Council leader and public health boss warn 'pandemic not over' as Covid rates rise
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Coun Jason Zadrozny, Ashfield Council leader, and Jonathan Gribbin, Nottinghamshire director of public health, are urging people to take up the offer of vaccination while keeping up with Covid safety measures as infection rates shoot up.
Coun Zadrozny highlighted 853 new cases, up 211 on the previous week, in Ashfield, while Mr Gribbin has described increasing infection rates across the county.
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Hide AdMr Gribbin said the Nottinghamshire rate has risen a fifth, to 556 cases per 100,000, compared with the English average of 376.
He said: “Steady increases have been recorded across all districts and boroughs since early September.”
Coun Zadrozny said Ashfield had been consistently been close to the UK’s highest infection rates, as vaccination levels ‘remained stubbornly’ low, with 17 per cent of residents yet to have their first dose of vaccine, and 24 per cent yet to have their second.
He urged residents to take advantage of the NHS vaccination bus which will be at the Badger Box, Derby Road, Annesley, on Tuesday, October 19, from noon-4pm, and Prolog Fulfilment, Sherwood Business Park, Annesley, later that day, from 5-7pm.
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Hide AdIt will also be stopping at The Oval, Carsic, Sutton, the following day, October 20, from 10-4pm.
Booster
Mr Gribbin also welcomed news of a walk-in booster jabs scheme, which starts today at Mansfield Vaccination Centre, on Chesterfield Road South, and Sutton’s King’s MIll Hospital.
It is aimed at the over 50s, over-16s with health conditions and health and social care workers who had their second jabs six months ago.
Mr Gribbin said: “The pandemic is not over yet.
“Covid remains a serious health risk, but we do have a safe pathway, using a combination of vaccination and for keeping going with the basic control measures.”
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Hide AdThey included using lateral flow and PCR tests, masks wearing hand-washing and socialising outside or well ventilated areas.
Coun Zadrozny said: “The levels of positive COVID tests remain significantly higher in Ashfield, it’s a huge concern and why we’re pushing NHS bosses to improve access to vaccination levels via their mobile units.
"Covid has not gone away, It’s rampant in our district. Please take precautions, wear masks on public transport, shops and when engaging with others.”