Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Last updated: 24 February 2021 at 12pm

National lockdown

The country is still in national lockdown meaning that everyone should follow the guidance and stay at home.

This means you must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to:

shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
attend education or childcare - for those eligible.

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. You should not attend work.

Roadmap out of lockdown

On Monday 22 February, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the government’s roadmap out of lockdown for England.

The plan will be implemented in four steps, with milestone points expected at Monday 8 March, Monday 29 March, Monday 12 April, Monday 17 May and Monday 21 June, depending on analysis of the scientific data. At each step, the restrictions will be lifted across the whole of England at the same time.

England is still in a national lockdown so people must stay at home, leaving only where permitted by law, and follow the rules. The national lockdown guidance on what you can and cannot do has been updated to include the changes ahead from Monday 8 March.

Please take a look at the video below which explains the government's roadmap:

Hands, face, space

To help control the virus and protect yourself and others, when you leave home you must:

wash hands - keep washing your hands regularly
cover face - wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces
make space - stay at least a metre away from people not in your household

If you are feeling unwell, get a test and do not leave home for at least 10 days.

Visit the government webpages for the latest guidance and information.

Coronavirus outbreak FAQs, what you can and can't do
NHS advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), including what to do if you think you have it and how to reduce your chances of getting it
Guidance on use of face coverings on public transport
Find coronavirus help and support

Asymptomatic community testing

People going out to work can now book asymptomatic tests in the borough. The six-week scheme is aimed at those without symptoms of COVID-19 who are regularly leaving home to go to work, and who are not covered by an existing workplace testing scheme.

The location for the borough is at the former South Ham Library

For more information about testing without symptoms visit the county council’s website.

People who are working from home or shielding should not attend a community testing site. Anyone experiencing symptoms of coronavirus - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste - should book a test online or call 119.

Hampshire COVID-19 data

Keep up to date on how coronavirus is affecting Hampshire

Council updates

Council meetings

All committee, Cabinet and Council meetings are now held virtually and are live streamed on the council's website in the same way as they would normally be webcast to allow residents to watch the committee meetings live.

Find out more information on upcoming virtual council meetings.

Service updates

Find out the latest updates and further information on how our services have been affected by COVID-19.

Community hub

Working with Basingstoke Voluntary Action and others, we are helping coordinate community support during the pandemic.

Get information on the support available for communities, including the careline set up to support vulnerable residents.

Council tax support

Following the government’s announcement of a new Hardship Fund to help vulnerable residents pay their council tax, we received further guidance on the measures and implemented some changes.

Read the latest information on the changes to help vulnerable residents pay their council tax.