BRIGHTON and Hove will remain in tier one, the lowest rating in the government’s coronavirus alert system, after a small drop in weekly coronavirus cases.

But the city’s director of public health, Alistair Hill, is urging people not to be complacent with Covid-19 precautions as there are still “too many new cases”.

In the week leading up to October 17 there were 244 new coronavirus cases recorded in the city, down slightly from the 250 confirmed the week before.

This apparent stabilisation comes after a sharp rise in the city.

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In the week leading up to October 1 there were 115 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in the city, compared to 39 cases the week before.

But some of this rise has been credited to an increase in accessibility to testing sites, with new facilities opening in East Brighton Park, High Street in Portslade and at Plumpton Racecourse in the last month.

With the release of the most recent figures, Brighton and Hove’s weekly coronavirus rate now stands at 83.9 per 100,000 people, lower than the national rate of 174.8 per 100,000 in England.

The data shows that the majority of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the city have been, as they have been for several weeks, recorded among 15-24-year-olds.

But numbers are also growing among adults aged between 30 and 44.

As a result of the slight drop in weekly coronavirus figures, the city remains at tier one or “medium risk”.

This means it will remain under the same lockdown restrictions residents were urged to adhere to previously.

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This includes sticking to social distancing guidelines, following the rule of six with regards to social gatherings and hospitality venues being legally required to close at 10pm.

Mr Hill said: “We continue to see too many new cases and cannot afford to be complacent or take risks.

“We must all continue to do everything we can to stop the spread of Covid in our city.

The Argus: Brighton and Hove's director of health, Alistair HillBrighton and Hove's director of health, Alistair Hill

“Covid-19 is a highly infectious virus that spreads rapidly when people from different households mix.

“You must maintain social distancing and keep to the rule of six.

“We’re asking everyone to limit how many people they see in a day and try to meet outdoors where the risk is lower than indoors.

“Wear a face-covering if there is a risk you can’t maintain two metres distance in busy places like streets, queues and bus stops - not just when required to do so.

The Argus: The coronavirus testing centre in East Brighton ParkThe coronavirus testing centre in East Brighton Park

“Self-isolating at the first sign of symptoms and getting tested is still essential when it comes to protecting your own health, protecting the most vulnerable and helping to prevent local outbreaks.

“There are a number of test sites in the city now and tests are much easier and faster to get.”