‘People think Covid is over with, but it’s not’
SHOCK IN TOWN WHERE INFECTION RATE IS HIGHER THAN ANYWHERE IN NOTTS
RESIDENTS living in Kimberley expressed shock that the Covid rate it their area is nearly four times the national average.
Kimberley South, Trowell and Awsworth has a rate of 165.9 per 100,000 people – the highest rate in Nottinghamshire – while the national average has plummeted to 43.9 for England and 44 for the UK.
The area recorded 21 cases in the seven days leading to March 31.
Residents in Kimberley town centre said they were concerned about the rates in the area as the reopening date for shops and beer gardens draws ever closer.
“I had it [Covid] over a year ago, right at the start,” said James Stevenson, who has lived in Kimberley for 53 years.
“I’ve had my first jab now, thankfully, and I’ve got my second coming up. I wasn’t aware it was that high here – it’s certainly worrying. I just want it over with.”
Pauline Burbanks, 81, from Kimberley, said: “I think some people think they are immune, unfortunately. People think it’s all over with and it’s not. The problem is, restrictions won’t get lifted if cases go up.
“It’s concerning, especially when
you get to my age. I hope the rate goes down again and everything can continue to reopen.”
Not everyone is worried about the figures for the area, however.
Norman Taylor, 75, said: “I’m aware of the rate. I wouldn’t say it worries me. It’s just the way it is.
“I’m looking forward to everything reopening, but I’m most looking forward to seeing my grandchildren – that will be brilliant.”
There are 17 area across Nottinghamshire where the rate is currently above 100 per 100,000 people.
Confirming on Easter Monday that plans to ease restrictions further from Monday would go ahead, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The net result of your efforts and of course the vaccine rollout is that I can today confirm that from April 12, we will move to step two of our road map.
“Reopening shops, gyms, zoos, holiday campsites, personal care services like hairdressers and of course beer gardens and outdoor hospitality of all kinds.
“And on Monday, I will be going to the pub myself and cautiously but irreversibly raising a pint of beer to my lips.”