Social mixing to be made illegal in new Hartlepool local lockdown announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock

Matt Hancock announced in Parliament on Thursday morning (October 1) the town will be subject to new measures to suppress the spread of the virus.

It comes days after Hartlepool Borough Council appealed to the Government for tighter controls after recent significant increases in cases of the virus.

But the council says the measures go further than what they asked for, particularly for pubs and restaurants.

The council will get a share of £7 million from the Government as part of the measures.

In a statement, Matt Hancock told the Commons: “Earlier this week we brought in further measures in the North-East, however in parts of Teesside and the North-West of England cases continue to rise fast.

“Working with council leaders and the mayors, I’m today extending these measures that have been in the North East since the start of this week to the Liverpool City Region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

“We will provide £7 million to local authorities in these areas to support them with their vital work.”

Matt Hancock said the rules would be the same as those announced for the North East which included residents being told not to socialise with people outside their household or social bubble, table service only in bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants, and all hospitality, leisure and entertainment venues closing between 10pm and 5am.

He added: “We will bring in regulations, as we have in the North East, to prevent in law social mixing between people in different households in all settings except outdoor public spaces like parks and outdoor hospitality.

“We also recommend that people should not attend professional or amateur sporting events as spectators in the areas that are affected.

“We recommend that people only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances and there will be guidance against all but essential travel.

"Essential travel, of course, includes going to work or school.”

Speaking earlier this week Hartlepool Council Leader Councillor Shane Moore said: “We know that a lot of the infections are being passed on by people visiting other households and it is vital that we all take action now to slow the spread of the virus and to keep each other safe.”

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