said: "A councillor has tested positive while we've been in, so we are now going to draw the meeting to a close."

The news comes as UK cases of Covid-19 surpassed 50,000 for the first time in three months, with another 252 cases in Brighton and Hove alone.

The government has refused pressure to introduce so-called Plan B measures to curb rising Covid cases across the country.

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”.

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