The public is being asked to do all they can to continue to drive down North Tyneside’s coronavirus rate and is being thanked for their hard work.
As the borough enters Tier 3 restrictions today (Wednesday 2 December), North Tyneside Council’s Director of Public Health (pictured) is calling on residents to keep showing the resilience they have so far.
The new measures mean non-essential shops and some leisure facilities will reopen and households can mix in outdoor public places following the ‘rule of six’, but hospitality venues will remain closed except to takeout and deliveries and travel restricted.
While the latest data shows infection rates are falling in North Tyneside, from 207.8 to 287.1 per 100,000 of the population* in the last week, the council’s Director of Public Health, Wendy Burke is urging people not to drop their guard.
Wendy said: “Infection rates in the borough are reducing due to the efforts of our brilliant residents, who I’d like to thank wholeheartedly, however this is a critical point and we must not get complacent.
“While the rates are improving and the news about vaccines is encouraging, we are not out of the woods yet and spikes can easily happen.
“The tiers will be reviewed nationally on December 16 and we need to be in the best position to be considered for restrictions possibly being eased, so please remain vigilant and continue to follow public health and government guidance.”
As shops reopen and ‘bubbles’ formed for Christmas, residents are encouraged to take extra care.
Wendy added: “The reopening of shops is welcomed, but with Christmas approaching, we know they will be busy, so I’d like to ask the public to please remember to give others space, wash your hands as much as possible and wear a face covering unless you’re exempt.
“I’d also like to urge residents to be cautious over the festive period. While you can form a Christmas ‘bubble’, please consider the risks to yourself and your loved ones. If we take extra care, we have a better chance of being able to get back to normal next year.
“The people of North Tyneside – and the wider region – are known for their resilience, their compassion and for always looking out for one another; traits we all need to demonstrate more than ever to protect our most vulnerable and the NHS.”
If they choose to, up to three households will be able to form a Christmas ‘bubble’ from December 23 to 27.
For the full list of Tier 3 restrictions, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
*Figures correct as of November 28.
