Spike in Hartlepool's Covid-19 cases in the last week - see video of how you can help bring the numbers back down

Staff from across the University Hospital of Hartlepool have made a video encouraging the local community to continue to follow the two-metre rule to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

This is after staff signed an open letter last week calling on the town to continue to support measures, saying: “Now is not the time to be complacent. We know we can count on you to continue to support us.”

In a video recorded this week, staff renewed calls for support.

All national reported cases are measured for each area by a population of 100,000.

In the latest figures from the NHS North East Observatory Service, Hartlepool’s figure has increased to 355 – significantly higher than the national average of 274.

In the video, Carol Stewart, duty clinical practitioner, said: “I’m encouraging people in Hartlepool to maintain the social distancing rule.

“As healthcare professionals, we all like to have a hug and a cuddle. If we can practice social distancing I’m sure everyone else can as well.”

Hayley Henderson, specialist lead midwife, said: “We’re asking you remain two metres apart. Look after yourself and your unborn baby – we just don’t know enough about this virus.

“So stay safe everyone and keep doing what you’re doing.”

Occupational therapist Rachel Burnham said: “I’m working in the care homes in Hartlepool looking after our most vulnerable, frail and elderly patients.

“We want to stress the importance of social distancing, to keep our patients safe and so they can see their families soon.”

Amanda McNeany, lung cancer nurse specialist, has a very important message to her patients.

She said: “Our vulnerable patients have had a very anxious time. They’ve had tests, investigations and sometimes treatments postponed.

“We want to keep providing a safe environment for them so they can come and access the services they need.

“We encourage everybody to follow social distancing measures so we can get back to that as soon as we can.”

To view the full video visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV1dukhTFNE

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