COVID warning to Hartlepool parents as gangs of 30-40 youths seen gathering in town

Hartlepool parents are being urged to help stop the spread of COVID-19 cases after reports of up to 30-40 youths gathering in areas of the town.

Hartlepool Neighbourhood Police Team patrols have reported the large gatherings at various locations, prompting a warning to parents to take responsibility for where their children are and who they are mixing with.

There are also concerns that people are failing to properly social distance, including when out shopping.

It comes as the latest statistics for Hartlepool show that in the seven days up to November 15 there were 581 confirmed cases – up from 369 cases the week before.

A fresh plea has now gone out across Hartlepool urging residents not to be complacent and to stick to the rules and guidance on social distancing, face coverings and regular hand washing.

Cllr Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “There has been a significant and rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 across the Borough and it is vital that we all do whatever we can to try to stem this rise.

“No-one should be in any doubt about the serious situation we are in, and unless we all pull together we face the prospect of coming out of the current national lockdown in a far worse position than when we went in.

“COVID-19 is a particularly nasty virus and is spread through social contact. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to ensure we follow the rules and it is important that we are not complacent.

“Please remember HANDS, FACE AND SPACE, as even small steps save lives. It is vitally important that we all take these basic safety precautions but we need to do it as a collective measure – it is not a case of one or the other.”

New national lockdown measures were introduced on November 5 and will run until December 2.

Police and other authorities have powers to give fines and break up gatherings.

In a message to parents, Cleveland Police said: “It is your responsibility to ensure your child is adhering to the social distancing measures set in place by the UK government and whilst doing so are carrying with them the required Personal Protective equipment such as a face mask and hand sanitiser.”