Residents identified as being most at risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) are being urged to utilise a range of support options available after further restrictions come into force across England from yesterday.

People should stay at home except for food, medical reasons, exercise, education or work (if they cannot work from home). All non-essential retail, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, entertainment venues, personal care services and hospitality venues will close. Essential shops, schools and education settings will remain open.

People aged over 60, those identified as being clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable, could be at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus and should take extra precautions to minimise their contact with others.

Therefore, vulnerable residents are being strongly encouraged to seek help and support when needed. In the first instance ask a friend, family member, neighbour, carer or volunteer (for example one of the NHS volunteer responders via the Goodsam App) for help and support with accessing food and medicine deliveries. You can also call the NHS volunteer responders on 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.

Secondly, residents can contact the Nottinghamshire Coronavirus Community Support Hub at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/coronavirus/nottinghamshire-coronavirus-community-support-hub Alternatively, residents can access the hub by emailing enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk or calling 0300 500 8080 to find the right support which includes:

– Accessing sustainable food supplies and deliveries
– Collecting and delivering medicines
– Personal and social support – e.g. dog walking and collecting newspapers
– Advice on physical, mental and emotional health
– Transport needs

Your enquiry may be dealt with by a local community group or alternatively may be directed to the Humanitarian Assistance Response Team at Newark and Sherwood District Council. This team was formed in March at the beginning of the first national lockdown and has helped more than 960 residents.

Clinically vulnerable people are those who are:

aged 70 or over (regardless of medical conditions)
under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (that is, anyone instructed to get a flu jab each year on medical grounds):
chronic (long-term) mild to moderate respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
chronic kidney disease
chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
diabetes
a weakened immune system as the result of certain conditions or medicines they are taking (such as steroid tablets)
being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)
pregnant
Those who are identified as clinically extremely vulnerable will previously have received a letter from the NHS or from their GP telling them this. They may also have been advised to shield in the past.

Coun David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “I know that we have had a difficult few weeks in Nottinghamshire adapting to two recent changes in our local restrictions and now, unfortunately, we are faced with another set of restrictions.

“I understand how disappointing and frustrating this will be for both residents and businesses but it was clear from the data presented by Government that changing nothing is just not an option. The health and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority and we will continue to provide essential council services for our residents and businesses. Throughout the pandemic we have continued to support the most vulnerable members of our community, and this vital work will continue alongside supporting with critical day-to-day services.

“Those living in Newark and Sherwood have shown fantastic community spirit throughout this challenging year and I have no doubt that this will continue with family, friends, neighbours and community groups supporting one another, where they are safely able to, over the coming weeks.

“It is imperative that everyone follows the latest government guidelines to save lives and protect the NHS.”

In response to the national restrictions, all Active4Today Leisure Centres, including Southwell Leisure Centre Trust, the Sherwood Forest Arts and Crafts Centre, the National Civil War Centre and Newark’s Palace Theatre will be closed. Newark and Sherwood District Council’s main offices, located at Castle House, will also be closed to the public but telephone services remain in operation as normal. District council-managed play parks and public toilets will remain open. This includes Castle Gardens.

For full details on the new national restrictions, visit the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november

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