‘Promising outlook’: Mansfield’s infection rate halved as it enters Tier 3 lockdown

At the end of the first week of November, there were nearly 400 cases per 100,000 population and as of November 30, this figure had halved to under 200 cases per 100,000 population.

Thanking the residents for helping to bring down the district's Covid-19 rate, Mansfield Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams reminded the public to continue to play their parts in curbing the virus.

He said: “As we leave national lockdown and enter Tier 3 restrictions, this is very promising and shows what can be achieved if we all play our part. Thank you to everyone for continuing to follow the Government’s guidance for the benefit of our wider community.

"We hope people will make the most of what they can do safely under the new Tier 3 restrictions, and get out and support our local shops and services.

"Shopping is one of the best ways we can help our local economy, local jobs, and our community.

"We’re incredibly fortunate to have a quality retail offering, but we each need to get out and use it.

"Shopping in good time for Christmas beats the last-minute rush and makes it a safer experience for us all.”

From December 2, non-essential retailers reopen on Mansfield Market, in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre and in the town centres.

Four Seasons will be open seven days a week with late night shopping until 8pm on Thursdays.

Shops, including Primark and JD Sports, will be open 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday until 23 December in the town.

Although bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants must remain closed, they can operate for takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.

The council has also employed Covid-19 marshals, through the Government's Surge Fund, to support and assist the public and businesses in complying with national and local guidelines and laws. They will visit virus hotspots and help to identify and investigate businesses and premises not following coronavirus rules across the district.