FOLLOWING yesterday's announcement of national lockdown restrictions, Basingstoke's MP has urged residents to 'stay at home', citing the strain currently being faced by the town's hospital.

Maria Miller said: “It’s really difficult for everyone to go into a third lock down but now more than ever, we must pull together following the new rules, particularly given the significantly increased number who need acute care in our local Hospital. These new restrictions will be reviewed on 15th February.

“The message is very clear, stay at home unless you have very specific reasons to leave such as to get food, medical treatment, exercise, or you cannot do your job from home."

Mrs Miller echoed the prime minister's message of hope regarding upcoming vaccinations, adding: “This lockdown comes as the national Covid19 vaccine programme continues to roll out. In Hampshire more than 30 000 people at the highest risk have already been vaccinated and this week our Hospital Staff start to be vaccinated as well. The vaccination programme is good news but we shan’t start to see the benefits until large numbers of people have been vaccinated. As things stand it is estimated that the key groups will be vaccinated by mid-February.

“Its all our responsibilities to stay at home to cut rates of transmission helping our local NHS to cope with this difficult and fast-moving situation.”

This morning, the Chancellor has also announced £4.6 billion in new lockdown grants to support business and protect jobs.

Supporting this move, Mrs Miller continued: “Throughout the pandemic extra support has been put in place to protect jobs and livelihoods.

"This additional support will help businesses see out these latest restrictions and prepare for a time when they can reopen their doors for business, helping to ensure the jobs and livelihoods they provide are protected.”