Enjoy your freedom but avoid complacency, residents urged

Published Tuesday, 11th May 2021

Council officials in Hartlepool have welcomed the next step in the easing of lockdown restrictions, but say it is vital that people do not become complacent.

The Government has announced that from Monday (May 17) people will be able to hug loved ones, and mix indoors and enjoy overnight stays in groups of up to six people or two households. Leisure venues such as cinemas, museums, theatres, art galleries and bingo halls will also reopen.

Other changes include:

  • People will be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors.
  • Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can reopen indoors.
  • Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart.
  • Performances and large events can restart, with limits on audience numbers.
  • Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen.
  • Holidays abroad to green list countries will be allowed.
  • Up to 30 people can attend weddings (although dancing will still not be allowed) and more than 30 will be able to attend funerals.

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Confirmation that the nation can take the next step out of lockdown is welcome news indeed and just what we all wanted to hear.

“The additional freedoms that we are about to enjoy are the direct result of the sacrifices made over many months by local residents in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and I thank them for that.

“However, people need to remain vigilant and ensure that the closer contact they will be allowed to have with loved ones and friends does not lead to a resurgence of the virus. Please remember that COVID-19 has not gone away.”

Key dates on the Government’s “roadmap” out of lockdown are subject to four tests – the vaccine deployment programme is continuing successfully, evidence shows that vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisation and death in those vaccinated, infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS and the situation is not fundamentally changed by the emergence of new variants of COVID-19.

Mr Blundred added: “We must all continue to do everything possible to ensure that the “roadmap” remains on track and the nation is able to meet the June 21stdate for the final easing of restrictions.

“All of the evidence shows that vaccination rollout is having a massively beneficial impact and I would urge people to take up their vaccination was soon as it is their turn.

“It is a fact that around 1 in 3 people get COVID-19 without symptoms. If you don’t have symptoms you can get a test twice a week at the new COVID Test and Collect Centre in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre

“Also, please continue to take the basic precautions that can do so much to reduce the risk of transmission. Remember hands, face, space and fresh air– and always do these as a collective measure, not one or the other.”

For more information about the COVID Test and Collect Centre in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre go to www.hartlepool.gov.uk/covid-test-and-collect