"Act now" plea as Covid-19 cases continue to rise in Stockton-on-Tees

The dashboard shows 53 cases were confirmed in Stockton-on-Tees in the week ending September 13, a rate of 26.9 cases per 100,000 population.

That is a rise from 48 cases last week at a rate of 24.3 per population.

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council said: "We've all seen the news about the restrictions being put in place in the north of the region.

"Although our case numbers aren't as high we are tracking our position closely each day. The national problems with the testing system mean we may yet see another increase coming through as the figures are updated in the coming days.

"We need everybody to act now and follow the rules to ensure stricter restrictions aren't needed here."

Councillor Cook, who is also Chair of the Borough's Local Outbreak Engagement Group (LOEG), continued: "Now is the time to follow the rules stringently as that's the only way we can flatten the spike of cases in the Borough.

"Remember to stick to the 'rule of six' and don't socialise with any more than six people indoors or outdoors. Keep two metres or more from anyone not in your household.

"If you have symptoms, stay at home and book a test - but only book a test if you have symptoms. If you are told to self-isolate, then self-isolate. If you test positive and you're asked for details by Test and Trace, give them as much as you can so they can alert others.

"Remember basics like hand washing, social distancing and face coverings.

"And remember - social distancing is just as critical when you're on a break at work, travelling to and from work and if you're out socialising."