Health chief's reminder to follow covid 19 advice after increase in Mansfield cases

Now county health chief Jonathan Gribbin is calling on the public to observe Government advice to reduce the spread of the potentially deadly virus.

On Monday, Public Health England data on the Government’s coronavirus online dashboard showed that Mansfield’s infection rate was up from 6.4 to to 17.4, with 19 new cases in the seven days leading up to September 4. There were only seven cases reported in the town in the seven days leading up to August 28.

Concern as Mansfield's coronavirus infection rate more than doubles in one week

Mr Gribbin, Director of Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “COVID-19 figures are increasing in Nottinghamshire, and we are working with our partners in Public Health England, district and borough councils, the local NHS and other organisations to investigate clusters and implement measures where required.

"To manage this situation, keep people of all ages safe and our schools and businesses open, it is important that every one of us follows the government advice in full.

"This is our opportunity to protect people, jobs and schools in Nottinghamshire. It means observing social distancing and sticking to the ‘rule of 6’ in indoor and outdoor settings, with some exemptions.

"People should follow guidelines about car sharing, washing hands regularly, wearing face coverings, self-isolating and quickly getting a free test if symptoms develop.”

A member of the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies said increases in coronavirus cases were “very worrying”. Professor Andrew Hayward told BBC Radio 4: “Generally it is local outbreaks, but there is also very worrying increases in cases.”

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