ONE new coronavirus cases has been recorded in Basingstoke and Deane so far today, Tuesday September 15, it has been revealed.

Government data shows that the total number of people that have tested positive for Covid-19 in the borough is approaching 1,000, with 997 people in total receiving positive test results since the start of the pandemic.

In recent days, The Gazette has reported on the struggles of many in accessing Covid-19 tests.

Yesterday, two teachers at Fairfeilds Primary School were forced to self-isolate while struggling to book in for a test, leading to fears the school may have to close.

And today, a mental health worker at Basingstoke hospital spoke out about their frustration at the 'unfair' situation faced by frontline workers who are finding it impossoble to get tested.

Speaking at the House of Commons earlier today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Capacity for testing is at a record high. I don't deny that it is an enormous challenge and when you have a free service, it's inevetable that demand rises.

"The challenge is to make sure that we prioritise the tests that we have as a nation to those that most need it."