Newark and Sherwood residents told to wear face masks as part of routine way of life to stop threat of local lockdown

Residents are being told face masks must become a routine part of life to stave off the threat of a local lockdown.

Newark and Sherwood has been added on the government’s formal watchlist of local authorities where the number of coronavirus cases warrants national attention.

A local lockdown could be imposed if numbers continue to rise.

Nottinghamshire’s director of Public Health Jonathan Gribbin today says the mandatory use of face coverings in appropriate settings must become a routine part of life.

He also urged businesses to play their part by properly enforcing track and trace and social-distancing measures.

Some people are not wearing face masks and some hospitality sector establishments are failing to impose restrictions.

Neglect in both respects can lead to enforcement.

Mr Gribbin said some businesses were also not always asking customers to leave their details for the NHS Test and Trace service.

“For this scheme to be wholly effective, every party member must leave their contact details, as it is less effective if just one person leaves their information," he said.

In Newark, officers from Newark and Sherwood District Council are visiting hospitality providers to ensure they are fully briefed on how to record this data and share it when required.

Mr Gribbin said: “I wish to acknowledge the hard work of local businesses to make arrangements to keep their customers and communities safe.

“As part of this it is important that everyone follows the government guidance, including wearing face coverings, where required.

“I want to encourage business owners to ensure they have arrangements to uphold this.

“As customers, every one of us can help our local businesses by using face coverings where they are required, and by giving full and accurate contact details when requested.”

If you have recently developed any of the following symptoms, including a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of smell or taste then you and your household must isolate at home and apply for a free test.

There is a mobile testing unit at Newark’s lorry park.

To make an appointment, call 119 or visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/corona virus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus

Coronavirus (covid-19) spreads by droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking.

Scientific evidence states that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets in certain circumstances, helping to protect others.

The list of premises where individuals are required to wear face coverings when indoors, unless exempt, include supermarkets, shops, shopping centres, hotels, museums, cinemas, indoor zoos and theme parks, hairdressers and barbershops, community centres, youth centres, social clubs and libraries, places of worship, and banks.

Face coverings are not required in restaurants with table service, bars, and pubs.

A full list of premises are listed on the government’s website.

Since face coverings are mainly intended to protect others, not the wearer, from coronavirus they are not a replacement for social distancing and regular hand washing.

When combined, these three guidelines are the best way at preventing the transmission of the virus.

The county council also reminds all individuals to follow all government advice, including:

• Providing full and accurate details of every individual when visiting a café, pub or restaurant as part of the NHS Test and Trace service
• Not socialising in an indoor setting with more than one other household at any one time
• Only meeting in a group of up to six people from different households in any outdoor setting
• Adhering to guidelines about car sharing
• Self-isolating immediately if symptoms appear, and booking a free test by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/conditions/corona virus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/