WINCHESTER is likely to no longer be a coronavirus 'hotspot' by the end of February, a model by university scientists suggests.

According to experts at Imperial College London, the district has a 51 per cent chance of recording more than 50 cases per week by February 27.

Currently, the area has a 93 per cent chance of documenting more than 50 cases over seven days.

The map categorises areas as ‘hotspots’ if they have between a 75 per cent and 100 per cent chance of recording more than 50, 100, 200, 300 or 500 cases per week.

The prediction comes as 397, 827 jabs have been given to elderly and vulnerable people in Hampshire, according to Government figures released on Friday.

The aim is to hit 15 million vaccinations across the country by February 15, meaning the top four priority groups would have received their first jab.

Winchester has a 41 per cent possibility of seeing more than 100 cases in seven days as of today (Saturday), which could drop to 21 per cent by February 27.

Meanwhile, Basingstoke is likely to be the one of the least infected areas of Hampshire, with the borough having a 23 per cent probability of recording more than 50 cases per week. It is second only to Hart with 22 per cent.

Currently, Basingstoke has a 97 per cent likelihood and Hyde is indicating a 75 per cent probability of recording more than 50 cases in a seven-day period.

Southampton, Eastleigh and Fareham are likely to be the only areas of Hampshire expected to still be classed as ‘hotspots’ by February 27, with 79 per cent; 82 per cent; and 78 per cent probability respectively.

As it stands Southampton and Eastleigh are recording a 100 per cent likelihood of recording more than 50 cases week, and in Fareham it is 99 per cent.

In Test Valley the picture also seems to be improving, as it is currently registering a 99 per cent chance of recording more than 50 cases a week and on February 27 that falls to 65 per cent.

Things are looking more positive in the New Forest, as it is predicted to cease being a 'hotspot' by the end of February.

Experts believe the New Forest has a 34 per cent chance of seeing more than 50 cases per week.

The area currently has a 76 per cent possibility of documenting more than 50 cases over a seven-day period.