Health chiefs in Hartlepool are urging residents to abide by government restrictions on movement to keep themselves and others safe during the coronavirus outbreak.

Hartlepool Borough Council has issued an appeal for people to stay at home wherever possible, after reports of gatherings in the town over the last week, some involving children.

Cleveland Police noted Seaton Carew was one of the areas in the district which saw large numbers of people visit to walk their dogs and exercise.

It comes as police have now been given stronger enforcement powers to ensure that people stay at home and avoid non-essential travel.

This includes issuing a fixed penalty notice of £60 for those who don’t comply.

Dr Patricia Riordan, the council’s Director of Public Health, said people should only leave the home when absolutely necessary.

This includes shopping for basic necessities, for health reasons, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person, or travelling to and from work if they cannot work from home.

She said: “It is vital that people accept their responsibilities and do whatever they can to try and help prevent the spread of infection.

“By staying home, they will be playing a key role in helping to protect the NHS and there is no doubt their actions will help to save lives

“If people go outside to exercise, their activity must start and finish at their home.

“People should ensure that they stay 2 metres away from other people at all times and they must wash their hands as soon as they return home.”

She also provided warnings as to how easily the virus can spread.

Dr Riordan said: “Where people use the town’s parks to exercise, they are reminded that children’s play areas remain closed. This is because the coronavirus can live on some hard surfaces for many hours, and to prevent people congregating in groups.

“It is important to remember that it is still possible to spread the virus even if you don’t have any symptoms.”

It comes as police warn stronger enforcement powers will be used for those who don’t comply with the restrictions.

These include instructing people to go home, leave an area, or disperse, and ensuring parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking these rules.

Police may also issue a fixed penalty notice of £60 for those who still don’t comply, and issue a fixed penalty notice of £120 for a second offence.

Individuals who do not pay a fixed penalty notice could be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines.