CORONAVIRUS: Residents praised for stay-at-home Easter

Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said it was clear that the vast majority of people had heeded the “stay at home wherever possible” message.

This followed the authority’s decision to put up 12 large banners at key locations around the town urging people not to venture out unnecessarily.

The banners which have gone up at places such as Seaton Carew, the Headland, the marina, the entrance to the Hart to Haswell Walkway in Ocean Road, Ward Jackson Park and Summerhill Country Park, include a reminder that all exercise should start and finish at home, and no-one should be driving anywhere to exercise.

The banner at the Hart to Haswell Walkway

Councillor Moore said: “I said before Easter that it was important not to become complacent and that we all needed to continue doing whatever we could to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“Despite the difficulties that come with socially isolating for a long period of time, I would like to thank everyone who followed the rules. Your support really is appreciated.

“At the end of the day, it is only by staying at home and avoiding non-essential travel that we will ultimately get on top of the virus and be able to return to normality. By observing the rules, we are also helping to protect the NHS and save lives on a daily basis.”