Vaccine plea as Hartlepool's Delta variant coronavirus cases nearly double in week

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Public Health England figures show 189 cases of the strain, which was first identified in India, had been recorded in Hartlepool by June 30.

This was an increase of 93 compared to the 96 cases recorded the week before.

Craig Blundred Hartlepool Borough Council’s director of public health, said: “The latest figures highlight the importance of booking your Covid vaccine to protect yourself and those around you.

Tests at Hartlepool Waterfront earlier this year.

"If you are aged 18 and over you can now book your vaccine and you do not have to wait to be invited.

"This can be done at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination It is also important to ensure that you get both doses of the vaccination as two jabs give you maximum protection.

“I would also encourage people to get tested twice a week– even after vaccination.

"Regular testing helps identify virus variants and stops individual cases from becoming outbreaks.

Craig Blundred, director of public health at Hartlepool Borough Council, has urged people to take precautions even after receiving both coronavirus jabs.

For people with symptoms, there are two local PCR testing centres at Hartlepool Waterfront (postcode TS24 0XN) and the Sandy Car Park at Seaton Carew (postcode TS25 1DD).

Tests are free and can be booked at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

For people without symptoms, there is the council’s covid test and collect centre, in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, on the ground floor near WH Smith.

People aged 18 and over who live or work in Hartlepool can use the centre to get a free test or to collect a free kit to test themselves and their families at home.

Tests can be booked online at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/covid-test-and-collect or by call (01429) 523330 during normal office hours.

Mr Blundred added: “Finally, we can all continue to play our part by continuing to take some basic safety precautions – even after vaccination. Please remember – hands, face, space and fresh air.”

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