Hartlepool residents urged not to mix with other households after 120 new cases of virus in a week

Hartlepool Borough Council has issued the appeal to help slow the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable people.

The town has seen 120 cases of Covid-19 over the seven days up to Sunday, September 27, up from 46 in the previous seven days.

Councillor Shane Moore, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The increasingly rapid rise in cases in Hartlepool is exceptionally worrying and we are now starting to see an increase in cases among older people, in addition to the young.

“We also know that a lot of the infections are being passed on by people visiting other households and we would like to encourage residents to consider not mixing with other households as this would make a real difference in restricting the spread of the virus.

“I would also remind people once again that they can very easily pass on the virus to older and more vulnerable members of the community – like nana and grandad – with potentially fatal results.

“It’s essential we all take action now to slow the spread of the virus and to keep each other safe.

“Please remember - HANDS, FACE, SPACE - protect yourself and those you love.

"Small steps, but they save lives.”

The appeal comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock introduced new restrictions on indoor mixing between households in any setting on Monday afternoon (September 28).

It applies to those parts of the North East where the Government introduced local lockdowns two weeks ago that does not include Hartlepool.

Mr Hancock said the Covid incident rate for the North East is now over 100 cases per 100,000 people with a large number of infections said to be taking place in indoor settings outside the home.

On Friday, Hartlepool was named by the Government as an area of ‘enhanced support’ following the continued rise in cases.

It means increased national support, oversight, and additional resources can be given such as extra testing, and detailed engagement with those most at risk.

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