Rising rate of infections in the county is ‘deeply concerning’
THE rate that coronavirus infections are rising across Derbyshire is “deeply concerning”, according to the county council’s director of public health Dean Wallace.
He spoke after it was announced that Tier 2 Covid lockdown restrictions have been imposed on all county areas - as well as in Derby city.
Erewash, North East Derbyshire, part of the High Peak and Chesterfield were already in Tier 2 but from just after midnight on Saturday, October 31, they will be joined by Amber Valley, South Derbyshire, all of the High Peak, Bolsover and Derbyshire Dales.
Mr Wallace, who is leading the county’s response to the outbreak, urged people to follow the tighter lockdown rules and avoid the county being moved to the higher Tier 3 level.
He said: “The rate at which the number of cases continues to rise across Derbyshire is deeply concerning and if anyone is under the illusion that they’re not at risk, I’m here to tell them they’re wrong. I’m really proud of the way Derbyshire communities have supported each other through this epidemic, but you only have to look at what’s happening over the border in places like Manchester, Sheffield and Nottingham to know that this isn’t over. We all have a duty to do everything it takes to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus.”
He said he knew that the extra restrictions will be frustrating but said they were necessary “as we’re seeing a lot of community transmission”.
He added: “Thank you to everyone who has been following the rules to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe. And to those who have not – you need to act now.
“I cannot emphasise enough that from Saturday people from different households should not be mixing indoors, unless it is with people who are in their bubble and they should stick to the rule of six when outside. I know it’s difficult. But by summoning the famous Derbyshire spirit and doing what needs to be done, together we can beat this virus.”
Councillor Barry Lewis, county council leader, said: “It’s clear that the virus isn’t going away and tighter restrictions are needed to bring it under control so that we can protect the most vulnerable members of our communities this winter.
“This is not a decision the Government has taken lightly and we are working closely with the government, local leaders across districts and boroughs and our MPs.
“We have reached a tipping point across the county and it’s imperative that people stick to the new restrictions.
“My message to everyone is clear. Let’s do it to stop the county being moved into an even higher level, let’s do it to protect jobs and businesses, let’s do it to protect our health and care staff who are in essential roles looking after vulnerable people and ensuring people can still access routine or vital hospital treatment, and let’s do it so that our children can keep on learning. Let’s do this for Derbyshire.”
Reactions came in from some of the county’s MPs. Among them was Bolsover MP Mark Fletcher, who said: “Throughout this pandemic, I have advocated reviewing restrictions on a district by district basis and this is something which I have made clear to local public health officials.
“However, the recent uptick in cases, including in local communities across the Bolsover district, has meant tougher restrictions are now needed.
“I recognise these changes will bring additional challenges for residents and business, but this action is needed now and we must all work together. We must also remain mindful of the impact that these new restrictions will have on those with mental health difficulties.”
Amber Valley MP Nigel Mills said: “This became unavoidable as the rise in cases continued to accelerate in recent weeks.
“Only a couple of months ago we were debating quarantine measures for travellers from countries with cases over 20 per 100,000, this week’s cases in Amber Valley were 265, around 80% higher than the national average.”
Councillor Martyn Ford, South Derbyshire District Council leader, said that he realised that moving to Tier 2 would bring difficulties for people. He said: “Particularly not being able to socialise indoors with others not in their household or support bubble but it is necessary to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“It is imperative that everyone follows the rules to keep themselves and others safe.”