January 15: Coronavirus (COVID-19) update from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Though there has been a fall in infections this week, I'm very sad to say there were 21 COVID-related deaths in the Borough.

That follows the 20 COVID-related deaths recorded the previous week, and it's a stark reminder that we all need to do our bit and follow the national lockdown rules.

Please stay at home and only go out if it is essential.

Please remember those hands, face and space basics - even small steps can save lives.

And parents and carers, please keep your children at home wherever possible.

There were 766 new COVID-19 cases for the week ending January 10, a rate of 388.1 per 100,000.

That's down on the 913 cases recorded the previous week, a rate of 462.6 per 100,000 population. 

We all need to follow the rules to keep infection rates going down.

Testing for residents without COVID-19 symptoms

People without COVID-19 symptoms who live or work in the Borough can now book a test either at Splash in Stockton or at Thornaby Pavilion, which opened as a testing centre on Wednesday.

A third testing centre will open at Billingham Forum on Wednesday (January 20).

Help for people who are struggling financially

We appreciate that a lot of people are struggling financially and there's lots of information on our website about welfare support, the £500 Test and Trace support payments, housing support, help with Council Tax, and the Hardship Fund.

Help for vulnerable and elderly people

The COVID Community Support Team can help vulnerable and elderly residents by collecting shopping, picking up prescriptions or making sure people who are self-isolating and may be worried or lonely get the support they need.

You can contact the team on 01642 733906 between 9am and 12noon, Monday to Friday, or by emailing covidcommunitysupport@catalyststockton.org

Help for businesses

We are now processing and paying grants of up to £9,000 to businesses forced to close under the national lockdown restrictions which came into force on Tuesday, January 5.

This process is running well and we are continuing to process applications and payments under the six other grant schemes that are in place to support businesses in the Borough.

Keep informed

Remember, you can keep up with all Coronavirus (COVID-19) related developments in the Borough, including details of the help and support available, via our webpage Stockton Borough Council.