MIKE HILL: Together we can beat this monster

The weekly rate of Coronavirus cases in every upper tier local authority across England, indicates that Hartlepool recorded 119 new cases in the week running up to Saturday 26th September; the equivalent of 127.1 cases per 100,000 of the population.

The spread of the virus is so virulent in the Town and also places like Middlesbrough that this week the Council has made a request to the Government that tougher restrictions are introduced to combat the spread of the disease locally and save lives.

Hartlepool will now be subject to special new measures to help us fight COVID 19. While we all wanted to avoid this, I understand fully why Hartlepool Borough Council are recommending that this course of action is now necessary as a matter of public safety.

The measures will include a ban on visiting other people in their homes and receiving visitors yourself but, importantly, informal childcare arrangements can continue so grandparents can still see and take care of grandchildren for example.

Naturally, as your MP, I am in close and regular contact with the Council and have been reassured by them that this is not about splitting families or isolating people from their loved ones, but it is about protecting families in their own bubble.

These measures are in place to try to stem the spread of COVID further. This disease is a killer and believe me I have seen what it can do to people in its worst form. I, like many of you, have known friends who have spent days in intensive care and good people taken before their time. I also worry for family and friends working in the NHS as they prepare for the second wave.

I would urge all of my constituents, young and old, to think carefully about their family and neighbours and act in their best interests. Hartlepool is a caring place and I know that you, the people, will continue to look after each other as you have done since the Government lock down six months ago. Together we will defeat this monster.