A CAMPAIGN has been launched across Hampshire in a bid to reduce the transmission of coronavirus.

It involves a council-run website with a number of resources, and links to a new Covid-19 dashboard which provides data on infection rates in the region.

The campaign, called Keep Hampshire Safe by Hampshire County Council, supports the delivery of a local outbreak control plan.

It aims to keep the public safe amid the pandemic, and will involve measures such as safety measures in care homes and schools, working with sheltered housing, airports, transport hubs, prisons, hospitals, tourist venues and higher risk workplaces, ensuring testing can be accessed easily by all residents, contact tracing via NHS Test and Trace, and supporting vulnerable residents.

The new campaign is to continue to promote important public health messaging designed to support the population to keep well, and reduce transmission of coronavirus, as well as ensuring that messaging relating to local outbreaks will reach communities across the county in a timely way.

Councillor Keith Mans, Leader of Hampshire County Council and Chair of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board said: “Since February, we have been working closely with our partners in district and borough councils, the local NHS, Public Health England and other key organisations in response to the coronavirus pandemic to minimise the spread of the virus and help protect local residents and communities across Hampshire.

“Our priority now is to continue to Keep Hampshire Safe so that we can go on enjoying our new freedoms.

“The good news is that infection rates across the county are currently low – but the coronavirus is still in circulation and continues to pose a threat. So now is not the time to relax.

“As we move forward, we will refine our plans to reflect best practice and the latest Government advice so that we can continue to deal effectively with any further outbreaks.

“Together, we can protect one another and keep our county safe. Please continue to play your part.”

The campaign messaging will reflect the traffic light colours of green, amber, red - to help local residents to recognise the state of play at any given time, with signposting to the latest information and advice.

In a bid to prevent local lockdowns in our area, residents are asked to keep distance from people not in their household or support bubble; wear face coverings where asked to do so, wash hands, and if they have symptoms, to get a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.

To access the website, visit www.hants.gov.uk/coronavirus.