Posted on 6th Jan
People across the area have been asked to ply their part during the third national coronavirus lockdown.
Coun David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Approximately one in three people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it. Therefore the Government is asking us once again to stay at home unless we need to leave for one of a number of essential reasons.
“I know another lockdown and these additional restrictions will add further challenges for our residents who are already struggling, but I must ask again for everyone’s support in following the guidance and to play their part, remembering Hands, Face, Space at all times when leaving their home.
“If you are leaving home for an essential reason, please stay local and support your local essential retailers where possible, many of which are adapting again to takeaway and delivery services to help support our communities and particularly our residents who are shielding.
“The vaccination programme is currently being rolled out across Nottinghamshire to the top priority groups so the end of this pandemic is in sight. However, please do not contact the NHS as once you become eligible for the vaccine, you will be contacted to book your appointment.”
The council said any resident who is clinically extremely vulnerable or self-isolating should ask for support from a friend, family member, neighbour or carer, an NHS volunteer responder (by downloading the Goodsam app or calling 0808 196 3646) or a community group (by visiting the Nottinghamshire Coronavirus Community Support Hub for details of local groups).
If a resident is struggling to find support using the above options, and needs assistance with the supply of food and medication, they are asked to call the Hub on 0300 500 8080 (Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm).
During this difficult time, the council added that it is also more important than ever for residents to look after their mental health and wellbeing and emotional support and information is also available. Residents can call the mental health advice line on 0300 555 0730 (9am to 11pm, 7 days a week) or crisis line on 0808 196 3779 (available 24/7).
Jonathan Gribbin (pictured), director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire said: “The lockdown is a necessary measure to address the threat caused by COVID-19 and the new variant which is driving an increase in rates in many parts of the country. We are also seeing sharp increases across Nottinghamshire and these will result in severe pressures in our local health and social care system. Bringing the rates under control requires these strict measures and for all of us to follow them. In doing so, we keep people in Nottinghamshire safe and enable all our children and young people to get back to school as soon as possible.
“The new measures last for at least six weeks so my challenge to the people of Nottinghamshire is to see this as an opportunity to do all you can to protect yourself, your family and local people you may not even know by staying at home as far as possible and sticking to the Hands, Face and Space rules. It really is as simple as that. Doing so will help bring down the rates just as we did when we worked together in the first lockdown in the spring of 2020.”
If a resident show symptoms of COVID-19 (including a loss of smell or taste, a high temperature and a persistent cough) they must self-isolate immediately and book a free test by calling 119 or by using the NHS app.
