Covid rates reducing in Mansfield but still highest in area

The county’s director of public health Jonathan Gribbin was speaking to journalists at the county’s weekly Covid 19 briefing today Friday.

He thanked the townspeople saying he was “delighted” at a “considerable improvement” in case rates for Mansfield. Countywide also presented a “positive picture.”

“Mansfield, not so long ago, had much higher rates, so we are pleased its figures now stands at 36.6 per 100,000, a considerable decrease, it equates to over 40 positive cases seen over a seven day period,” Mr Gribbin said.

Covid 19 vaccination bus makes return visit to Mansfield

“Mansfield is still the highest in the district, but I’m delighted there’s been a fabulous improvement overall. Thanks go to the people around Mansfield for playing their part helping drive down the figures.”

There had only been one outbreak in a county care home which was also “great news.”

Case rates across England as a whole, were now at about 22 per 100,000, 23 in the East Midlands and for Nottinghamshire county around 18, with many district were in the teens.

In Mansfield, recent cases were mostly among working age people.

Mr Gribbin said "The proportion of those who tested positive were as a result of having symptoms. People are coming forward more quickly and when they get a positive result they are also isolating quickly.

He added "Many of the 40 people in Mansfield who tested positive were as of a result an LFT (lateral flow test) either carried out in a community setting or home testing kit.”

Mobile Covid tests held at Mansfield Town football club car park

In other age groups but Mr Gribbin said numbers were so small they were “hardly worthy of comment.”

He advised continuing with Covid safety measures saying “to live confidently with Covid we must live vigilantly.”

Advice included people with symptoms isolating immediately, only meeting friends outdoors, only meeting one other household or group of six, sticking to face coverings and other Covid guidance.

"Twice weekly tests, for those without symptoms, should be part of a routine to keep those around you safe,” he added.

“At step two of the road map now, we all look forward to reaching the end, but I urge people to continue to observe the advice and guidance until that point.”