MOVES to co-ordinate Farnham’s coronavirus relief efforts took a major step forward on Thursday, with the first meeting of the newly-formed Farnham COVID-19 Co-ordination Group.

A cross-section of the town community gathered at the Farnham Maltings to discuss how best to support those in self-isolation and requiring extra support during the pandemic.

The meeting was hosted by Maltings’ director Gavin Stride, and included representatives of Farnham Town Council and the Herald, as well as religious leaders, and several charities supporting the elderly and vulnerable.

Also present were administrators of a number of social media groups, including the ’Farnham Response Group’ and ’Farnham and Villages Coronavirus Support Group’, set up to support those impacted by the virus.

Agreed was the need to encourage and support residents to form their own neighbourly networks, and to provide a single point of contact for any at-risk residents not supported by such a group.

Farnham Town Council has also agreed to advise online support groups in becoming legally compliant with data protection legislation, and reduce the risk of their lists of vulnerable residents being exploited by scammers.

The Farnham COVID-19 Co-ordination Group will now meet weekly, on Tuesdays, to discuss progress and further steps. Updates will be posted by the Herald, in print and online.

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Surrey and Hampshire reached 132 on Thursday.

A total of 87 people have now tested positive for the coronavirus in Hampshire, and 45 in neighbouring Surrey, as of 9am on Thursday, March 19.

Nationwide, 3,269 people have now tested positive for the coronavirus – with an additional 643 contracting COVID-19 on Wednesday.

This represents a slight decrease on the number of confirmed cases a day earlier however, when 676 people tested positive.

To-date, 144 deaths in the UK have been linked to the virus, while 79 patients have already made a full recovery after contracting COVID-19.

Schools across England will close their doors indefinitely on Friday, in a scaling up of government plans to contain the coronavirus.

And it has been confirmed that all Surrey library branches will be closed by 5.30pm on Friday, March 20 for the "foreseeable future".

Do you have any acts of kindness or tales of community spirit you would like to share in the face of the national adversity? Do you have a great idea for whiling away the hours at home or keeping the kids busy under lockdown?

Support the Herald’s #HelpingHand appeal and send your stories, suggestions and photos to [email protected] or call 01252 899221.