(Images: PA & Gov.uk) THE final stage of the Government’s road map is fast approaching, but doubt is beginning to be cast over June 21. Some scientists have said that the final easing of social restrictions in England should be delayed, others have said that the cost to society will be too great if it is. We have put together seven updates to keep you informed about coronavirus in the borough as we approach the so called “great unlocking”. All the data below is correct as of Wednesday June 2.
Indian Variant It has been confirmed that cases of the Indian Variant have been found in Basingstoke and Deane.
All the data below is correct as of Friday May 21. 1. According to Public Health England figures, nine confirmed cases were reported in the Basingstoke and Deane area in the seven days to March 15. It brings the total number of infections in the borough since the start of the pandemic to 8,250. 2. The current rate of infection in Basingstoke is around 5.1 cases per 100,000 people, which is below the UK average. 3. Elsewhere in Hampshire, the Indian variant has been detected in Test Valley, Southampton, Rushmore and Hart. Infections have increased rapidly in Hart and hotspots have started to appeared although this may not be linked to the new variant.
HAMPSHIRE health bosses are delaying their public consultation over a new hospital. Plans are being drawn up for a new hospital near Basingstoke, sparking fears that it will mean a long-term downgrading of services at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester. Bosses said today that more detailed planning work is needed before the proposals are seen by the public. The consultation had been due this summer. Maggie MacIsaac, chief executive of Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, and Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in a joint statement, said: “In discussion with national and regional NHS colleagues, we have agreed together that our plans for a new hospital will be even stronger if we can incorporate newly available national planning information and recent learnings from others around the country.