Warning as district virus rates increase

TWO Nottinghamshire districts are in the top 10 highest areas for Covid infection rates in the country, latest figures have confirmed.

Mansfield has the second highest rate in England coming in at 549.6 in the seven days leading to August 12 – this has risen from 473.7 the week before.

Meanwhile, Ashfield has a rate of 457.4 per 100,000 people, up from 393.5 the previous week, meaning it has the eighth highest rate in the country.

Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “With Government restrictions lifting – it would be easy to think that we don’t have to be careful anymore.

“These figures tell a different story, however, with figures rising dramatically in places with lower than average vaccination levels like Ashfield and Mansfield.

“Coronavirus doesn’t recognise town boundaries however and it is clear that there is major problem in North Nottinghamshire.

“That’s why Ashfield should be working with Mansfield to effectively deal with the rising figures. The vaccination bus visited Hucknall town centre and we are pushing for other areas in Ashfield to have a visit like Carsic, Leamington, Stanton Hill and Sutton-inashfield.

“Coronavirus remains a serious health risk. In the light of these figures, I would advise residents to stay cautious to help protect yourself and others.

“If you think you have symptoms, please stay at home and take a PCR test and wear face coverings in crowded places and on public transport and more importantly – get vaccinated.”

Nottingham has the next highest rate in the county at 385.9, up slightly from 367.8, while Basssetlaw’s rate is 330.6 – down from 374.5 previously.

Gedling’s rate has also gone down, currently 328.1 having been 354.4 the week before.

Newark and Sherwood is next at a rate of 327.3, down from 351.7, while Broxtowe’s rate is 290.5, also down from 311.4. Rushcliffe has the lowest rate in Nottinghamshire at 281.7.