Wendy Burke, North Tyneside Council’s Director of Public Health, is urging residents to follow the latest national restrictions.
She said: “We would like to thank the majority of residents in North Tyneside who are sticking to the rules and playing their part. We are lucky to have such a wonderful coastline and open spaces in the borough but we would urge everyone to follow the rules and stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
“In line with current Government guidance, public outdoor places, including parks and play areas, can remain open. The guidance also states that people can leave their home to exercise in their local area and car parks can remain open. However, we are working closely with the police and monitoring the situation. Our team of Covid marshals are also regularly patrolling areas of high footfall to help make sure everyone is staying safe and following the rules and we have installed a number of prominent signs up around the borough as a visual reminder to stay home.
“Please make sure you only leave your home for an essential purpose and, if you do go out to exercise, you must stay in your local area and do so alone or with people you live with or are in your support / childcare bubble. With infection rates continuing to rise it is vital we do not mix with other people – if you do go out to exercise, you can only meet one person from another household as long as you are alone.
“While the risk of passing on the virus is much greater indoors, for example in homes and shops, than it is outside, it is absolutely vital that we all stay safe and adhere to the current national guidance at all times. In addition, washing your hands, wear a face covering when required and keeping a 2-metre distance from anyone you don’t live with remain vital in preventing transmission.”