Nottingham City Council is asking people to ‘Take Care’ this winter as cases of Covid-19 start to rise.
People should continue to follow the guidance on ‘Hands/Face/Space/Fresh Air’, test regularly for the virus and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Latest figures show Nottingham now has 309 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 population, up from 252 cases a week ago. While still below the national average of 416 cases per 100,000, the rising trend shows Covid-19 is still present in our communities.
Launching its new ‘Take Care Nottingham’ campaign, the City Council is urging people to continue to stay safe from Covid-19 – while also taking steps to look after their mental health and wellbeing and making sure they stay warm and well in the colder winter months.
Cllr David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “Covid-19 cases continue to rise in Nottingham. While we have fewer cases than in other parts of the country, it is important that we all take steps now to reduce the spread of the virus. As we approach the colder winter months, it is more important than ever that we join together to take care of our city and each other.
“Winter is a difficult time for many. People may struggle to stay warm – and the darker mornings and evenings can have an impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
“We have to make sure that we all keep ourselves safe – but I would also ask people to think about how we can do more to look out for others. That’s why the City Council is launching a new campaign, asking everyone in Nottingham to ‘Take Care of Yourself’ and to ‘Take Care of Each Other’.”
The council asks people to ‘Take Care of Yourself’:
- Get vaccinated against Covid-19 (first, second and booster jabs)
- Stay warm and well in the colder winter months
- Have the flu jab
- Ask for support if you are feeling down or anxious
People can ‘Take Care of Each Other’ by:
- Wearing a face covering in busy indoor spaces to reduce the spread of Covid-19
- Testing regularly for Covid-19
- Being a good neighbour, such as to older and more vulnerable people
Lucy Hubber, Director of Public Health in Nottingham, said: “Everyone has worked incredibly hard to keep themselves safe from Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic. We never underestimate how hard it has been for people in our city.
“But we have another winter ahead of us: a time when more people suffer from seasonal flu, colder weather, fewer hours of daylight… and, of course, Covid-19 is still with us. Our ask is that people continue to do everything they can to keep going over the colder months.
“Please get vaccinated against Covid-19, whether you are 12 or 92. Make sure you keep testing regularly for the virus… and never lose sight of simple things, such as wearing a face covering in busy indoor places. It all makes a difference.
“There is also the unseen public health impact that Covid is having – especially on people’s mental health. That’s why it is important to not only look after yourself, but also make sure you are looking out for other people this winter.”
More information on the council’s response to Covid-19 can be found at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/coronavirus
Vaccinations
People are urged to come forward for their Covid jabs. In Nottingham, the Forest Recreation Ground vaccination centre is open most days from 8.30am to 7.30pm (it closes at 3pm on Mondays and Wednesdays). You can go there for:
- Your first jab – there are staff who can talk to you about any concerns you might have
- Your second jab – if it’s eight weeks since you had your first jab
- Your booster jab – it it’s six months and one week after your second jab
You can turn up without an appointment, but the centre is seeing higher demand and some longer waits at the moment so you also have the option to book a time slot. Click here to make an appointment: Book your Coronavirus Vaccination.
Testing
As we are move into the darker autumn and winter months, the times of local asymptomatic testing centres (free, rapid, Covid-19 testing when you don’t have symptoms) have changed:
- Hyson Green Community Centre (open Tuesday-Friday, 8am-5pm and Saturday, 9.30am-2.30pm)
- Bulwell Market Place (open Mondays from 9am-3.30pm)
- Clifton Leisure Centre (open Wednesdays from 9am-3.30pm)
- Smithy Row (open Saturday and Sundays from 9am-3.30pm)
- Trinity Square (open Thursdays and Fridays from 9am-3.30pm)
Tests can also be collected from local pharmacies or ordered online to be delivered to your door. Please note if you are collecting a box of tests from a local pharmacy – you will now need a QR code. Find where to get rapid lateral flow tests – NHS (test-and-trace.nhs.uk for further information.
Please remember, if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or have a positive rapid test, you must urgently take a PCR test – you can simply book a test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
Face coverings
We are asking people to keep following ‘Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air’ while the pandemic continues.
Face coverings in particular help to reduce the spread of the virus. People in Nottingham should wear a face covering in busy indoor spaces, such as:
- In shops and supermarkets
- In theatres and concert venues
- When moving around pubs, cafes and restaurants
- On public transport
- In council venues
Keep warm and Well
High energy bills are a worry to everyone, but it’s important to stay warm.
- Make sure your main living room is heated to at least 18°C
- Wear extra layers of clothing whether you are inside or outside
- Eat at least one hot meal every day and have plenty of warm drinks
- Keep moving and stay as active as possible
Warm Home Discount: find out if you qualify and how to get the discount www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Get tips on staying warm and well from www.nhs.uk/keep-warm
Get the flu jab
You’re much more likely to catch the flu at this time of year. It’s unpleasant for anyone but for some people, flu can be much more dangerous or even fatal. You can protect yourself with a free flu jab if you are older, pregnant, a child aged 2-4, a carer, living in a residential or nursing home or living with a long-term health condition like heart problems, kidney or liver disease, diabetes and more. Contact your GP to get your free flu jab or for full details on who is eligible visit www.nhs.uk/flu
Mental health and wellbeing
Fewer hours of daylight in winter can affect our mental health. It is important that we take steps to look after ourselves:
- Make the most of the daylight hours – try to get out for a walk every day
- Exercise regularly and eat well. It doesn’t have to be anything particularly strenuous – doing housework, gardening or going for a gentle walk. Make sure you have a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Try to connect with other people in person, on the phone or with messages. Talking through things that are worrying you can be really helpful
If you feel that you need to reach out for help, we have some excellent services in Nottingham:
- Turning Point is a dedicated mental health helpline that offers practical and emotional help as well as online support. Visit www.turning-point.co.uk
- NottAlone is a new website with local mental health advice & help for young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, all in one place. If you are aged under 25, are a parent or carer, or a professional that supports young people, you can find information, advice and where to go to get help locally. Visit www.nottalone.org.uk
Be a good neighbour
- Help out vulnerable neighbours or friends during cold snaps: check if they’re warm enough and have enough food or medicine if they are struggling to get out of the house.
- A little can go a long way – checking in on elderly neighbours can really give them a boost. Sometimes it’s a few minutes’ company they need as much as picking something up from the shops.