Hartlepool named as area of 'enhanced support' for coronavirus battle

The town has been added to a list alongside Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington, and Redcar & Cleveland as the infection rate continues to rise.

The move means increased national support, capacity and oversight, including additional resources to support local teams wheres necessary.

Actions taken may include significant additional widespread testing, national support for local recommendations put in place to manage outbreaks, and detailed engagement with those most at risk.

The move follows consultation with local leaders, the Health and Social Care Secretary, NHS Test and Trace, the Joint Biosecurity Centre, Public Health England and the Chief Medical Officer for England.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We continue to see an acceleration of COVID-19 cases across the country, especially in the North West and the North East.

"Working alongside our scientific and public health experts and local leaders, we are prepared to take swift and decisive action to reduce transmission of the virus and protect communities.

“I recognise the burden and impact these additional measures have on our daily lives but we must act collectively and quickly to bring down infections.

“We all have a part to play and I urge everyone to isolate and get a test if you have symptoms, follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace, and always remember ‘hands, face, space’.”

Cases are rising in parts of the North East, and discussions are ongoing with local leaders about potential further measures.

The changes come as the weekly surveillance report is published by Public Health England (PHE), with a number of updates to this week’s local authority watchlist, published on GOV.UK.

PHE, the JBC and NHS Test and Trace constantly monitor the levels of infection and other data on prevalence of the virus across the country. As has always been the case, measures are kept under constant review to reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.

Extra local regulations have already been introduced in South Tyneside, Gateshead, Newcastle , Sunderland, North Tyneside, Northumberland and County Durham. Cases are rising, and discussions are ongoing with local leaders.

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