Health chief says 'powerful reminder' Covid still circulating as cases rise in Mansfield

The town has overtaken Corby in Northamptonshire for having the highest rate in the country after figures revealed it currently has 107.9 cases per 100,000 people – an increase of more than 14 per cent on the previous seven days.

It is also almost four times the England average of 28.1 per 100,000, with some Mansfield neighbourhoods having rates more than five or six times higher than the national figure.

In total, there have been about 122 cases in the last week – with half of the cases among young people aged under 18 and most of those are aged between 12 and 17.

Jonathan Gribbin, director of public health for Nottinghamshire confirmed that several of the cases were linked to schools in the district.

He said: “The other half of the cases are amongst people of working age, with a small number amongst older people. Some of these cases come from households with links to the schools where we have seen cases. Others appear to have no direct links to these settings.

“All of this is a powerful reminder that Covid-19 is still circulating widely in Nottinghamshire, and of the need for everyone to maintain the restrictions which are in place at Step 2 of the roadmap.

“As the lockdown is eased, the commitment and vigilance of everyone in Mansfield is still needed so that we do not become the focus of a resurgence.

"This means everyone needs to carry on with the Hands, Face, Space rules, only meet others outdoors in a group of six or two households – and even then, keeping a distance of two metres.

"It means following the rules for any shop, hairdresser, pub, restaurant or gym we visit.

"As ever, if you have symptoms of Covid-19, it is essential that you get a free PCR test and isolate immediately.

“I would also encourage people who don’t display symptoms to follow the recommendation of getting tested twice weekly. Up to one third of people carrying the virus do not have symptoms. So, getting tested is an important way of defending ourselves, our families and communities from a resurgence.”