Chesterfield residents warned not to 'take eye off the ball' as coronavirus cases rise

People are now being urged to make sure they continue to follow the basic ‘Hands, Face, Space’ advice, stick to the rule of six, wear face coverings where required and follow all other restrictions currently in place under the government’s ‘medium’ risk alert level to help limit the spread of the virus.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Everyone across the town and borough has pulled together to help protect the most vulnerable in our communities over the past seven months.

“But in spite of these efforts, the number of local coronavirus cases is now a cause for concern.

"The infection rate is too high, and we must jointly consider what further measures may be needed at this critical time.

“Nobody wants to see stricter lockdown measures brought in locally but the health and safety of our communities, particularly our most vulnerable, must be our priority.

“Each and every one of us has a part to play in controlling the spread of this virus – I’m urging everyone in Chesterfield to check their behaviour and make sure they are doing all they can to protect themselves, their families and the communities in which they live and work.”

Dean Wallace, director of public health for Derbyshire, said: “We all have a duty to do everything it takes to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus.

“The steep rise in the numbers of cases is deeply concerning and while we don’t wish for tighter restrictions to be imposed in any area of Derbyshire, we won’t hesitate to act if further measures are required to help bring the infection rate under control.

“I know it’s difficult but I’m asking everyone to summon their famous Derbyshire spirit and play their part to keep themselves, their family, friends and colleagues safe.

“I’m really proud of the way Derbyshire communities have supported each other through this epidemic but this isn’t over – we simply can’t afford to take our eye off the ball.”