Covid guidance over South Tyneside's public services - from toilets to tips - awaited by Government ahead of new lockdown

During the first lockdown ordered in March, public toilets, car parks and waste recycling centres were all closed down in a bid to halt coronavirus.

Now, with days to go before the month-long restrictions begin again under new rules, councils are waiting to find out what advice they are given by the Government over what actions should be taken this time around.

A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said today, (Monday, November 2): “We are awaiting updated guidance from Government on the next national lockdown so that we can assess which services might be affected and implement any changes from Thursday, November 5.

“Rest assured the council, South Tyneside Homes and our partners are here to support the people of South Tyneside throughout the coming weeks and beyond.

“At present, South Tyneside continues to be subject to the Alert Level High – Tier 2.

"Government have already indicated that essential shops and services will continue throughout the period of national lockdown and therefore we ask residents to do the right thing now, avoid congregating with others and don’t panic-buy.

“We will communicate local service changes via our website and social media channels.”

Council leader Iain Malcolm is a member of the seven North East councils known as the LA7, which today issued a joint statement as they reacted to Thursday’s national lockdown, which was confirmed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a press conference on Saturday evening.

In their statement, the council chiefs welcomed the action and said efforts already in place across their authority areas since the middle of September had already started to have an impact on case figures, putting the region in a stronger position than others to get the virus under control again.

The councils have also made calls for a greater level of control over measures in the region, including a locally-led Trace, Test and Isolate system to help control outbreaks, with the use of central resources more effectively to help roll out a vaccination programme when the time comes.

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.