By Lucy Caulkett-
Nottingham is facing a local lockdown as coronavirus infection rates in the city continue to rise. Rates of infection in the city have risen dramatically over the past week, making it the sixth worst affected area in the country for coronavirus.
Health officials in Nottingham are working towards fresh lockdown restrictions to be put in place this week, in concerted efforts to stop the spread of the disease. The rate o infection for the city for the seven day leading up to 1 October was 283.9 per 100,000 people – up from 52 the previous week. Areas with a similarly high rates such as Newcastle and Preston – have already been placed under strict restrictions.
Restrictions could include measures that have been seen in places such as Manchester and Newcastle, such as not being allowed to meet people outside of one’s household in their homes or in their gardens. Many residents of Nottingham are hoping the city they love does not face tough restrictions, and want to live their lives without strict rules.
Charmaine Mccather, 32, said: ” it is getting worrying to hear that we may be next on the list, but I think the restrictions are getting a bit much. This is just a strong cold, I don’t think we need those restrictions.
A different view was offered by Cindy Reed, 42, who said: ”I think whatever measures need to be taken to prevent this virus spreading should be taken. We must trust the health officials, they know what they are doing”.
Nottingham’s director of Public Health Alison Challenger said while new restrictions have not been put in place yet, people in the city should change their behaviour now before they come into force.
Health officials in Notts are becoming alarmed by the rises, and have warned the public that a lockdown could be put in place after 169 cases were recorded in the between Sunday and Monday, over 7 times the increase of 23 cases over the same period in Derby.
Nottingham has one of the highest rates of Covid-19 in the country, after it jumped from 59.5 to 382.4 cases per 100,000 people. Cases are above Leeds, Leicester and Birmingham which are currently in lockdown.
The beginning of the school term is believed to have coincided with an increase in infections. University of Nottingham has seen a particularly marked increase in cases, with 425 students and eight members of staff having already tested positive.