'Disease is not beaten yet' says Hartlepool council leader in fresh plea for people to follow lockdown rules

Hartlepool Borough Council has issued a fresh appeal to residents to stick to Government rules on movement and to stay at home wherever possible.

It comes ahead of this weekend’s Bank Holiday which also coincides with the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday.

The council has come up with a range of initiatives for people to celebrate the day from the safety of their own homes including Facebook broadcasts and producing celebration packs for people in isolation the authority is supporting.

Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We are now six weeks into lockdown and I would like to thank the vast majority of people who have followed the rules in an attempt to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Your support is much appreciated.

“However, it is important that we do not let our guard down now and make the mistake of thinking that this disease has been beaten.

“I acknowledge that Friday is a huge occasion for the whole country and, of course, it is only right that we celebrate this occasion and pay tribute to the remarkable Second World War generation.

“However, let’s do it safely and in a way which respects the current rules on public gatherings and social distancing.”

Councillor Moore also called on people to avoid all unnecessary travel and to start and finish exercise at their home address.

“Staying at home and avoiding non-essential travel is the only way that we will ultimately get on top of the situation and be able to return to normality.

“By continuing to observe the rules we will also be helping to protect the NHS and save lives,” he said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to set out plans for the potential easing of restrictions in an announcement on Sunday.

Cleveland Police has also reminded residents that the lockdown is still in place after they were called to reports of up to 25 people having a street party in Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough on Monday, May 4.

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