A plan on how to deal with future coronavirus outbreaks in Nottinghamshire is in place

The Local Outbreak Control Plan sets out the framework for how Nottingham City Council will work with partners, businesses and citizens to contain the spread of the virus, working with the NHS Test and Trace service.

Directors of Public Health at local councils across England have been asked by the Government to lead and manage the risk of potential future outbreaks of coronavirus at a local level. This includes a particular focus on reducing outbreaks in places such as schools, care homes, prisons and factories.

Nottingham City Council is leading the plan in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council, local NHS organisations, Public Health England, the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System and the Nottinghamshire Local Resilience Forum.

A joint Health Protection Board led by the two Directors of Public Health from the City and County councils, with oversight by two member-led Engagement Boards made up of elected councillors, will lead the Local Outbreak Control Plans in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. A subgroup will meet daily look at all of the data and local intelligence so that any emerging issues are picked up and responded to right away.

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire received a share of the Government’s £300m fund to implement the plans.

The funding will support major communications activity to inform the public about effective handwashing, social distance and face-coverings, or specific campaigns where needed to contain the virus locally. The funds will also help to establish stronger test and trace systems, data management and emergency response efforts to help respond to outbreaks.

Coun David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “The Local Outbreak Control Plan is about how we respond to a rise in Covid-19 cases, but prevention still remains a priority and the best way of stopping the spread. I would like to thank everyone in Nottingham who has done their bit to stop the spread.

“We can clearly all continue to make a difference by through hand-washing with soap and water, wearing face coverings on public transport and maintaining social distancing wherever possible.”