01/11/2020
COVID-19 cases rise five-fold in Rushmoor in October
There were 441 COVID-19 cases in October – over five times as many as in September, when there were 86 cases in Rushmoor (see graph).
These 441 COVID-19 cases in one month represent a rise of 65% on the 682 cases in the previous seven months – to bring the total to 1124 cases since the pandemic started in Rushmoor in March.
Prime Minister announces national restrictions
Because of the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases that have now passed 1 million in the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was today forced to announce national restrictions to reduce the spread of the viral infection, to avoid hospitals being overwhelmed, and to stop the rising tide of deaths.
Non-essential shops and hospitality will have to close for a month.
The restrictions include travel and are due to come into force on Thursday, 5 November, lasting until Wednesday, 2 December.
But schools and colleges are to stay open – against the advice of the National Education Union, who have seen the COVID-19 infection rates of their pupils and students rising faster than those of older people.
Why a Test, Trace, Isolate & Support System is essential
The COVID-19 Test Centre in Aldershot Town is necessary. But testing is only the first part of an effective Test, Trace, Isolate & Support System that will be essential to eliminate COVID-19 from the UK, as far as practicable.
Next comes a local trace team, who will have the addresses and contact details of all those who test positive in order to trace them and their contacts when they were transmitting the virus.
Those testing positive and their contacts will need to isolate in order to prevent them passing on the virus to others.
All those in isolation must be supported and compensated for loss of income during their period of isolation, otherwise they may not be willing to isolate, even if there are penalties for refusing to isolate.
COVID-19 Test Centre operating in Aldershot
Your nearest walk-through test site is Aldershot Parsons Barracks
Parsons Barracks Car Park, Ordnance Rd, Aldershot
Hampshire
GU11 1TW
If you need a test because you have at least one symptom, you should book online here: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
If you cannot book online, please call 119.
Stay at home if you have symptoms
If you’re getting a test because you have symptoms, you, and anyone you live with must self-isolate until you get your result. This also applies to anyone in your support bubble (where someone who lives alone - or just with their children - can meet people from 1 other household)
You must also self-isolate if you cannot get a test.
What the test involves
The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.
You can do the swab yourself (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you. Parents or guardians have to swab test children aged 11 or under.
Getting a test for someone else
If other people you live with have symptoms, you can order tests for up to 3 of them.
If you are applying for someone who is 13 or over, check that they are happy for you to get a test for them.