Thursday, November 5, marks the first day of the four-week lockdown in England which will run until Wednesday, December 2.
Members of the public have been told they must remain at home other than for specific reasons, including essential shopping, travelling to work and exercising.
On Wednesday, November 4, the NHS move to its highest state of alert and it is hoped that the lockdown will help medical professions cope.
South Shields’ empty streets are in stark contrast to photographs taken just 24 hours before, which showed scores of people doing some last-minute shopping in the town centre.
Here is what the town looked like on day one of the new lockdown.
1. Day one
New restrictions and closures are now in place on King Street in South Shields. Photo: Stu Norton
2. Shutters down
As part of the new lockdown, non-essential shops have had to close their doors until December 2. Photo: Stu Norton
3. Supermarket
Unlike earlier this year, there were no long queues on the first day of Lockdown 2. Photo: Stu Norton
4. Shoppers
Essential retailers, including banks, will remain open throughout November. Photo: Stu Norton