Nottinghamshire police and health bosses welcome new 'high' level lockdown restrictions

Boris Johnson announced the traffic-light lockdown system in an address to the nation yesterday, which will place different areas of the county into “medium”, “high” and “very high” alert levels.

Nottinghamshire region and Nottingham city has been subjected to “high” level measures – this is the first time the county has been placed under local lockdown restrictions – which now prevents other households from mixing together indoors.

The rule of six will still apply to those outdoors, where the risk of the virus spreading is deemed to be lower and the new rules will be reviewed every four weeks, particularly in areas where the levels of particularly high.

Businesses in the city and county will remain under the same restrictions which are already in place, which includes the 10pm curfew for pubs and bars, while schools will also stay open.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping said: “There is no doubt that the coming weeks and months will prove a difficult and challenging time for individuals, families, businesses and whole communities as we all pull together to control the spread of this virus.

“We will continue our work with partners to support the public’s efforts to drive down the rate of infection.

"Together, we will deliver a local response for local people and it is vital that decisions are made in consultation with the police.

"I know that police officers will continue to engage, explain, and encourage people to do the right thing before taking enforcement action.

“I think it’s clear, by working together and respecting each other we will come through this unprecedented time.”

MPs will vote on the new restrictions today (Tuesday, October 13) before they come into full effect on Wednesday.

It comes after the number of new cases in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire continue to escalate, there are currently more than 900 new cases per 100,000 in the city.

While the county ranges between 90 and 290 new positive tests in every 100,000 – based on Public Health England data on the rate in the seven days up to October 8.

Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire County Council Jonathan Gribbin said: “Positive Covid-19 cases are increasing across the entire county in some areas the increase is steep.

"To slow the spread and prevent the need for stricter measures, we must only mix indoors within our own household (or support bubble) and we all have to observe the rules on hands, face, and space.

“If you get symptoms you need to isolate and take a test.

"And people need to keep on following the guidance to stay safe and protect lives.

"Key to this is making sure you stay two metres apart, wear masks where applicable and wash hands regularly.

"Hands, face, space.

"It could not be any clearer.

“Only by doing this can we turn the tide on these escalating numbers, prevent the vulnerable becoming ill, and stop the numbers of hospital admissions rising.

"This is a responsibility for every one of us.”

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