Hartlepool sees 'rapid' increase in Covid-19 infections as council makes urgent plea

There have been 494 confirmed cases in Hartlepool in the week to November 12 – which is up from 345 cases in the previous week.

Hartlepool’s seven day rate per 100,000 is currently 527 – up from 368 seven days ago.

Hartlepool Borough Council says it has seen an increase in hospital admissions and more outbreaks in vulnerable populations, workplaces and in households.

The council has issued a plea for the community to ‘work together to stop the spread’.

“The latest figures are a clear indication the virus is spreading rapidly and we simply can’t afford for that trend to continue,” said Craig Blundred, Hartlepool’s Acting Director of Public Health.

“Each and every one of us needs to recognise this when we go about our daily lives. That means reducing social contact, maintaining social distance, washing our hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and wearing a face covering over our nose and mouth in enclosed public spaces.

“If we all play our part and follow the Government restrictions, we will start to see our numbers decrease again but if we don’t, they’ll continue to rise and this could have a significant impact on our most vulnerable residents.”

Hartlepool had been put under Tier 2 restrictions before the second national lockdown was imposed last week on Thursday, November 5.

One week into Lockdown 2, Hartlepool has seen a rapid increase in cases.

Denise McGuckin, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Managing Director, added: “We’re currently seeing the number of coronavirus infections rising rapidly, hospital admissions increasing, more outbreaks in our vulnerable populations and workplaces as well as in households and we all need to play our part to reverse this trend.

“But together I know Hartlepool can get through this and the good news is that if we all follow the rules, we’ll be helping protect the lives of those we love.”

On Friday, November 13, three more coronavirus deaths have been confirmed at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust.

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