SouthseaScene

A new survey has been launched to learn more about how people in Hampshire have handled the latest lockdown laws and rules. Following a successful survey about the first national lockdown in the spring, researchers at the University of Portsmouth are now looking for volunteers to help with the questionnaire. It will target the opinions and attitudes of respondents about their own behaviour and that of the wider public during the latest lockdown. The results will be used in research with Hampshire Constabulary. The Constabulary and the University are working together to help them learn the lessons of policing the pandemic and how the force should respond to future Covid-19 restrictions. The survey takes about 15 minutes and respondents will remain anonymous.   Questions include: Have you felt safe in your local community? Have the police done a good job? Has guidance been clear on a national level? How have you and others complied with the current lockdown compared to previous ...

Whether it’s from boredom, stress or anxiety, the sale of alcohol has reportedly increased by 291 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic. During these unprecedented times, much of the world’s population have been asked to self-isolate by remaining indoors. The outcome of the lockdown is unknown but, according to researchers, increased alcohol use could give rise to a second health crisis. They have now launched an anonymous  survey , to find out how much people’s drinking habits might have changed. Dr Matt Parker and Dr Lorenzo Stafford, from the University of Portsmouth, are leading the research. Dr Parker said: “The potential public health effects of long-term isolation on alcohol use and misuse are unknown. Alcohol misuse is one of the leading causes of preventable mortality, contributing annually to about three million deaths worldwide. “This period of isolation might lead to a spike in alcohol misuse and potentially, development of addiction in at-risk individuals o...