Leader of Ashfield District Council warns residents not to be complacent about threat of Coronavirus

The leader of Ashfield District Council has warned residents to avoid complacency concerning the Coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Jason Zadrozny issued the reminder on Monday, the day that figures released by Public Health England showed that Ashfield, which includes Hucknall, has the 10th highest rate of Covid-19 in England.

The District has had 589 new cases in the past week. The list is based on Public Health England data published on August 15 on the Government's coronavirus dashboard. Ashfield's neighbour, Mansfield District, has the second highest rate in the country with 604 new cases. Councillor Zadrozny has contacted Mansfield Mayor Andy Abrahams so they can work together to tackle the figures.

Councillor Zadrozny 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 a 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 today (Monday August 15) and we are pushing for other areas in Ashfield to have a visit like Carsic, Leamington, Stanton Hill and Sutton-in-Ashfield.

"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."

The latest figures released by Public Health England show that there is a clear link between poorer areas, low vaccination figures, and a rise in coronavirus cases.