Hartlepool MP backs calls for tougher Covid restrictions which would prevent households mixing

Mike Hill says he understands why Hartlepool Borough Council has made the request to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock which would include a ban on people from different households mixing together.

The council sent the request to Public Health England on Tuesday and means the town is likely to be designated as an Area of Intervention later this week.

Mr Hill said: “While we all wanted to avoid this, I understand why Hartlepool Borough Council are recommending that this course of action is now necessary as a matter of public safety.

“The measures will mean no visits to other households unless you are part of a support network and travelling in a caring capacity with family members.

“These measures are in place to try to stem the spread of Covid further. This disease is a killer.

"I have seen what it can do to people in its worst form.

“I would ask everybody in Hartlepool to think carefully about their family and neighbours and act in their best interests.

"Our community is a caring place and I know the people of Hartlepool will continue to look after each other as they have done since March.”

Measures being asked of the Government also include resources to pay for additional police to support enforcement, rapid deployment of Covid-19 testing sites, additional resources to support vulnerable people and greater support for local businesses.

Mr Hill added: “I completely support the principle of giving ‘Covid Marshall’ money to Cleveland Police to help them provide the resources we need to look after the town.

"These resources can be better used by the police and I am pleased that Hartlepool Borough Council have recognised this."

Hartlepool council leader Councillor Shane Moore said the decision had not been taken lightly.

He said: “The increasingly rapid rise in cases in Hartlepool is exceptionally worrying and we are now starting to see an increase in cases amongst older people, in addition to the young.”

A further 27 cases of the virus in Hartlepool were reported on Tuesday and one new death at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

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