Warning that Hartlepool ‘still needs to be aware’ despite fall in Covid-19 cases

Hartlepool has had a cumulative total of 348 recorded cases of Covid-19 as of the 14th June, the lowest of the four local authorities in the Tees area.

Middlesbrough had the highest number of cases with 691, followed by Stockon-on-Tees with 627 and Redcar and Cleveland with 429.

However health chiefs noted although the recorded rate is starting to slow down and level off, it currently isn’t indicating a decline.

The Hartlepool Covid-19 rate per 100,000 of the population had also risen to 372 by the 14th June, the 31st highest out of 150 areas in the country.

The rate has been steadily increasing over time since April 12, when it was 74, then the 119th highest in the country.

The Covid-19 death rate in Hartlepool, also calculated per 100,000 of the population, was 100 as of May 22nd, which is the second highest in the Tees area and in the highest 15% in the country.

In contrast the rate on April 10 was 20, and it has been steadily increasing since.

A joint report from council directors of public health, children’s services and adult services, notes it is important steps are taken to ensure the safety of Hartlepool residents as lockdown begins to end.

It said: “Ensuring the safety of Hartlepool residents as we ease lockdown is a priority for us and as well as promoting the distancing and hygiene measures, we are putting into place a range of systems aimed at stopping outbreaks becoming widespread.

“The data outlined above is clear that the disease has progressed at a slightly slower rate through Hartlepool.

“However whilst there are some encouraging signs in the data, showing that the incidence rate and death rates are coming down, we are still at a dangerous place.

“We therefore still need to be alert to any potential increases in both rates and the need to mitigate against these.”

Figures comparing the rate in Hartlepool to the national rate showed the rate of cases per 100,000 grew more slowly in Hartlepool, but it has now passed and remains higher than the national rate.

Similarly the death rate for Covid-19 in Hartlepool passed the national rate in April, and has remained above it since.

The statistics form part of a report which will go before the Hartlepool Health and Wellbeing Board in a virtual meeting on Friday, June 26.

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