The 4-week lockdown began just after midnight and means people should stay at home except for specific purposes and not mix socially with anyone not in their household or ‘bubble’ inside or outside – although they are permitted to meet one other person outdoors for exercise.
Non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants, gyms and hair salons are among businesses across England that must close until 2 December 2020, following the Prime Minister’s announcement.
Now Dean Wallace, who is leading Derbyshire’s response to the outbreak, is calling on everyone across the county to abide by the new rules. He said:
“The rate at which the number of cases continues to rise across Derbyshire is alarming.
“We cannot ignore the fact that nationally, as well as here in Derbyshire, more people are in hospital with coronavirus now than at the peak of the first wave with grim predictions that if we do nothing, many more people will die.
“And if anyone is under the illusion that they’re not at risk, then I’m here to tell them that they’re wrong. We all have a duty to do everything it takes to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus.
“I understand another ‘lockdown’ is frustrating but it is necessary to try to stop community transmission. This virus thrives on people being together so for a while we must remain apart to try to stop it in its tracks.
“So I implore everyone in Derbyshire to do the right thing to protect themselves, their loved ones and their friends. There has never been a more important time to summon our famous Derbyshire Spirit.
“However difficult it might seem, please do not leave your home except for specific purposes outlined by the government and do not mix socially indoors or outside with people you don’t live with or who are not in your support bubble.
“I’d also like to ask everyone to keep doing what they have been doing for the past few months – washing their hands regularly, staying apart and wearing a face covering if they do need to leave their homes for specific reasons.”
Residents can find out more about the government restrictions now in place and also the latest information about our services affected by the new measures.
Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis added:
“These are tough times. The economic impact of coronavirus is being widely felt across the county.
“This lockdown will be especially hard for local businesses so I welcome the government’s announcement of extra support for those affected.
“With winter approaching it’s never been more important that we get this virus under control to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
“And we can all do out bit to help our local economy and businesses by supporting our local high streets, suppliers and producers where we can in the run up to Christmas.”
Across Derbyshire, the average infection rate now stands at 332 cases per 100,000 – compared to 227 nationally.
Anyone who develops symptoms – a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a change to their taste or smell – should self-isolate immediately and book a test.
Mr Wallace added:
“It is vitally important that you do not leave your home while you wait for your results or if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and asked to self-isolate because you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
“If we all act now to lower infection rates across Derbyshire we can all get back to doing some of the things we love again sooner. If we all follow the guidance then together we can beat this virus.”
Find out more about coronavirus, how and when to get a test and how to access support.