What you can and can not do under new Hartlepool local lockdown

The new Government rules came into force at the weekend to try to reduce the high level of Covid infections across the town.

Anyone who breaks them risks substantial fines.

The new rules in place until further notice state:

You must not meet anyone who is not in your household in your home or garden both in Hartlepool and outside the borough. You must not socialise with anyone who is not in your household anywhere indoors, such as in pubs, restaurants and bars either in Hartlepool or outside the borough. People are advised not to meet up with anyone who is not in your household anywhere outdoors. If you have to meet up, you must meet in a group of six or less and follow social distancing rules. Entertainment and hospitality venues must close between 10pm and 5am, except for delivery or drive-through services. Essential travel only is advised, such as for work, school or other education, to get essential food or medical supplies, to get medical care and to support someone who is vulnerable if no-one else can do so.

Household means the people you live with and anyone you have formed a support bubble with.

Hospitality venues must take all reasonable steps to provide table service only.

They should not accept bookings or admit customers if they include more than one household if seated inside.

The same applies to groups including more than one household or more than six people from multiple households seated outdoors.

Customers should not join other groups inside premises or in outdoor areas such as beer gardens.

People can still travel in and out of Hartlepool for work, but home working is advised.

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Acting Director of Public Health, urged everyone to follow the new rules.

He said: “Above all, you’ll be protecting yourself and the most vulnerable in the community, like grandma and grandad, but you also don’t want to face a hefty fine if you break the law.

“It’s also vital for people to please keep up their basic safety precautions – wash your hands frequently, wear a face covering and keep your distance – HANDS, FACE, SPACE.”

Visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus for more details of all the above restrictions, including exemptions.

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