Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire residents urged to follow local coronavirus restrictions
Residents in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire are being urged to follow the rules in the face of rising numbers of coronavirus cases.
Areas covered by Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council are currently classed as ‘medium’ risk (or Tier 1) under the Government’s new local Covid alert levels announced on Monday 12 October.
However, this position is currently under review by Government – in liaison with the two local authorities, Derbyshire County Council and local MPs – and a decision to potentially class the two areas as ‘high’ risk (or Tier 2) could be taken at the end of the week.
Residents are now being urged to make sure they continue to follow the basic HANDS, FACE, SPACE advice, stick to the rule of six, wear face coverings where required and follow all other restrictions currently in place under the Government’s ‘medium’ risk alert level to help limit the spread of the virus.
Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Everyone across the town and borough has pulled together to help protect the most vulnerable in our communities over the past seven months.
“But in spite of these efforts, the number of local coronavirus cases is now a cause for concern. The infection rate is too high, and we must jointly consider what further measures may be needed at this critical time.
“Nobody wants to see stricter lockdown measures brought in locally but the health and safety of our communities, particularly our most vulnerable, must be our priority.
“Each and every one of us has a part to play in controlling the spread of this virus – I’m urging everyone in Chesterfield to check their behaviour and make sure they are doing all they can to protect themselves, their families and the communities in which they live and work.”
Cllr Alex Dale, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “We must make sure we are as vigilant as possible as the infection rate in our district has risen quickly in the last week.
“There is real concern about this sudden rise in cases and I would urge all of our residents to take extra care where they can and to heed the Government’s hands, face, space message – and to wash their hands regularly.
“Please do everything you can to keep the spread of infection under control. By working together, we can contain the spread of this disease and it is this unity and ‘in this together’ spirit which will help keep our loved ones safe.
“You can keep up to date with the fast-moving situation by visiting our website for updates and by following us and our partners on social media. Doing so will help us to act fast and robustly to curb these alarming rises in our district.”
Dean Wallace, Director of Public Health for Derbyshire, said: “We all have a duty to do everything it takes to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus.
“The steep rise in the numbers of cases is deeply concerning and while we don’t wish for tighter restrictions to be imposed in any area of Derbyshire, we won’t hesitate to act if further measures are required to help bring the infection rate under control.
“I know it’s difficult but I’m asking everyone to summon their famous Derbyshire spirit and play their part to keep themselves, their family, friends and colleagues safe.
“I’m really proud of the way Derbyshire communities have supported each other through this epidemic but this isn’t over – we simply can’t afford to take our eye off the ball.”
For more information about local restrictions please visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/coronavirus
