Last chance to avoid local lockdown

Published Friday, 11th September 2020

Hartlepool has been added to the Government’s watchlist as an area of concern following a sharp rise in the number of Coronavirus cases in recent days.

This means that while further lockdown restrictions are not needed at this stage, they could be imminent if infection rates continue to rise.

The latest test data shows an increase of 51 cases in the last seven days – up from 22 in the previous week.

A number of steps have already been taken to curb the spread of the virus. These include advising all care homes in Hartlepool to suspend family visiting so that we can protect some of our most vulnerable residents, while Council staff (and the police) are stepping up spot checks at pubs and restaurants.

From Monday (14 September), it will also be illegal to meet with more than 6 people indoors or outdoors, unless you're part of the same household or 'bubble'.

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Acting Director of Public Health, said: “Up until recent days we’ve been doing really well in Hartlepool, but our latest figures are extremely worrying.

“They are a wake-up call that every single one of us must stick rigidly to the safety rules – relaxing and cutting corners is opening the door again to the virus.

“Some people may feel that Coronavirus poses little threat to them, but I’d remind them that even if they don’t show any symptoms, they could still easily pass the virus on.

“Furthermore, if the current trend continues, we face the very real prospect of Hartlepool being put back into lockdown just as the town is getting back on its feet.

“The answer is in everyone’s hands – please stick to the safety rules all the time – they are not hard to follow.”

Craig Blundred

The Council and Public Health England are already responding to several small outbreaks across the town, but more cases could lead to government action – known as a 'local lockdown'.

Please stay safe by:

If you have any concerns about businesses not following social distancing rules, please contact the Council’s Public Protection team on 01429 284024 or email public.protection@hartlepool.gov.uk

Please read the following important advice:

  • If you have symptoms, you and everyone in your household must self-isolate
  • Self-isolating means staying at home at all times (other than for medical reasons such as attending a test): you must not go to work, school, or into any public areas, and you must not use public transport or taxis
  • You must not go outside, even to buy food or other essentials, and any exercise must be taken inside your home or garden

The symptoms of coronavirus are:

  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • a loss of, or change to, your sense of taste or smell

If you have symptoms, no matter how mild they are, you should book a free test online or by calling 119.

Do not get a test if you don’t have any symptoms.

  • Anyone told to self-isolate after a positive test MUST complete the full period of self-isolation by staying at home
  • If you're told you've been a close contact of someone who has tested positive you MUST self-isolate for the full 14 days even if you've had a negative test