Testing ramps up in Middlesbrough to combat coronavirus
Extra coronavirus testing is coming to Middlesbrough in response to an increase in positive cases.
Five tests recorded positive on Thursday, 3 September. The five new cases follow 14 on Wednesday, 12 on Tuesday and seven on Monday.
A mobile testing unit, operated on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care, will return to Newport Community Hub on Saturday and Sunday.
The Council has now issued an urgent appeal to residents and businesses to follow government advice to avoid the threat of local lockdown restrictions.
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said today:
On Wednesday the Council was joined by Cleveland Fire Brigade as it started to inspect licensed premises for evidence of bad practice.
The action follows concern over the potential for Covid-19 to spread quickly in venues not following safety guidelines.
After a public appeal, the Council received more than 30 emails, including one piece of video footage, as members of the public raised concerns over businesses where rules are not being followed.
Mr Preston has praised Linthorpe Road bar Sticky Fingers after management updated their policies around admitting groups following the Council's warning of the threat of lockdown.
He said: "It's great to see Sticky Fingers being responsible and I praise everyone who is playing their part in keeping our town safe.
"I'm also thankful to members of the public who are reporting their concerns to us.
"This is a clear message to any businesses that are flouting the rules. The public will be our eyes and ears and we will act on their concerns."
The Council is reminding residents of the following urgent advice:
If you have coronavirus symptoms, you and everyone in your household must self-isolate
This means staying at home other than for medical reasons such as attending a test: do not go to work, school, or public areas, and do not use public transport or taxis
You must not go outside even to buy food or other essentials, and any exercise must be taken within your home
Anyone with symptoms, however mild, should book a free test online or by calling 119. The test centre at Middlehaven has capacity for around 800 tests per day and home test kits can also be requested
Anyone advised to self-isolate after a positive test MUST complete their full period of self-isolation by staying at home
If you are informed you have been a close contact of someone who has tested positive you MUST continue to self-isolate for the full 14 days even if you have had a negative test
Everyone must try to stay two metres away from people they don't live with, wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and wear a face covering in shared transport or in public places such as shops
The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to taste or smell.