Police and council chief urge to Hartlepool residents to stay at home and save lives this Easter

Cleveland Police and the leader of Hartlepool Borough Council say people should remain indoors unless they have a reasonable excuse despite the four-day public holiday.

The force says they will seek to encourage them to stick to the restrictions before enforcement action, such as fines, is used.

Cleveland Police and Council Leader Shane Moore say staying at home is the best way to protect loved ones and all the key workers currently risking their lives to save others.

Coun Moore said: “I accept that socially isolating ourselves is not easy – particularly over the Bank Holiday weekend – but it is important that we all continue to do whatever we can to try to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“Staying at home and avoiding non-essential travel is the only way that we will ultimately get on top of the situation and be able to return to normality.”

Chief Superintendent Jon Morgan added: “I would like to thank the majority of people who understand the need to follow the rules in place and are doing the best they can to abide by them.

“We know it’s not an easy time for people, but if we all work together, we can safeguard families and vulnerable people living in our area.”

Anyone wanting traditional Good Friday fish and chips are being asked to use a delivery service as standing in large queues and around public spaces can put people at risk of catching or spreading coronavirus.

And people are encouraged to check their church websites and social media pages as many are streaming services throughout Easter as churches remain closed.

Chief Superintendent Morgan added: “It’s clap for carers tonight, and I will be clapping for the NHS and our own officers and staff who are doing their duty to keep people safe.

“I ask local people to do their duty by following the rules in place.”

The weather for Easter is forecast to be mainly dry but cloudy in Hartlepool.

Good Friday is due to be the warmest day reaching 17C, but the temperature on Bank Holiday Monday is not expected to get above 7C.

Information on when it is allowed to go out can be found by visiting www.gov.uk

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