“Let’s keep on protecting each other”

Published Thursday, 9th December 2021

Hartlepool’s Director of Public Health has issued a rallying call to residents following yesterday’s Government announcement that England will move to Plan B in response to the risks of Omicron.

This national announcement means:

  • From 10 December, face coverings will be required by law in most indoor settings.
  • From 13 December, office workers who can work from home should do so.
  • From 15 December, certain venues and events will be required by law to check that all visitors aged 18 years or over are fully vaccinated, have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or have an exemption.

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Director of Public Health, says: “I really do understand how frustrating it is that Plan B is being implemented, especially this close to Christmas.

“But with COVID-19 cases still being high in Hartlepool, I need to ask people across the Borough to continue to exercise caution and follow the rules.

“The evidence is absolutely clear that wearing face coverings, continuing to wash and sanitise your hands regularly and allowing fresh air to circulate indoors will help to reduce infections.

“But the most important thing of all is that each and every one of us gets the vaccine when we are called to do so.”

Craig Blundred photo

Mr Blundred added: “As I have said many times before, we do recognise the huge sacrifices people have made to prevent the spread of this virus here in Hartlepool and we need to make sure we all continue this effort.

“The bottom line is, COVID-19 continues to be a particularly nasty virus and each and every one of us therefore has a responsibility to ensure we follow the rules and that we are not complacent.”

To find out more about Coronavirus and Plan B, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus