Bank Holiday warning issued in Hartlepool after 'small rise' in coronavirus cases - 'don't drop your guard,' urges health chief

Hartlepool Borough Council bosses have reminded people in the area to stay safe and not take any risks, adding they ‘can’t afford to drop their guard’ in the response to coronavirus.

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Acting Director of Public Health, said it is important residents take steps including wearing a mask where necessary to ensure a ‘nice, safe weekend’ for everybody.

He said: “We’ve seen a small rise in the number of coronavirus cases in Hartlepool this week, which serves as a further warning that each and every one of us can’t afford to drop our guard for even a minute.

“If you’re heading out and about this weekend, enjoy yourself but please remain alert and don’t take any chances.”

Figures released on Thursday, August 27, by Public Health England showed that the total number of Covid-19 cases across the town had risen by three to 641 from the previous day.

Mr Blundred added it remains key people continue to follow steps such as respecting distancing measures and thoroughly washing hands as the town begins to recover from the pandemic.

He added: “Follow physical distancing at all times, wear your mask when you’re at the shops or in other enclosed spaces and practice good hygiene, washing your hands frequently and thoroughly.

“If you’re out for a meal or a drink, please follow the arrangements which the restaurants and pubs have carefully put in place to keep you and their staff safe.”

Hartlepool health chiefs had previously stressed the importance of communicating the right messages in creative ways to reach everybody as part of the Covid-19 response.

The communication strategy was among issues raised at the first meeting of the Hartlepool Outbreak Control Engagement Working Group in July.

Council chiefs previously noted the recovery plan following the Covid-19 outbreak would stretch to cover the next two years, but needed ‘quick wins’ and short-term changes.

An update on coronavirus in Hartlepool will also be given at the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting scheduled for Monday, September 7, from 10am.

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