According to the latest available statistics, 10,816 people tested positive in Surrey over the seven days up to December 14, an increase of 25 per cent on a week earlier.
Over the same period, 9,506 people tested positive for the coronavirus in Hampshire, an increase of six per cent.
The seven-day infection rate in Surrey is 901.4 cases per 100,000 people and 684.3 per 100,000 in Hampshire – both above the national average of 661.3 per 100,000 people.
By far the worst-affected area locally is Haslemere East, where in the seven days to December 14, there were 121 new cases recorded, giving the area an infection rate of 1,807.9 cases per 100,000 – an increase of 133 per cent on a week earlier.
Locally, other spikes have been recorded in:
* Farnham Moor Park and Bourne (61 cases or 969.3 per 100,000),
* Hindhead, Beacon Hill and Frensham (84 cases or 957.6 per 100,000),
* Haslemere West (58 cases or 933.5 per 100,000),
* Liss and Hawkley (69 cases or 885.6 per 100,000),
* Elstead and Milford (60 cases or 856.9 per 100,000),
* Bordon Camp (50 cases or 838.5 per 100,000),
* New Alresford (71 cases or 837 per 100,000),
* Farnham Town (70 total cases or 834.7 per 100,000),
* Weybourne and Badshot Lea (49 cases or 822.4 per 100,000),
* Petersfield South (77 cases or 814.7 per 100,000).
Find out how your area is faring by using the interactive map at https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map/cases
Hampshire County Council is asking anyone supporting an older or vulnerable person – be they family, friend or someone in their community - to ensure they are well prepared for the festive season, by taking a few simple steps to help keep them safe and well.
Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire’s executive lead member for adult services and public health, shared the following advice: “Being prepared for the festive period is especially important for the elderly and vulnerable and is even more so this Christmas with the increase in Covid cases and concerns over the prevalence of the Omicron variant. Knowing what support is available in advance can make all the difference if you need to step in to support someone.”
TOP TIPS
1) Visit https://www.connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk , the county council’s one-stop-shop online directory of care and support provides a wide range of practical advice. This includes helpful information on:
* Keeping warm and eating well
* Staying connected with others
* Ensuring your prescriptions are topped up.
2) In addition, make sure those you care for have access to Covid lateral flow tests. Tests can be ordered online or collected from your nearest participating pharmacy.
3) The Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline (0333 370 4000, open Monday to Saturday - 9am to 6pm; Sunday and bank holidays - 9am to 4pm; closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day; Monday and Tuesday, December 27 and 28: 9am to 4pm) can signpost to information, advice and relevant services that can assist with a range of issues; from where to find help in the community and money worries, to emotional support and practical help. Information about the helpline’s Christmas opening times is available on the County Council’s website.
Councillor Fairhurst added: “Once again this Christmas, we are facing uncertainty and need to do all we can to ensure that those in our lives who may be vulnerable, are supported to stay safe and well – and that includes considerations relating to mental wellbeing – the festive period can often be a time when people experience loneliness or social isolation.
"We also want to remind people that help is at hand if they are experiencing difficulties due to Covid-19 or because they are self-isolating as a result of the virus.”