Last week the Prime Minister announced new restrictions to slow down the transmission of Omicron and to keep us safe from COVID-19.
Face coverings are now required by law in most indoor public places and office workers are advised to work from home if they can. From Wednesday 15 December certain venues and events will be required by law to check all visitors aged 18 years or over are fully vaccinated (currently a full course of vaccination without the need for a booster, but this will be kept under review), have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or that they have an exemption. Along with this, all adults are encouraged to get fully vaccinated and to get a booster as soon as they become eligible.
Regular lateral flow tests are important to help detect the virus in our community. The latest advice is to use them before a period of high risk such as spending time in crowded and enclosed spaces, where there are more people who might be infectious and where there is limited fresh air, or before visiting people who are at higher risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19.
If you have Covid symptoms, you must self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test by booking online or by calling 119. Mansfield has a walk-through PCR testing facility which is open daily in Grove Street car park.
The latest guidance on when to self-isolate can be found on the Government website (opens in new window). It is being continually updated and it is important to be aware of any changes.
Lateral flow tests for people without symptoms are available weekdays at Mansfield Town Football Club and on Tuesdays in Robert Bye Way car park, Warsop. You can also collect home testing kits from these locations along with local pharmacies.
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said:
“The alert level for England has been raised from three to four which means that transmission is high and that the pressure on our healthcare services is widespread, substantial or rising.
“People who live and work in Mansfield can help to keep each other safe in the run up to Christmas by following the latest guidance on face coverings, vaccination and the use of lateral flow testing.
“After a challenging two years we are all looking forward to celebrating with family and friends, but I urge people to do this with a good dose of festive caution.
“Residents should be reassured that all our essential and frontline services remain fully operational and customers can continue to access services in the usual way – most of this is now online but our contact centre and reception team are on hand if you need that bit of extra help.”
Visitors to Mansfield Palace Theatre, Mansfield Museum and any council premises including the crematorium are required to wear a face covering unless they are exempt.
The quickest and easiest route to council services is via our accessible website by emailing mdc@mansfield.gov.uk or calling 01623 463463.
Read the latest Government guidance (opens in new window) on keeping yourself and others safe visit
To book a vaccination head to the NHS website (opens in new window) or call 119.