Nottinghamshire Police stays silent over extent to which coronavirus is affecting its workforce

Nottinghamshire Police is tight-lipped over the extent to which coronavirus is affecting its workforce.

The Advertiser reported last week how around 50 control room staff were told to go back into work after the Test and Trace app told them to self-isolate.

Staff said they were angry and frightened for themselves and vulnerable relatives.

The force blamed a problem with the app’s algorithm, where it activated at five times the expected social distancing limit of two metres, and said it sought the advice of Public Health England (PHE) before acting.

The story generated calls and emails from police staff with claims there had been 30 cases connected to the Sherwood Lodge control room and a further 20 at the northern control at Mansfield Police Station.

Self-isolating staff at Nottinghamshire Police told to go into work

Public Health Nottinghamshire provided the Advertiser with the most up-to-date figures it has for the force, collated from PHE data and through the work of its Outbreak Cell, which works with employers in efforts to reduce spread.

As of October 25, there were 54 cases identified at Mansfield Police Station. As of October 23, there were 12 cases notified at Sherwood Lodge.

Nottinghamshire Police has not given a comment or more up-to-date figures despite first being asked by the Advertiser eight days ago, and a number of times since.