Basingstoke set to remain a hotspot by the end of January

A tool, devised by Imperial College London, predicts the parts of the country likely to see more than 500 cases per week, which it classes as a 'hotspot.'

Currently, the map indicates that the Basingstoke and Deane local authority area has a 50 per cent chance of remaining at this infection level by January 31.

If the predictions are correct, it would make Basingstoke one of the worst affected regions in the South of England.

Portsmouth and Gosport have a slightly higher chance of remaining hotspots at 61 per cent, whilst the rest of Hampshire is shaded in grey indicating a very low chance they will see over 500 cases per week.

Surrounding local authority areas are predicted to have significantly lower infection rates.

Winchester has a zero per cent of seeing 500 cases a day whilst Test Valley has a nine per cent chance, Hart eleven per cent and West Berkshire three per cent.

Government data shows that Basingstoke currently has an above UK average rolling case rate of 484.8 cases per 100,000 people.

Houndmills, Oakridge, Basingstoke Central, Black Dam and Eastrop are all hotspots for the area with rolling rates above 800.

Earlier this week vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said lockdown could be lifted and replaced with the tier system.

If case rates remain significantly higher than surrounding areas, Basingstoke may face strict tier four measures whilst the rest of the county re-opens.