Fareham hit by 'steep rise' in Covid cases as council calls for the rules to be adhered

In the first week of January, a total of 614 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in the borough – compared to just 100 in the first week of December.

The steep increase means the total number of cases has doubled in a month – rising from 1,508 to 3,273 by last Friday.

Now the council is urging the area’s 110,000 residents to stick to lockdown rules and bring the spread of the virus under control.

Executive member for health and public protection at Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Trevor Cartwright, said: ‘With the new strain of the virus circulating it is now more important than ever that residents stick to the rules and stay at home.

‘The number of infections across the Borough is much higher than it was in the Spring, and sadly this has led to more people losing their lives. By staying at home, we are protecting ourselves and others and helping to reduce the strain on the NHS.

‘If you do have to leave home, please remember ‘hands, face and space’ - wash your hands, cover your face and give others space. These steps will help to reduce the spread, and ultimately save lives.’

In November, the council began Covid marshal patrols across the town in response to almost 100 restriction breaches reported throughout the year.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron,

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as fewer adverts, access to our digital edition and mobile app.

Our trial offer starts at just £2 a month for the first two months.