Mansfield mayor praises whole town for its response to Covid-19 pandemic

Andy Abrahams, at the start of the latest full council meeting at Mansfield District Council, said: "I am truly heartened and humbled by the caring response so many local people have shown during this unprecedented situation.

"It is easy to believe that this fast-paced high-tech online world we now live in bypasses common acts of humanity.

"But this pandemic has shown that even though we are forced to keep our distance, it has not kept us apart and community spirit is still alive and kicking in Mansfield.”

The mayor said it was impossible to single out anyone among the scores of people who had helped out during the pandemic situation but added: "I would like to thank every single person who has shown acts of kindness and support to their friends, family and neighbours during this difficult time."Mansfield people are the salt of the earth and I am so proud of this district and grateful to live in such a caring community."Mr Abrahams said the council had been at the forefront of measures to support the most vulnerable citizens and families during the pandemic, redeploying staff to ensure people who have been shielding received deliveries of food and medicines.He continued: "Other council officers have been diverted from their usual roles to offer emotional support to families, too, reaching out and offering a virtual hug to those who have felt alone and cut off."Now its humanitarian response, as lockdown eases, aims to help the hundreds of families who have been hit financially as a result of Covid-related job losses and loss of income, as well as supporting businesses to find their feet again.

The mayor also urged local people to stay on their guard and to avoid complacency by keeping to the coronavirus measures.He said: "This virus has not disappeared and none of us wants another lockdown so we must be vigilant.

"Mansfield has had a relatively low number of cases compared to other areas – let's keep it that way.

"Remember, hands, face, space, keep Mansfield safe.”