2 October: Coronavirus (COVID-19) update from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

The Borough remains classified as an "area of enhanced support" by the Government following the ongoing rise in cases.

This week's Covid-19 dashboard for the area has shown that the number of cases in the Borough has gone up again.

The dashboard shows 170 cases were confirmed in Stockton-on-Tees in the week ending September 27, a seven-day infection rate of 86.1 cases per 100,000 population.

This is a rise from 91 cases last week when the rate was 46.1 cases per 100,000 population.

You will no doubt have seen that Government has introduced further restrictions in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough which come into effect from Saturday. To be clear with residents these restrictions do not apply to residents of Stockton-on-Tees, though people should not travel to Hartlepool or Middlesbrough unless essential. People should follow the guidance that applies to the place that you live.

We all need to keep following the social distancing, hand washing and face covering guidance to help reduce the spread of the virus in our Borough.

We are continuing to watch the situation very closely as the rate continues to rise and of course, should there be any urgent or significant news to communicate we will do this via the Council's news pages and social media channels.

Act now

We want to help keep people safe and avoid the kind of restrictions that have been introduced in other areas, so it's vital that we act now to prevent rising coronavirus cases in the Borough.

We all need to work together and follow the guidelines to keep ourselves, our loved ones and communities safe.

The data continues to show that visiting other households indoors is increasing the spread of the virus so we are encouraging residents not to visit other households indoors unless they have to.

You must wash your hands regularly and wear face coverings if you're out shopping, using public transport or are in a crowded area where it is difficult to stay two metres from others.

Don't socialise with any more than six people and keep two metres or more from anyone not in your household.

Prepare for self-isolation

If you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and they tell you to self-isolate, you must stay at home for 14 days from the day you were last in contact with the infected person. Self-isolating means you must stay in your house or garden and you should not have any visitors or go to the shops. These rules apply even if you have had a negative test.

You will of course also need to self-isolate for 10 days if you have any symptoms of coronavirus (a temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste), if you're waiting for a coronavirus test result or if you've tested positive for coronavirus. You must keep self-isolating if you continue to have symptoms after 10 days (except a cough which can remain after you are no longer infectious).

We have produced a printable checklist online with useful advice to help you prepare for self-isolation in case you need to.

Keep informed

For updates on all coronavirus (COVID-19) related developments in Stockton-on-Tees - including health advice and disruptions to services - visit the Council's dedicated webpage Stockton Borough Council.