Executive Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams has issued a collective pat on the back for the people of Mansfield for their "tremendous response" to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a message of thanks to residents and businesses, delivered at the start of the Full Council meeting last night (8 September), he said: "I am truly heartened and humbled by the caring response so many local people have shown during this unprecedented situation.
"It is easy to believe that this fast-paced high-tech online world we now live in bypasses common acts of humanity.
"But this pandemic has shown that even though we are forced to keep our distance, it has not kept us apart and community spirit is still alive and kicking in Mansfield. This is something positive we must harness and take forward from these past six months."
The Mayor said it was impossible to single out anyone among the scores of people who had helped out during the pandemic situation but added: "I would like to thank every single person who has shown acts of kindness and support to their friends, family and neighbours during this difficult time.
"Mansfield people are the salt of the earth and I am so proud of this district and grateful to live in such a caring community."
Mayor Andy said the council had been at the forefront of measures to support the most vulnerable citizens and families during the pandemic, redeploying staff to ensure people who have been shielding received deliveries of food and medicines.
"Other council officers have been diverted from their usual roles to offer emotional support to families, too, reaching out and offering a virtual hug to those who have felt alone and cut off," he said.
"Now its humanitarian response, following the easing of lockdown measures, aims to help the hundreds of families who have been hit financially as a result of COVID related job losses and loss of income, as well as supporting businesses to find their feet again in the 'new normal'."
The Mayor urged local people to stay on their guard and to avoid complacency by keeping to the coronavirus measures.
"This virus has not disappeared and is rising again in many parts of the country - including Nottinghamshire. None of us wants another lockdown so we must be vigilant. Mansfield has had a relatively low number of cases compared to other areas. Let's keep it that way.
"Keep up with the hand washing, keeping your distance from people not in your household or social bubble, and keep wearing masks in shops and other public spaces. Doing all these things shows we care about each other.
"Mansfield continues to promote the national health and safety guidelines under the banner 'Hands, Face, Space, keep Mansfield safe'."
He urged people to keep up to date with the latest rules and messages on the council's social media channels on Facebook and Twitter which, he said, had been "brilliant" at keeping people informed.
Follow the council on Facebook (link to Facebook page opens in new window) and on Twitter (link to Twitter page opens in new window).
Anyone developing any COVID symptoms, however mild, should self-isolate immediately and book a free test by calling 119 or visiting the NHS website (link opens in new window).