Coronavirus: Portsmouth health boss says city won't enter into next lockdown tier at the moment despite increase in Covid-19 rate

The infection rate in Portsmouth continues to be the highest in Hampshire and has now increased to a rate of 135.9 new cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to October 17.

The city is currently in the medium tier, the lowest lockdown tier, but towns with rates similar have entered into higher lockdown tiers in order to curb a rise in cases.

But Helen Atkinson, director of public health at Portsmouth City Council said the city remains at the medium tier.

Ms Atkinson told The News: ‘Data on positive cases in Portsmouth show that infections are increasing, but remain much lower than many other areas in the UK.

‘There are a number of factors that impact on the tier category an area is in, including the rates of infection but also whether there are growing numbers of linked cases that are classed as outbreaks, which remain low in Portsmouth currently.

‘This local intelligence is regularly reviewed as part of the Outbreak Control Plan.

SEE ALSO: Highest and lowest Covid infection rates in Hampshire

‘Portsmouth is currently in the Government's Medium Tier and will remain so until such time as local leaders, informed by the evidence, decide more change is needed to help contain the infection rates in Portsmouth.

‘We encourage all residents and businesses to do their bit to help contain and reduce the spread of coronavirus, by following the Government's guidance, downloading the NHS Covid-19 app and maintaining social distancing with good hand and respiratory hygiene measures.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.