Nottinghamshire councils to work together to together to help communities adapt to the new Tier 3 restrictions

Nottinghamshire councils have pledged to work together to help communities to adapt to the new Tier 3 restrictions, which will be reviewed by the government every 14 days.

Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire Jonathan Gribbin said: “People across Nottinghamshire have achieved a reduction in rates over recent weeks and I welcome the move out of lockdown, and a set of arrangements from December 2 which are clear and consistent.

"We will support our communities and businesses to adapt to the new rules.

“The government has also announced an easement of the rules for a few days covering the Christmas holiday period to enable family members or friends to meet up.

"As in the rest of the UK people in Nottinghamshire are urged to exercise caution and to take care to work within the guidance about how to do this safely. In this way, we can maintain our momentum in lowering infection rates.

“The regulations are here to protect us all and are designed to keep the rates low; and the lower the number of cases get the more likely we are to move down through the tiers and start to feel like things can return to normal again.

“It is important that we all follow the new rules and work together to slow the spread of the virus in our communities. People in Nottingham have worked hard to reduce rates of Covid-19 and we have seen cases in the city fall below the national average.

“There is good news about the rollout of vaccines but it’s going to be a while before whole populations are protected from the virus. In the meantime, our local health and care services continue to experience severe pressures.

“I would urge people to continue to follow the best practice around ‘Hands, Face, Space’ and reduce contact with people from other households as much as possible. In particular, anyone who has symptoms of covid-19 – such as a fever, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell – should isolate immediately and book a test by calling 119.”

David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “Everyone has worked together to see a reduction in rates so far across Nottinghamshire, however, the position still remains critical and the rates we are seeing remain very high. Hospital wards are still full, the impact of the virus is still putting pressure on our NHS services.

"To help reduce that pressure we must stick to the Tier 3 restrictions, that is the only way to move out of Tier 3.

“However, the changes in restrictions that Tier 3 bring mean that our local retailers can open their doors again to welcome residents back in a covid-secure way.

"The district council is rolling out a retail assurance scheme across high streets in Edwinstowe, Newark, Ollerton and Southwell to give confidence to residents that we, and local retailers, are doing everything we can to look after your safety.

"With Christmas coming, it is important we support our local economy but this has to be done with the safety of everyone being of paramount importance.”

Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Simon Robinson said: “These new restrictions again call on all residents to play their part to do all they can to stop the transmission of the virus, with cases and deaths at the existing levels, it is vital you continue to follow these rules.

“We know this tiered system is still so tough for so many but it is designed to protect us all.

“Business grants continue to be distributed to hundreds of eligible businesses across the borough and more on support for owners can be found at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk

“Please continue to stay safe and follow the rules so we can all look forward to a brighter 2021.”

The current legislation for the tiering approach is due to end in March 2021.

For further information about the guidance, visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/coronavirus/covid-restrictions-for-nottinghamshire/covid19-tier-3-restrictions-for-notts