Coronavirus: People in Hampshire urged to “stay vigilant” after rise in cases

The county council has warned of an increase in infection rates in younger people.

Published 8th Sep 2020

Hampshire County Council has issued a warning for people to stick to the government guidance and avoid the spread of COVID-19.

Simon Bryant, the Local Authority’s Director of Public Health said: “As a county we are in a relatively good place currently, with comparatively low numbers of confirmed cases of the virus. However, this could change quickly if we aren’t vigilant.

“In particular, we are seeing small increases in infection rates, especially among young people, 15-29, some of whom are returning from holiday abroad, and in others who are socialising beyond boundaries.

“With thousands coming together in ways we haven’t seen since the Spring, September will be an exciting time for many, but please be smart - keep your distance, wash your hands - you can never do this too often, and wear face coverings, wherever and whenever you’re asked to do so.”

In addition, Mr Bryant is reminding local residents of why it’s vital to self-isolate if requested to, either following a positive test, being the contact of a positive case or having returned from travel to a ‘quarantined’ country.

He said: “The prospect of having to keep yourself away from others for up to two weeks may be frustrating for some, particularly if you have just returned to college or to your workplace, but without a vaccine, it’s one of the very few ways we have to keep control of the virus and stop it spreading.

“The virus can have quite a long incubation period so sticking to the full 10 or 14 days is critical to avoid passing it on.”