Leaders of Tees Valley authorities have confirmed that the area will not be considered for higher levels of restrictions.
 
Speaking on behalf of the group, Cllr Mary Lanigan, who chaired this evening's meeting, said: “We welcome an indication from Government earlier this week that the Tees Valley will not be considered for entering the Tier 3, ‘very High’ local Covid alert restrictions at this stage.
 
“The Tier 2 restrictions were only introduced in the Tees Valley very recently and the data has shown a flattening of coronavirus cases, but we need more time to show that these restrictions are working.
 
“There is clear evidence that the spread of the virus has slowed in the majority of areas in the North of the North East region, which all went into Tier 2 restrictions some weeks before the Tees Valley. This is encouraging and we need to see the effect in our region before any further restrictions are considered.
 
“In the meantime, we all agree that we cannot let the government off the hook. If we have to be in restrictions so as to prevent the spread of the virus and to save lives then we need the money from government to support our amazing local people and businesses too. We will continue to press them to provide additional funding to support businesses in our region which are already feeling the impact of Tier 2 restrictions, especially those in our amazing hospitality sector. The Government has received detailed requests from each local authority and it is vital that these are approved; they will allow us to provide timely local support to local people, protect our economy and the livelihoods of everyone in the Tees Valley .
 
“We will continue to work together to protect the health and well-being of local people across every region of the Tees Valley. It is vital that everybody who lives in the region takes some simple actions to bring down infection rates and avoid the real prospect of further restrictions.
 
“Remember to maintain social distancing, wash your hands regularly, wear a mask when required, avoid gatherings, and self-isolate immediately and get a test if you have symptoms.

“These key measures are the only way to help stop the spread of the virus, reduce our infection rates, support our businesses and help us all to a more normal way of life.”

The statement following a meeting of the Leaders of Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton, Darlington and Hartlepool Borough Councils, the Mayor of Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley Mayor.