Rise in Covid-19 cases in Nottinghamshire sparks vigilance plea to public

People in Nottinghamshire have been urged to take action to stop the spread of Covid-19. Photo by Juraj Varga/Pixabay.

Latest figures released show 49 new positive cases of Covid-19 in the county, up from 36 in the previous seven days.

The county’s directors of public health are calling for the public to be vigilant after the increase in the number of people testing positive for the disease was announced yesterday (August 5).

As well as continuing to wash hands, keeping socially distant and getting a free test for symptoms, people who have to share a car to get to work should be careful to use face coverings and to clean car surfaces.

Families and friends from different households should also follow guidance when meeting in enclosed places, usually in the home; this is leading to the spread into other areas such as workplaces.

Jonathan Gribbin, director of public health in Nottinghamshire, said: “Rates of Covid-19 were decreasing in Nottinghamshire. But that is no longer the case and it is causing us some concern. Covid-19 has not gone away and what we are seeing now is an increase in new cases.

“If we do nothing, eventually we could see Covid-19 cases returning in a way which impacts local jobs and schools, and threatens our friends and families. We can avoid that happening. To do so we need everyone to play their part – individuals, friends, households, businesses. We are asking you to help by following all the precautions when you interact with anyone outside your family or household bubble. If we take action now, we can slow the spread of the virus.”

In Nottingham City, there were 26 new positive cases of Covid-19, up from 17 cases in the previous seven days.

Alison Challenger, director of public health for Nottingham City, said: “Everyone has worked hard to stick to the guidelines: people remained at home during lockdown and people are now working with us as we continue to safely reopen our city and county.

“But Covid-19 is still a threat to our health and wellbeing.

“We look forward to getting our children back into school and people back into their workplaces – but if the Covid-19 rate continues to rise, this will be more and more of a challenge."