First ripples of pandemic in city as Covid case declared
THE first ripples of the global coronavirus pandemic were beginning to show in the UK amid a growing sense of anxious realisation that Britain would not escape the clutches of the disease which had originated across the world in China.
A swirl of rumours spread across social media, on the streets and within organisations over unconfirmed positive cases of coronavirus in the region.
And on Saturday, March 14 the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Portsmouth by Public Health England.
Fears for Hampshire residents were further heightened as government figures showed the number of cases in the county had risen to 41 – making it the UK county most affected by Covid-19.
Chiefs at Queen Alexandra Hospital said there had been no confirmed cases, contrary to social media rumours.
Details of the first patient to test positive for coronavirus in Portsmouth were not yet known.
Up to this point only 21 people in the UK had died of coronavirus.
By March 17, the Cosham hospital confirmed the city’s first death from coronavirus – a 59-year-old woman with underlying health conditions.
Now the total number of Covid deaths in the country had sharply risen to 104.
After the nation went into lockdown on March 23, people started working from home while events were routinely cancelled as the country felt Covid-19’s vice-like grip.
Among the early events to cancel were Portsmouth’s America’s Cup event and Portsmouth Pride, as well as Wickham Horse Fair – with the royal charter event in its 751st year.
Following the first coronavirus death in the city, John Knighton, medical director at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Queen Alexandra Hospital, said: ‘Sadly, we can confirm that a woman who was being cared for at Queen Alexandra Hospital, and had tested positive for Covid-19, has died.
‘The patient, who died yesterday (Tuesday, March 17), was 59 and had underlying health conditions.
‘Her family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.’
A statement on the cancelled America’s Cup sailing regatta said: ‘ The health and wellbeing of the public, the volunteers, the stakeholders, event organisers and America’s Cup teams have to be put first and foremost, and proceeding with the event in the current global climate would simply be irresponsible given the safety considerations.
‘We are also facing significant travel and logistical restrictions that are in place right now and forecast to remain in the coming weeks and potentially months.’
We are a densely-populated city…we have got to be very, very careful.
Rob Rogers, online reader of The News – March 14
I can see isolating if you’re a parent difficult, especially if you have young children.
Charlotte Bryan, online reader of The News – March 14
All this worry over something so small – not even worth mentioning.
Trevor Mundy, online reader of The News – March 15
Wash your hands, don’t stockpile on food and toilet roll…don’t be an idiot.
Bradley Seymour, online reader of The News – March 16
Now can they close our kids’ schools? Rest in peace to the poor lady.
Kerry Ann, online reader of The News – March 18
I have trust in Boris. He is doing an amazing job in extreme difficulties.
Karen Cox, online reader of The News – March 18