THE Chief Executive of a hospice which is preparing to provide additional end-of-life care is urging people to maintain strict social distancing measures in order to save lives.

In a desperate plea to people in the North-East, David Smith of Teesside Hospice warned of serious consequences for those who were most vulnerable to coronavirus.

He also said he expected the hospice would be operating at 'full capacity' as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continued to rise in the UK each day.

The warning came as Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned of "tougher measures" after Britons were seen flaunting social distancing rules and crowding in beaches and public areas.

Mr Smith told The Northern Echo that he anticipated the hospice would be at "full capacity" in coming weeks as the COVID-19 pandemic was set to worsen across the country.

He said: "People need to think not just about themselves but the people that are around them who may be at their most vulnerable.

"I know that people may feel fairly fine, but they could be carrying the disease - working in the hospice, it's very clear how many vulnerable people actually live on Teesside."

At the weekend, Mr Smith took to social media to warn as many people as he could to enact social distancing measures, urging people to make the hospice's extra efforts "unnecessary."

He added: "It's frustrating to see it. I understand why people are going out because it's a major change to their lives but we all need to follow the guidance and keep others safe."

Mr Smith, who said the hospice was suffering from the closure of its charity shops, urged members of the public to continue donating in any way they could.