Coronavirus Portsmouth: Health chiefs ask people to stick with lockdown as city cases rise

More than 2,100 people in the city have tested positive for coronavirus since the pandemic began, with 443 confirmed cases in the last seven days.

It marks an increase from 378 cases in the seven days to October 22.

The last month has seen several high profile instances of police fining businesses and individuals – including a student who hosted a party of more than 50 people on the university campus – for breaching previous Covid-19 restrictions.

Now, residents’ compliance with lockdown rules – which came into effect today – will determine how fast the virus spreads in the city, according to Helen Atkinson, director of public health at Portsmouth City Council.

She said: ‘We have seen relatively low infection rates in recent months, however confirmed cases are increasing and local NHS services are seeing increased demand.

‘This means further action is needed to slow the spread of the virus.

‘I know the communities in Portsmouth have done a tremendous amount to reduce the spread of infection and I thank them for that.

‘Now, with support where needed, we all have to continue in that effort together to protect ourselves and our loved ones.’

Museums, leisure centres, tennis and basketball courts and outdoor gym equipment are now closed across the city, with the council’s library service restricted to click and collect, as well as deliveries and essential PC use.

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, council leader, said: ‘The city of Portsmouth has gone through a lot in our long history, but perhaps nothing quite like this.

‘We want to reassure you that the council and our partners are still here for you - and we're hard at work to make sure essential services will continue to be delivered for those that need them.

‘Four weeks can seem like a long time, especially if you live alone, so we really need to look out for family members, friends and neighbours, staying connected even if we have to physically keep apart.’

SEE ALSO: Every shop in Gunwharf Quays that will be staying open during lockdown – full list

While NHS services are facing increased pressure, residents should continue to seek out healthcare when needed, according to Dr Linda Collie, local GP and clinical lead for NHS Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group.

She said: ‘Whether it’s essential screening appointments, routine vaccinations or urgent physical or mental health support, GP surgeries across the city are ready to help.

‘More people are taking advantage of the flexibility and convenience of online appointments, but face-to-face appointments are available for those that need them, with measures in place to keep people safe from infection during visits to surgeries.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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 online - as well as our new Puzzles section.