Return to normality 'unlikely' - South Tyneside families urged not to store up problems for the future

Bosses at South Tyneside Council have reminded households services remain open despite lockdown and potential problems should not be ‘stored for the future’.

But they have also admitted normality is unlikely to return any time soon, despite falling numbers of COVID-19 deaths and infections.

“Going back to where we were in January is unlikely,” said Tom Hall, the council’s director of public health.

“We’ve learned a lot in the last few months but our job now is to transition and learn, rather than just go back to the old way of doing things.

“We don’t know what is coming, but we can be confident restrictions will not lift immediately.

“We need to think about how that will look in the borough and how we will get services up and running.”

Hall was speaking at yesterday’s (Wednesday, April 29) meeting of the council’s ruling cabinet, which was held virtually and broadcast online for the first time due to social distancing restrictions.

As well as thanking council staff and other key workers for their efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak, he also revealed care homes in the borough were being given extra help and advice on personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control.

South Tyneside’s first case of coronavirus was confirmed on March 15, with total confirmed cases now standing at more than 500.

The leader of the council, Iain Malcolm, added ‘vital services’, such as social care, were being prioritised.

He said: “Our care workers and social workers are providing vital support, supporting our residents who are most in need to ensure the impact of the virus is minimised.

“We’re also supporting our business community and supporting parents and schools so parents who are key workers can continue to service the public.

“I want to reassure all residents, the council is working hard to minimise disruption while also focussing on critical elements.

“Everyone needs to play their part to help the most vulnerable in our society and South Tyneside Council will do whatever is necessary to support those efforts.”

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