I am very concerned about the Government?s decision to delay introducing extra restrictions in Nottingham. We have seen the number of cases spiral from being below the national average a few weeks ago to now the highest in the country, which is deeply concerning. We are also seeing an increase in Covid patients being admitted to hospital locally. It?s abundantly clear that stricter measures are needed. It makes the Government?s position even more questionable, with them changing from a plan to introduce extra restrictions this week to now not doing so until the middle of next week.

This makes absolutely no sense when the numbers have grown so drastically here in such a short space of time. It?s clear that strict interventions are needed, and they are needed urgently, rather than waiting until some time next week. Worse than that, the delay leaves this weekend open to potential abuse of the existing rules, which could result in yet more Covid cases in our city.

This unnecessarily places a huge burden on our local resources to manage and runs the risk of making a bad situation even worse in terms of infection rates. We need Government to act urgently and decisively or better still, give us the powers to let us get on with taking the action ourselves.

We need people to stop and think for themselves, if the Government isn?t going to take the action they should on behalf of the people of Nottingham. We need them to stay at home and not mix with other households, rather than being tempted to go out one last time before any extra regulations kick in. Everyone has a responsibility to themselves, to those around them and to their loved ones. For goodness? sake, please help stop the spread of this virus ? if you aren?t taking active steps to be part of the solution, then you are part of the problem that?s facing our city.

We need local people to continue to stick to the existing rules as they have done overwhelmingly so far:

• Thorough, regular handwashing
• Using face coverings when out
• Maintaining social distancing
• Observing the Rule of Six.
• In addition, we have said that because of the concerning rise in local positive cases and infection, everyone needs to stick rigidly to their social bubbles and not mix with other households.

The council will continue to deploy its 100 Community Protection Officers as it has since the national lockdown ended, providing a reassuring visible presence that also helps to deter people breaking the rules, with an approach of advising and engaging with people to encourage compliance with Covid guidance. CPOs are already working hand-in-glove with the council?s Environmental Health officers on a number of areas, including enforcement of businesses, as well as supporting the police and supporting those shielding, helping the vulnerable and working with local businesses.

This places Nottingham in a stronger position than many cities, and while the council will consider the offer of Government funding for Covid Marshalls that was only received today, they would have fewer powers available to them than CPOs.