Winchester News Online
Hampshire care homes take part in Covid testing scheme pilot
Care home residents in Hampshire are able to see their loved ones more regularly, as care homes across the county take part in a new Covid testing scheme.
One family member or friend per resident can get tested regularly to enable indoor visits without a screen to take place.
The pilot launched on 16 November and is being combined with other infection-control measures, such as PPE
Visitors will either be offered an at-home test or the new 30-minute lateral flow test.
Care home residents have already been very isolated because of the pandemic, and some have even passed away without being able to see their loved ones again first.
A woman, who wants to remain anonymous, was not able to see her grandmother, who was in a care home, before she passed away.
She told WINOL: “It was definitely sad, especially knowing that she was alone for the last strech of her life and was very confused.
“I think there would’ve been a chance that she would have recovered more instead of going downhill had we been able to visit her.
“We did send in cards which we heard just made her really upset because she said she would never see me and my siblings again.”
Around 20 care homes in Hampshire, Cornwall and Devon are taking part in the pilot.
Councillor Liz Fairhurst, executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health said: “We are delighted to be taking part in this innovative pilot which is going to help residents to receive visits from their loved ones more regularly and with the added reassurance, whilst also paving the way for a wider roll out of this approach nationally.”
The pilot aims to further develop the evidence base for mass testing with fast, reliable COVID-19 tests.
If the pilot is successful care home testing will be rolled out across the country.
Helen Whately, Minister for Care said: “As Christmas approaches, I want to bring an end to the pain of separation and help care homes bring families and loved ones together. The launch of visitor testing is a crucial step to making that happen.”
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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