The Government has placed the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire under ‘High’ restrictions from Wednesday 14 October. Tighter rules are needed because cases of the virus are increasing in the city and more people are being admitted to hospital. We are seeing cases of Covid-19 across all parts of the city and among all age groups. We have to do more to keep each other safe – and we have to act now.
My understanding is that there are two reasons the city hasn’t been placed into tier three. The first is that our hospitals aren’t currently at that level. There is a great deal of preparation going on, but they’re not full.
The second is that the cases haven’t spread in large numbers to the older population. Most of our cases are currently among younger people. Obviously there’s every likelihood younger people will get COVID in a less severe way - not that that’s anything to be complacent about because there are young people who get it very badly - but obviously the greater concern is for people who are older or have underlying health conditions.
This means we now have a clear set of rules from Government for people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to follow. This is essentially the same as the advice we issued last week and I’m pleased that overwhelmingly people in Nottingham are realising how serious the Covid situation is and are heeding that advice.
We now need everyone, young and old, to understand that these rules are there to protect them and those around them and that they are enforceable by law. Following these rules is vital if we are to protect one another from this deadly virus as well as avoid even tighter restrictions being imposed which would further limit what we can and cannot do.
The new measures will help to stop the spread of Covid-19 and therefore better protect older and more vulnerable people in Nottingham. It will also help to reduce pressure on the NHS as we move into winter.
What are the new rules?
- People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
- People must not meet in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or other space.
- People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.
In addition to the new restrictions, we must all continue to wash hands, wear a face covering and maintain social distance. People who have symptoms of Covid-19 – high temperature, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell – must self-isolate immediately and book a test by calling 119
More detail on the new Covid restrictions can be found on the government website here
More involvement and support sought from Government
We haven’t had direct communication with the Government about these restrictions and will seek more involvement as the situation continues, so we can introduce any new measures in a clear, orderly and timely way.
As these restrictions limit people to mixing only with their own households, there are concerns about the potential impact on some businesses that are already struggling such as those in the hospitality sector and night-time economy, and so we will be looking to Government for support for them.
Thank you to everyone sticking to the rules
Last week when the Government changed its mind about introducing measures urgently in Nottingham, I was concerned about the possible implications of that and implored people not to view it as a chance for one last blow-out at the weekend.
I am pleased that people have heeded the warning and realised the Covid situation in Nottingham is extremely serious, with the vast majority appearing to have been sensible given that the weekend was relatively quiet except for a few isolated incidents. Where there were cases of behaviour in breach of Covid rules, our Community Protection Officers were on hand to support the police in keeping everyone safe, and I am grateful to them and the police for their efforts.
I would like to thank everyone for overwhelmingly doing the right thing. We appreciate that 2020 hasn’t been the year any of us expected or wanted. Please know that your efforts to stick to the rules are not only appreciated, but are extremely important if we are to stem the spread of Covid in our city.
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