Rates of infection, their trajectory and pressures on the local health and social care system are all factors considered in making the decision.

The local tier levels are part of the Government’s Winter Plan, a strategy to save lives, protect health and care services, and keep our economy and schools open.               

Nottinghamshire Councils have pledged to work together to help communities throughout the festive period and into 2021.

Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire said:

 “We recognise the sacrifices Nottinghamshire residents have made throughout a very difficult year to help drive down the rate of infection across the county and I appreciate that the continuation of Tier 3 measures will be a disappointment to many who were hoping for an easing of the restrictions.

“I would like to thank those who have stuck to the very difficult restrictions placed on them. Their diligence and perseverance have helped reduce rates which has kept more people safe from COVID-19. However, the rate of infection remains a concern, especially among people over 60, and our hospitals are still experiencing high levels of admissions of people very poorly with COVID-19.

“To help save lives and protect the NHS and our social care services we must continue to observe the restrictions that apply. The roll out of the vaccine to the most vulnerable groups is of course very positive news but it will be some time to come before until we know how much it will impact infection rates more generally.  Therefore, it is essential that you protect yourself and everyone around you is to stick to the Hands, Face, Space principles.

As a reminder, Tier 3 restrictions mean you must avoid mixing indoors with any other households and the rule of six applies in public outdoor settings. Full details on the measure are available at: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/coronavirus/covid19-tier-3-restrictions-for-nottinghamshire (Opens in a New Window)

“At this time of the year, when our high streets are busy with shoppers preparing for Christmas it’s also important to be extra vigilant in crowded places. Remember, you must wear a face covering in public indoor settings, as well as outdoors, where you feel it will provide additional protection.

“Those who are taking advantage of the Christmas Bubble arrangements will hopefully have planned ahead which households they intend to mix safely with to celebrate Christmas. It’s important to remember the rules about Bubbles:

• you can form an exclusive ‘Christmas bubble’ composed of people from no more than three households. New guidance for Wales advises only two households to mix.
• you can only be in one Christmas bubble
• you cannot change your Christmas bubble
• you can travel between tiers and UK nations for the purposes of meeting your Christmas bubble
• you can only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces
• you can continue to meet people who are not in your Christmas bubble outside your home according to the rules in the tier you are meeting in (Opens in a New Window).
• if you form a Christmas bubble, you should not meet socially with friends and family that you do not live with in your home or garden unless they are part of your Christmas bubble

You should travel to meet those in your Christmas bubble and return home between the 23 and 27 December. Anyone travelling to or from Northern Ireland may travel on the 22 and 28 December.

In England, Bubble arrangements are only in place between 23 and 27 December and after this, you must return to the Tier 3 restrictions. This means, no New Year parties with other households!

This week the Government asked everyone to exercise additional vigilance when forming bubbles.

“How each and every one of us adheres to the guidance during the Christmas Bubble window will make a significant difference to the overall rate of infection in the days and weeks to come. By continuing to stick to those rules today, you will give our communities the best possible chance of keeping rates low and helping to give everyone the prospect of a safe New Year.”

The Christmas bubble rule enables families to mix safely over the Christmas period. For further guidance for the Christmas period, visit:

https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/coronavirus/guidance-for-the-christmas-period (Opens in a New Window)

Councillor Janet Patrick, Mayor of the Borough of Broxtowe has been working with local community groups, food banks, schools, Councillors and volunteers to help bring some festive cheer to those who need some extra support this Christmas.

The appeal has had an incredible response from local people who have donated food items to make up four hundred Christmas Hampers, which will be delivered in time for the big day.

Over £16,000 worth of vouchers will also be delivered, which can be spent in a range of local businesses. This will help support not only local people in need but also our local economy, after businesses have suffered during the pandemic.

Councillor Patrick said: “The response to our appeal has been incredible and I am so grateful for the many volunteers, groups, organisations, schools, businesses, fellow Councillors and Officers who have worked together to make this happen.

“I am also deeply moved by the generosity of our local residents, giving donations for the hampers or making financial contributions to the appeal and showing how much we as a community care about each other, in our special Broxtowe way.”

On Saturday 19^th December at 5.00pm, enjoy local artists including Richard Jenkins, Warren Ireland, Ellie Keegan, George Gadd, Ben Smith and Harrison Rimmer. Tune in to our Facebook page at 5.00pm to enjoy original songs and Christmas covers to get you into the festive spirit. We've shared a sneak peak on our our Facebook page!

On Sunday 20^th December at 3.30pm, you can watch the Mayor’s Christmas service, which includes a British Sign Language performance of Silent Night, as well as well-known carols and Christmas readings. You can tune in to our video on our Facebook page or on our YouTube channel.

Find out more

Broxtowe Borough Council is urging anyone who is homeless or facing homelessness to get in touch with the Council for advice and assistance as soon as possible.