Twenty-two people have died at a Basingstoke care home in one of the worst known outbreaks of the coronavirus pandemic to date, the Gazette can report. 


The deaths occurred at Pemberley House Care Home in Grove Road, Viables, operated by private firm Avery Healthcare.


The outbreak was first declared on Tuesday, January 5, with 60 per cent of its residents testing positive for the disease, according to sources. Within three weeks, 22 people had died - over a third of the home’s residents. The Gazette’s former picture editor Ron Boshier was among the victims.

You can read the full story in this week’s edition of The Gazette. Also in this week's paper:

  • A resident has refused to pay her parking fine, after accusing a company of “entrapment” when she unwittingly parked in a bay with a time-limit.
  • Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital staff appear in a new hard-hitting national campaign to urge residents to stay at home.
  • Some over 80-year-olds in Basingstoke are concerned that they have not yet had the Covid-19 vaccine, after it was announced that the life-saving jab is being given to those aged over 70. 
  • Children's play parks in the borough could close if people do not use them safely, the council has warned.
  • Almost 2,000 patients have been waiting longer than a year for treatment at Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals, and this is likely to increase, a report reveals. . 
  • Hampshire County Council has temporarily lifted the time restriction on using Older Person’s Bus Passes.
  • A mother has said her family have struggled “to get back to reality” after a fire forced them from their home.
  • Residents in three tranquil cottages on the edge of Basingstoke could be plunged into the middle of an industrial estate if a proposed warehouse development gets the go ahead.
  • PLUS: All the latest from Basingstoke Magistrates' Court.
  • Two pages of your letters to the editor.
  • Pictures: Eight-page SNOW DAY special.
  • Pictures: Highlights from this month's Camera Club theme.
  • The latest news from our communities.
  • An eight-page children's activities special.
  • Business news.
  • Three pages of entertainment news.
  • Two pages of sports news. And much more!

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