Three positive Omicron cases confirmed in Basingstoke, Hampshire County Council confirms

THE first cases of Hampshire residents suffering from the Omicron Covid-19 variant have been confirmed, it has been revealed.

Three Basingstoke residents are isolating, and key contacts are being traced, tested and provided with guidance on the self-isolation requirements to protect the public, Hampshire County Council confirmed this morning (Monday).

It added that a possible link to foreign travel has been identified.

Emma Richards, consultant in health protection at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) south east, said it was "critically important" to stop its spread while more it learned about how infectious it is and how effective the vaccines are.

"Health protection experts at the UKHSA have been working with Hampshire County Council’s public health team to investigate where the individuals have been while in the area, and targeted PCR testing will be carried out for the contacts they had," she added.

Simon Bryant, the county council’s director of public health said: "We are working closely with the UKHSA, and they will carry out targeted testing at Hatch Warren Junior School, with the support of mobile testing units, next week.

"As a precaution, all Year 4 pupils and teachers at the school have also been asked to isolate.

"Together with the UKHSA, we continue to do all we can to encourage the public to adopt safe behaviours to prevent further spread. Get vaccinated – first dose, second dose, booster.

"Wear a face covering on public transport, in shops and crowded places. If you have symptoms, then isolate immediately and get a PCR test."