Hartlepool added to watch list - checks stepped up on pubs and restaurants, care home visiting suspended and everyone urged to stay safe

After predictions the town was set to be added as the “areas of concern” due to a spike in cases, council leader Shane Moore confirmed the Government had now added Hartlepool to the watch list and made a plea for everyone to do their bit.

Speaking after the announcement, he said: “Unfortunately, today I have to inform you that Hartlepool has been added to the Government's watch list as an area of concern following the sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases in town.

“In short, this means that while further lockdown restrictions are not needed at this stage, they could be imminent if infection rates continue to increase.”

Cllr Moore said at the time of the announcement, there had been 51 confirmed cases in the past seven days.

"That's up from 22 cases the previous week. So although these may sound like relatively small numbers, it shows that the virus is spreading again, and we simply cannot afford for that trend to continue.”

A number of other council areas in the North East have already been listed as areas of concern, or areas of enhanced support, the next level up, but so fare none have been put under additional restrictions as has been seen elsewhere in areas such as parts of the North East, and Birmingham.

Hartlepool’s leaders have been urging everyone in the town to stick to the rules and stay safe to avoid any local lockdown restrictions being introduced here.

Cllr Moore said a number of steps have already been taken to curb the spread of the virus.

This includes care homes being advised to suspend family visiting, and police and council staff stepping up checks on pubs and restaurants.

Nationally, the “rule of six” also comes in on Monday, meaning people must not meet in groups of more than six either inside or outside, unless they are part of the same household or bubble.

Cllr Moore said: “I must say that until recently, we have been doing really well in Hartlepool, and I've thanked you numerous times for that, but our latest figures are extremely worrying.

“They are a clear wake-up call that everyone of us must stick rigidly to the safety rules.

“Some people may feel that the coronavirus poses little threat to them. But I would remind you that even if you don't show any symptoms, you could still easily pass the virus on to family members, and that's why it's really important we protect the ones we love at this time.”

He added: “The answer is in everybody's hands. Please stay safe by washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, wearing a face covering unless you're exempt, keeping your distance, two metres if possible, from people who you don't live with, or who are not part of your bubble."

He added: “Please, stay safe everyone, and remember small steps save lives.”