2019 Novel Coronavirus – open letter of reassurance from leader of Brighton and Hove council.

Gscene are publishing this open letter of reassurance from Cllr Nancy Platts Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council:

We are now able to confirm through the Government’s Chief Medical Officer that cases of coronavirus have been identified in Brighton & Hove.

(update here from Tuesday 11th February)

The news is unsettling and I understand many will be feeling worried. It’s important that we remain level headed about the virus and that you know the amount of work being done to keep everyone safe.

Over the last 24 hours, we’ve been working flat out with Public Health England and partners to contain the situation, using robust infection control measures to prevent any possible further spread of the virus.

Public Health England are leading on control measures and they will be contacting people who may be affected using their established systems for similar situations.

We’re monitoring the situation round the clock and following all the advice from Public Health England. You can read this information for yourself on the Public Health England website www.gov.uk/coronavirus. As the situation develops, we’ll keep you informed about what it means for Brighton & Hove.

I’ve spoken to people from Asian communities about concerns around the origin of the virus being in China and how this could impact negatively on their community and businesses. I want to reassure our international communities that you’re a welcome and valued part of our city’s rich fabric. Brighton & Hove has long prided itself on being a fair and inclusive place to live, work and visit, for people across Britain and beyond.

We will never accept discrimination in any form against one community or another.

I know you will want to look after your own health and wellbeing, and the health of people you care about. That’s what I want as well.

We’re asking everyone to take simple, common-sense steps to prevent the spread of illnesses. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water and using tissues can help reduce the spread of infection.

In Brighton & Hove we have dedicated health professionals in the council and the NHS working to safeguard our city. I want to thank all these teams who are ensuring that our city remains open for people across the world to live, work, study and visit, and offer my best wishes to the affected family.

Cllr Nancy Platts
Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council