Mansfield people will 'rally to challenge' of lockdown says Mayor

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the latest lockdown on Monday.

Mansfield and Ashfield businesses 'staying positive' after third national lockdown announced

Executive Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams said: “I know Mansfield will rally to this latest challenge and people will look out for the most vulnerable. The council will do everything it can to help with humanitarian support and business assistance.

“There is a need to reduce the increasing COVID-19 cases to save lives and ease the acute pressure on the NHS. This new variant of the virus is easier to catch, with a good percentage of carriers having no obvious symptoms, it is much harder to contain without more stringent restrictions on freedoms.

“It is crucial that everyone behaves responsibly, anyone of us could be accidentally spreading this virus without knowing it.

“These new measures will have the best chance of being effective if we all abide by them. It is worrying to see that the area has examples of people not following the rules with houseparties recently.

“It has never been more important to ensure that we follow the rules and play our part in controlling the virus. We must have a collective effort to bring cases down and get back to some kind of normality.

“We know it’s hard but with vaccinations happening, we’re much closer to a more positive outcome. Those who break the rules will make it more likely that the lockdown will go on for longer.

“Stay at home as much as possible. Wear a mask when you are out shopping. Wash your hands often. Avoid mixing with other households. Self-isolate and get tested if you have any Covid symptoms, however mild. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn.

“All these actions will help save lives, help protect our NHS and help those working so hard to deal with this dreadful virus.”

Mansfield and Ashfield businesses 'will come through this'

Ashfield MP Lee Anderson said: “As with previous votes on tier restrictions and lockdowns I am speaking to as many residents as possible to get their views.

"So far the vast majority support the national lockdown.

"We now have two vaccines – one our own – and have vaccinated more people in this country than the rest of Europe combined. I will continue speaking with residents and listening to their views.”