‘Ease lockdown’ – Covid hotspot
RESIDENTS of the Nottingham neighbourhood with the highest Covid infection rate still want to see lockdown lifted “as soon as possible” – starting with getting kids back to school.
The Government’s interactive Covid map shows Bulwell West has the highest Covid-19 rate in Nottingham with 591.6 cases per 100,000 people as of February 8.
Bulwell North’s rate is slightly lower at 425.2.
When combining all of the city’s areas, Nottingham’s rate has fallen to 276.1 as of February 8.
The figures come as national newspapers report that lockdown could start being eased from March 8.
Picnics and coffees in the park could be the first activities allowed, according to the Daily Telegraph on Saturday.
A senior Government source told the paper that people would be allowed to meet with others from a different household on a one-to-one basis for food and drink in public spots.
Ministers are also said to be talking about pubs reopening with outdoor eating at a minimum by the first weekend in April.
Speaking about the area’s rate and lockdown news, Bulwell resident Kate Spier, 34, said: “I would still want us to come out of lockdown and get the kids back to school as soon as possible.
“The lockdown has brought rates down and hospital numbers have started to fall.
“I think kids being at school is so important. They’re going crazy at home.
“There are lots of vaccines being given out too. We have to have some sort of normality back.”
Sarah Martin, 39, of Bulwell, said: “Sometimes you don’t see people wearing masks, but that won’t change – if they don’t want to wear one they won’t.
“It’s been a really hard winter for people. I would be really pleased to see some restrictions lifted. “Nottingham’s rate has fallen.” Dean Poole, 40, added: “I can’t imagine why they would keep things shut in the spring. Schools is a big one.
“We’ve got to learn to live with it in a sense despite the vaccines.” Maria Joannou, Labour councillor for Bulwell, was surprised by her ward’s rate.
She said: “As a city, and residents in Bulwell, we have done a really good job of following the rules, I think. At the end of the day, we have to go by the Government guidelines.
“I understand why people are fed up with the lockdown but we’re never going to get out of this if we don’t do everything we can.
“I think as a city we have done extremely well to bring the rate down. We need to get on top of it or it will continue to go on and everyone needs to stay safe.”
JAB done, the first dose. I must say it was a good experience.
I was asked questions to ensure I was safe to have the vaccine and given reassurance, the atmosphere was calm and well organised, and the vaccination itself was very gently done.
I can report that I have had no reaction so far, even less than I normally get to the flu jab.
I realise I am probably lucky that way, but my husband also had it done and his only reaction is a bit of an achey arm, so very positive patients!
I feel like it is the way back to normality and would encourage anyone eligible to get it done, sooner rather than later.
I know I’ve got to continue to follow the restrictions and the first dose doesn’t take effect for a few days anyway, but I think once restrictions are lifted it will make me feel more confident going out and I can’t wait to give my gorgeous granddaughter a cuddle.
She’s just one year old, and for us her birthday party consisted of a delivery of the present, a ride-on bumble bee, and a wave from the front gate.
A ride-on bumble bee seemed like an appropriate gift as it really is cute, but also because one of my big projects in the city is to make us more “bee friendly”.
I need to get her on board early!
Pollinators are vital to our lives, including for food, and populations have been dropping all over the world, so Nottingham needs to do its bit to support the recovery.
That means for the last couple of years we’ve been focusing on letting some areas become more natural, like the central reservation of the ring road, and planting areas with wild flower seeds and bulbs.
We aim to have “bee friendly” areas in all neighbourhoods soon, and you may see signage near some of these patches on verges, parks and open spaces. I
t’s a bit of a culture change, and not everyone has easily adjusted to the new look, but hopefully people will get used to it, and will get increasing pleasure from seeing more butterflies fluttering and bees buzzing.
We have been supported in this work by our friends in the Open Spaces Forum, which represents all the “Friends of” parks groups across the city.
They have also been helping to plant trees and contribute a huge amount to the upkeep and improvement of our parks.
Through our joint work many of our parks have been given Green Flag Awards, recognising the value of these green areas which have proved to be so valuable, particularly since Covid.
I’m really looking forward to seeing all those wild flowers blooming in the spring.