Stay at home and together we can make a difference

Published Friday, 8th January 2021

Residents of Hartlepool are being urged to observe lockdown rules over the weekend – and stay at home wherever possible.

Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, says it is vital that everyone does whatever they can to try to reduce cases of COVID-19.

“Since the pandemic began last year, residents have had to make significant sacrifices over many months and we thank them for that.

“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 observing the rules we are also helping to protect the NHS and save lives,” he said.

Under the new Government restrictions – which can be found in full at www.gov.uk/coronavirus - people must not leave, or be outside of their home except where necessary.

They may only leave the home to:

  • Shop for basic necessities, for themselves or a vulnerable person
  • Go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if they cannot reasonably do so from home
  • Exercise with their household (or support bubble) or one other person. This should be limited to once per day, and they should not travel outside their local area.
  • Meet their support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if they are legally permitted to form one.
  • Seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse).
  • Attend education or childcare - for those eligible.

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool’s Director of Public Health, said: “Understandably, people are tired and frustrated but it is now more important than ever that we continue to do all we can to fight this dreadful disease, particularly in light of the new variant of the virus which is between 50 and 70 per cent more transmissible and spreading at an alarming rate.

“If everyone continues to pull together we will be able to make a difference.”

He also called on people to continue taking the most basic of safety precautions.

“In particular, 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.”