People in Nottingham have been encouraged to follow new restrictions as a lockdown for the city becomes more likely due to a “dramatic” rise in coronavirus cases.
The head of public health for Nottingham has said people should expect stricter restrictions, and begin to follow them now rather than wait for a Government announcement.
Alison Challenger, Director of Public health, said that a local lockdown is “inevitable” and residents should begin to adopt stricter restrictions now.
Nottingham has endured a dramatic rise in cases of coronavirus, becoming the fifth worst affected area in the country.
The seven-day rate of new cases per 100,000 people has risen to 440.1 – England’s average rate is 108.6.
During the week ending September 26, the case rate per 100,000 people was just 71.2.
It means the city’s rate is now higher than those in Leicester, Leeds, Birmingham, Middlesbrough and Bolton – areas which are all in lockdown again.
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Speaking in a meeting of the city’s Outbreak Control Engagement Board today (October 10), Ms Challenger said: “Over the last few days there has been a dramatic increase.
“We are now seeing 382 cases per hundred thousand population.
“That makes it one of the highest rates in the country.
“That means we are likely to be on the Government watch list later on this week.
“We are anticipating being there because our rates mean we are now sixth highest.
“It’s inevitable that further restrictions are necessary and that they will come into place this week.”
From today, residents are encouraged not to:
- Mix households with people from other households, unless you are part of a support bubble
- This includes in your home, others’ homes and at leisure and hospitality venues
- You can still visit venues, but this should be limited to being with only your household/support bubble
The news comes following a large number of positive coronavirus cases were recorded by the University of Nottingham (UoN).
More than 400 cases were registered among students, just eight staff members had tested positive for the virus.
Data released by UoN showed 106 cases among students in University halls, 93 in purpose-built student accommodation and 226 in private accommodation.
By Matt Lee
Lead Image: Olimpia Zagnat
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