Cases are increasing in many parts of Derbyshire but the area in and around the town continues to see one of the highest rates in the county with 25 people testing positive between 20 and 26 September 2020 compared to 21 the previous week.
Derbyshire’s Director of Public Health Dean Wallace, who is leading the response to the epidemic, urged people who live in Heanor, Heanor Gate, Marlpool, Mapperley, Langley Mill and Shipley to help stop the spread by following government guidelines.
He said:
“Cases in those areas remain stubbornly high. If we don’t get this under control now this highly contagious virus will continue to spread.
“We’re continuing to monitor the situation and will take action if needed but no-one wants to see tighter restrictions like those imposed in the North East and North West of the country so it’s vital we all keep doing our bit to beat this.
“The message is simple. Keep washing your hands, cover your face in enclosed areas, keep a safe distance from others and keep social gatherings to no more than 6 people - including children - both indoors and outdoors.
“If you develop any of the main symptoms – a new, continuous cough, high temperature or change or loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – act like you’ve got it and don’t wait for your test results to self-isolate.
“Book a test as soon as possible after developing symptoms. But please only book a test if you have symptoms - you could be taking a test away from someone who really needs one.”
And Mr Wallace urged people to stay on the right side of the law if they are asked to self-isolate.
He added:
“New rules mean you risk a fine of up to £10,000 if you do not stay at home and self isolate following a positive test result for COVID-19 or if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and instructed to self-isolate.
“I’d urge everyone to do the right thing to protect your loved ones. This is not a dress rehearsal and it’s important to understand that this virus hasn’t gone away and is still spreading.”
Anyone with symptoms can book an appointment for a free COVID-19 test or request a free home testing kit online or by calling NHS 119.
If people start to feel unwell they should remain at home for at least 10 days but should arrange to have a test within 5 days of developing symptoms.
People who test positive will be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace team by email, text or phone.
They will be asked where they have been and who they’ve been in contact with. Tracers will then be in touch with close contacts to ask them to self-isolate for 14 days. Under the new laws, it is an offence to knowingly provide false information about close contacts to NHS Test and Trace.
View the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Derbyshire.
Read the latest information and guidance on coronavirus.