Lack of mask wearing in shops a concern as town sees Covid cases increase

GOVERNMENT data shows that areas of Newark have faced a rise in Covid cases in the most recent set of figures.

Newark North has increased by 2.7% with six new cases of Covid, bringing the total cases in the area to 232 and the overall case rate to 1863.8 per 100,000 people. The data is based on the figures in the seven days to January 6.

This is one of the higher rates in the county, and residents have expressed their opinions and concerns over the new data.

Visiting the area, Paul Reynolds, 58, of Coddington, said: “I’m trying to avoid going out to the shops and socialising.

“You hear about lots of people getting Covid now, and it just seems to be happening all the time.”

Unemployed, Bozena Kuciki, 59, of Newark, was less alarmed and was content to carry on as usual, saying: “At the moment, it’s fine.”

Community nurse, Becky Gowans, 31, of Newark, was aware of the increase in cases and was worried about the effect on the NHS.

She explained: “For me, staff shortages are a concern and poorly patients.”

Retired, Christine Smith, of Newark, said that she believed there were things that could be done to lower the rates.

“It’s the lack of mask wearing in shops and shops aren’t allowed to enforce it,” she said.

“It’s about consideration for others.” Mum of two, Joanna, of Newark, added: “I’m not too surprised, it’s everywhere. “We’ve always got that risk really. “Maybe it’s better to get it now we have had our boosters than if we got it when our boosters have waned a little bit.”

Nearby village, Balderton, has seen also seen an increase of 9.1% as an additional 16 cases are confirmed, bringing the total to 191 and case rate to 1,879.4.