Nottinghamshire Councils urge people to follow stricter guidelines on Covid-19
It follows a dramatic increase in positive cases of Covid-19 across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, as well as a rise in the rate of infection. The rates across the county currently vary between 53 and 150 per 100,000.
The rate of infection for Nottinghamshire County is 106 per 100,000, coupled with the significant rate of infection in Nottingham City which currently sits at more than 400 per 100,000.
All councils in Nottinghamshire are asking the public to act now. The government’s threshold for concern is currently 80 per 100,000. Therefore, the expectation is that all of the county's districts and boroughs will be the subject of additional restrictions and measures.
The Government is expected to announce tougher restrictions for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire later this week which could include measures similar to those in place in other parts of the country in which movements are restricted.
The County Council and district councils are urging people to take urgent steps now - which is, to not mix indoors with people from other households.
Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire Jonathan Gribbin said:
“COVID-19 does not recognise geographical boundaries so we must stand together with our local authority partners to do all we can to fight this virus across all our communities. The rapid and sustained increase in the numbers of positive cases is a serious cause for concern and the very dramatic rates in the city are a clear sign that action is needed now across the whole of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
“We must now ask every resident to do their bit and not mix indoors with people from other households.
“It is critical that if you have symptoms of COVID-19 – high temperature, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell – to self-isolate immediately and book a test by calling 119 or by going online to gov.uk. Please do not go to A&E or call your GP to get a test.
“And I wholly support calls from the director of public health for Nottingham to strongly advise people, anywhere in Nottinghamshire, to remain in their social bubbles and not mix in their homes with people from other households.
“Despite the efforts of our best scientists the fact remains there is no vaccine for COVID-19 at present. The single best way to suppress the spread of the virus is in all of our hands. This is through effective handwashing, wearing a face covering where needed, and maintaining a distance of at least two metres where possible. Get tested if you have symptoms, then self-isolate and follow the advice when the results are given."
Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council said
“We understand how difficult further restrictions will be for residents, but it is important that as a County we act now so that we can return to normal life as soon as possible. Not one area of the County or group of people is responsible for the spread of the virus, but it is all our responsibility to do what we can to protect our communities.
“We are awaiting further details from the government, but we are expecting any restrictions to be similar to those currently in place in the North East of England. In order to restrict the spread of the virus it is important that we do not mix indoors with people from other households and continue to follow government guidelines.”
