How to 'protect those we love and save Hartlepool from the increasing prospect of another lockdown'

With an average of seven new cases confirmed daily across the town in the last fortnight – and with nationwide restrictions on social gatherings to be tightened from next week – Hartlepool Borough Council has urged people to abide by the new and existing rules to prevent the introduction of further measures.

From Monday, September 14, police have the power to impose £100 fines on people failing to abide by “rule of six”.

Exceptions include households of more than six people or where are more than people in one place for work, education, training and funerals.

Venues such as pubs and shops are also allowed to host more than six people, although anyone bumping into a friend outside their own social group is urged to avoid social interaction with them.

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool Borough Council’s acting director of public health, said: “These new restrictions should leave people in no doubt whatsoever about the increasing seriousness of the situation nationally as well as in Hartlepool.

“Please follow the new rules and also continue to maintain your handwashing, mask-wearing and social distancing – hands, face and space – and if you have any of the coronavirus symptoms, get a test straight away.

“Only if all of us follow the rules and don’t cut corners can we halt the resurgence of coronavirus, protect those we love and save Hartlepool from the increasing prospect of another lockdown.”

The council has also successfully lobbied the Government to secure more covid-19 tests.

They will now take place at the existing Hartlepool Waterfront mobile testing site from Monday, September 14, through to Friday, September 18, rather than just on Monday and Tuesday, as was previously the case.

Tests will also be available on Sunday, September 20, although all dates must be booked in advance and people turning up without an appointment will not be seen.

They can be booked by going online at www.gov.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. Do not use 111.

“The rule of six” is explained at www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing.

Message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.