MIDDLESBROUGH and South Tyneside have tonight been added to the Government's coronavirus watchlist amid a rise in confirmed Covid-19 infections in both areas.

They are now classed as 'areas of concern' by Public Health England.

This means that while further lockdown restrictions are not needed at this stage, they could be imminent if infection rates continue to rise.

In Middlesbrough, the council was made aware of tenfurther positive tests on Friday. The town's infection rate per 100,000 of population is now around 39.

Authorities are urging people not to mix with more than one other household indoors. No more than six people from different households should be mixing outdoors.

Face coverings are essential in all shared transport and public places.

Mayor Andy Preston has today again called for all staff serving the public to cover their faces.

He said: "Let me be straight, this isn't scaremongering. Everyone must act now.

"We've been nervous about our infection rate over the past week so the expected announcement doesn't come as a surprise.

"This week we've urged people in the strongest terms that they need to take urgent action for the good of Middlesbrough. Now we're in the national spotlight it should be crystal clear how serious this is.

"We are out there every day spreading the word - telling businesses and individuals to follow the guidelines that will keep us all safe. We're going to go further still to try and avoid a local lockdown and protect jobs."

In South Tyneside, the latest test data shows an increase of 78 cases in the last seven days which equates to 50 cases per 100,000 people. 

A number of steps have already been taken to curb the spread of the virus.

These include asking care homes to suspend visits to residents to protect the most vulnerable while council staff and the police are stepping up spot checks at pubs and restaurants.

Enhanced contact tracing is also being carried out to try to identify any connections between cases and hot spot areas within the borough.

Director of Public Health Tom Hall said: “We are working with our partners to tackle this spike in cases.

“However now is the time for every person and business in the borough to take heed of the warnings and follow the simple measures to avoid more drastic restrictions. Nobody wants to see further restrictions but if the case numbers are not brought under control then additional measures will be considered.

“Both the council and the police will not hesitate to take action against anyone in breach of the guidance.”