THE NUMBER of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Surrey and Hampshire has broken through the 100 barrier.

A total of 77 people have now tested positive for the coronavirus in Hampshire, and 39 in neighbouring Surrey, as of 9am on Wednesday, March 18, making a total of 116 across the two counties.

It means Hampshire, which recorded eight more cases than a day earlier, retains its unwelcome tag as the most affected county in England.

Nationwide, 2,626 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the UK – with an additional 676 contracting COVID-19 on Wednesday. This is a marked increase on the 407 positive tests recorded on Tuesday and the 152 on Monday.

To-date, 103 deaths in the UK have been linked to the virus, while 65 patients have already made a full recovery after contracting COVID-19.

The Herald is taking an active part in relief efforts across the area, as groups are set up to help those self-isolating, and has launched a #HelpingHand appeal, seeking to keep the community connected.

These relief efforts are still being finalised across the area, and few single points of contact for those willing to offer help exist. But we will post the latest updates online, and in the meantime are calling on any organisation willing to offer support to those in quarantine to get in touch by emailing [email protected] or call 01252 899221, including details of what support is offered, and how people can access it.

We are also encouraging readers to set up their own local networks, perhaps aided by mobile phone messaging apps such as WhatsApp, and this week’s paper, on sale now, also carries a form for readers to cut out, fill in with their details and post through vulnerable neighbours’ doors, offering a #HelpingHand.

We are also appealing for readers to get in touch with any stories of kindness and good neighbourly acts, and for agencies wishing to publicise their support, to again email [email protected] or call 01252 899221.