The Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire has reminded residents that Covid-19 hasn't gone away and urged people to do whatever it takes to reduce the spread of the virus.

Jonathan Gribbin's warning comes in the week in which, according to figures from Public Health England, both Ashfield District, which contains Hucknall, and Mansfield, were confirmed as being in the top ten areas with the highest rate of Covid-19 cases in the country.

Mr Gribbin said: "The rate of new Covid-19 infections in Mansfield, Ashfield and across much of Nottinghamshire is running at high levels. This has serious implications for local people.

"This is because some people will go on to experience symptoms which disrupt plans and impact their wellbeing for months, not days. Today, many dozens of people across the county are experiencing complications which has required hospital treatment. For some, the severity of the disease requires critical care. Our vaccination programme has already massively reduced the number of people hospitalised or dying as a result of Covid-19 and most people who are eligible have already taken advantage of the protection it gives. But we are concerned that some people remain unprotected.

"These high rates of new infection also have serious implications for the work our local NHS is doing to manage waiting lists and other pressures. We don't know what the Autumn will hold, but it is likely that the return of cooler weather and more indoor mixing will increase transmission leading to further illness due to Covid-19 and increased activity in our health and social care system.

"Therefore, the Nottinghamshire County public health team continues to work closely with partners like Mansfield District Council and others to reduce the impact of Covid-19 in our communities. But to ensure we can live safely with Covid-19 in the months ahead, I am once again asking for everyone's help.

"Firstly, vaccination sites across the county are offering walk-in appointments without booking. So if you've not yet received the offer of a vaccination, you can check the timetable, which is updated weekly, and pop in at a time that suits you. If you have questions, staff at the vaccination site will be able to help. By getting vaccinated, you are protecting yourself and your community.

"Secondly, it remains essential for anyone with symptoms that they isolate immediately and book a PCR test straight away.

"Thirdly, with Covid-19 circulating so widely, I'd like to remind people who do not have symptoms that they can still get a rapid Covid-19 lateral flow test twice a week. Find out how to obtain a test kit on the council's website . If your LFT result is positive, you must self-isolate and get a PCR test to confirm the result. This will also help reduce further transmission

"Finally, we can reduce the spread of Covid-19 and a range of other infections through frequent hand washing with soap, by using face coverings in crowded indoor settings, and by socialising outdoors wherever possible or in rooms with plenty of fresh air circulating.

"The virus has not gone away but following these measures will allow people across Nottinghamshire to live safely with Covid-19 while we get back to the things we enjoy. Let's get back safely."