AN INCREASE in Covid-19 cases in Bramley is down to “general community transmission” of the virus the county council has said.

The Gazette reported that there was an almost 400 per cent increase in Covid cases in the Bramley, Sherfield and Sherborne area of the borough, leading to speculation there had been an outbreak at one of the care homes.

However, Hampshire County Council has now confirmed that the increase is “primarily driven” by transmission within the community.

A spokesperson said: “When considering the number of cases in smaller geographical locations with small populations, such as Bramley, care needs to be taken in interpreting the data because just a few additional cases can seem to have a big impact on the overall figures reported.

“We are seeing infection rates across all districts continuing to grow, including in Basingstoke and Deane, and while there have been cases linked to residential care settings, the increases in the area are primarily driven by general community transmission.”

They urged all residents, as well as local businesses and other organisations, to “follow the guidance to minimise further spread” adding: “The virus transmits quickly and easily so individually and collectively we must do all we can to stick to the rules and follow ‘hands, face, space’ – and keep our homes well ventilated.”

Bramley, Sherfield and Sherborne had 59 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the seven days to December 21, which was an increase of 47 on the week before, equivalent to 391.7 per cent.

Its most recent rolling rate (the number of cases per 100,000 population) was 783.5 – well above the average for England.