Villagers told not to mix indoors with people from other households

Rushcliffe Borough Council is giving out the advice as part of a concerted effort by local authorities in Nottingham and surounding districts to limit the further spread of the virus.

Among those affected are householders in Upper Broughton, Hickling, Kinoulton, Langar, Owthorpe, Colston Bassett, Barnstone, Cropwell Bishop and Cropwell Butler.

The rate of infection for Nottinghamshire as a county is 106 cases per 100,000 population while the figure for the city of Nottingham is alarmingly more than 400 per 100,000.

The government is expected to bring in tighter restrictions later this week but Rushcliffe and the other councils believe it is time to take action now.

Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Councillor Simon Robinson, said: “It’s imperative Rushcliffe residents, in line with all those across Nottinghamshire, play their part to stop the spread of the virus by not mixing indoors with people from other households.

“We know the sacrifices many people have made and continue to make that affect their freedom but we must continue to follow all guidelines so we can do what is required to protect us all.”

Director of public health for Nottinghamshire, Jonathan Gribbin, said: “COVID-19 does not recognise geographical boundaries so we must stand shoulder to shoulder with our local authority partners to do all we can to fight this virus across all our communities.

“The rapid and sustained increase in the numbers of positive cases is a serious cause for concern and the very dramatic rates in the city are a clear sign that action is needed now across the whole of the city and county.

“We must now ask every resident to do their bit and not mix indoors with people from other households.

“It remains OK to mix with those in your support bubbles unless someone has tested positive or has symptoms.

“It is critical that if you have symptoms of COVID-19 – high temperature, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell – to self-isolate immediately and book a test by calling 119.”

Meanwhile, the reporting of just under 1,000 coronavirus cases in Leicestershire over two weeks has signified the arrival of a second wave of major infections, according to the county’s top health official.

Around 170 extra cases have now been added in following Public Health England’s IT issue which means that there were over 450 coronavirus cases in Leicestershire last week – a third more than initially reported.

Although Leicestershire’s rate of 65.6 per 100,000 people is below the national and East Midlands averages, the County Council’s director of public health, Mike Sandys, said: “Adding in the extra figures means that we now believe the rate in the last week to be at least a third higher than previously thought. Whilst levels are below national benchmarks, it’s clear that the second wave is real and happening now.

“It remains down to us to stem the rise and changing our behaviour is the trick. It’s human nature to perhaps find it easier to adopt social distancing in the work place, for instance, but not be as diligent on the commute. Or to closely follow the rules on household mixing but join in a crowded chat at the school gates.

“It’s about doing the right thing – and by following social distancing, wearing a face covering, washing your hands and adhering to the rules, you’re playing your part.”

Melton borough had ther lowest number of new Covid cases in Leicestershire - 46 - in the fortnight to October 3, the county council reports.

An area of concern, however, is Bottesford, Harby and Croxton Kerrial, which had 16 new cases during that two weeks, which put it in the top 20 neighbourhoods in Leicestershire for most new infections.

This list is led by Oadby North and East (79) and Loughborough, Lemyngton and Hastings (27).