Small steps save lives, residents reminded

They are being urged not to become complacent and to ensure that they comply with the national restrictions currently in place, whilst also following the rules/guidance on social distancing, face coverings and regular hand washing.

A particular problem has become evident in recent days, with Hartlepool Neighbourhood Police Team patrols reporting groups of between 30 and 40 young people gathering in some areas of the town.

Parents are now being warned that it is their responsibility to know where their children are and who they are with.

There is also concern that other people are failing to adequately keep their distance, including when out shopping.

The latest statistics for Hartlepool show that in the week up to November 15th there were 581 confirmed cases – up from 369 cases the week before.

Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “There has been a significant and rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 across the Borough and it is vital that we all do whatever we can to try to stem this rise.

“No-one should be in any doubt about the serious situation we are in, and unless we all pull together we face the prospect of coming out of the current national lockdown in a far worse position than when we went in.

“COVID-19 is a particularly nasty virus and is spread through social contact. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to ensure we follow the rules and it is important that we are not complacent.

“Please remember HANDS, FACE AND SPACE, as even small steps save lives. It is vitally important that we all take these basic safety precautions but we need to do it as a collective measure – it is not a case of one or the other.

More information about the national restrictions that are currently in force can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november