THERE has been a 24 per cent increase in the number of people with Covid in Basingstoke and Deane, as almost 400 people tested positive for the virus yesterday.

Figures from the government show that 394 people tested positive for Covid in the borough on March 23, which was up 24.1 per cent.

It brings the total for the last seven days to 2,027.

Four people died in the borough yesterday, within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19. 

The total number of people admitted to hospital in Basingstoke and Deane with Covid in the last seven days was 64. 

The rise in Covid cases comes as the trust that runs Basingstoke hospital said it is facing “increased pressure”.

Read more: Hospital trust facing "increased pressures" as 250 people visit A&E in one day

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System said all health services across the county are seeing “exceptional demand, as rising Covid infections combine with high levels of demand for other types of care”.

It said this includes everyone from ambulance crews and call handlers to emergency department teams, community teams and mental health workers, and GP surgery staff.

Dr Zaid Hirmiz, GP and clinical director for south east Hampshire at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System, said: “All NHS services are really busy, but dedicated health and care teams continue to work incredibly hard to provide safe, high quality care and manage the impact of rising Covid-19 infections. As always, the NHS remains here for you when you need it.

“We are doing everything we can to support our brilliant frontline teams, at what it is a really challenging time for them. There are things that you can do which would really help and make a difference – please treat staff with kindness and respect, please help get relatives home promptly when they no longer need hospital care, and please help us to help you make good decisions about the help you might need if you are ill or injured.

“At a time when all services are incredibly busy, there are a number of ways that people can not only help themselves to get the care they need, but also really support the staff who are working flat out to help them.”

Schools have also been impacted, with several schools in the borough having to partially close today because of staff absences or shortages. 

Testbourne Community School, in Whitchurch, Saxon Wood School, in Rooksdown, and Coppice Spring School, in Pack Lane, have all had to implement partial closures today (March 24) because of staff absence or shortages.

The Hampshire at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System has offered the following tips to support NHS frontline teams:

• Get vaccinated against Covid-19 – the best form of protection for you and your loved ones.

• Help patients get home when they’re ready to leave hospital – it’s better for them, and frees up beds for others. 

• The Emergency Department (ED) is for emergencies, not convenience.

• Not sure what help you need? Contact 111 online and let the experts help you.

• Urgent treatment centres are best for minor injuries, and have x-ray facilities.

• Use the expert help available on every high street, at the network of pharmacies.

• Your GP practice has online access and a range of expert help – a convenient option.

• Make use of online help – try nhs.uk for health and medicines advice, and what0-18.nhs.uk/ if you are concerned about an unwell child.

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