Gedling Borough Council‘s leader John Clarke is urging residents to avoid mixing with other households indoors after a “dramatic” rise in coronavirus cases across the county..
The call comes after it was announced that Gedling Borough Council would be working with other County, district and borough councils to issue stricter guidelines to residents in a bid to help stop the spread of the virus.
The Government is now are expected to announce new lockdown measures for the county on Monday (12)
The new advice has been issued following 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.
“It is important that we act now to help tackle the spread of the virus in Gedling.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said
“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 meters where possible. Get tested if you have symptoms, then self-isolate and follow the advice when the results are given.”
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “It is important that we act now to help tackle the spread of the virus in Gedling.
“I appreciate the frustrations and challenges that new restrictions and measures may bring, but we have to work together and all play our part in protecting each other and our communities.
“We all want nothing more than to return to normal, to meet with our friends and family in ways we wish to and for our local businesses and economy to get fully back on their feet – to do that we all need to work together by sticking to rules and local guidance.”
Director of Adult Social Care for Nottinghamshire County Council Melanie Brooks said:
“We are advising care homes to restrict visiting to exceptional circumstances only. We thank carers and relatives for their patience as we work to protect those most at risk of adverse consequences of COVID-19. Please contact care homes to ask about their specific restrictions before you visit. We appreciate how hard these new restrictions will be, but we must prioritise the safety of our residents and workforce.”
