PEOPLE in Redcar are being urged to consider not mixing with other households this weekend to try and slow the spread of Covid-19.

Redcar and Cleveland Council made the appeal in response to a sharp rise in new cases.

Cllr Karen King, deputy leader of the council, said: “The number of positive cases in our borough has risen sharply in recent weeks and most of these have been due to households visiting and socialising with each other.

“We all need to take action to slow the spread of the virus and to keep each other safe.

“While there has been evidence that, nationally, the majority of new cases has been in younger people, this is changing in our borough.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of cases involving elderly and vulnerable residents and keeping these people safe is an absolute priority.

“Please consider not mixing with other households – this would make a real difference in restricting the spread of the virus.

“Also, please 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.”

Hospitality and leisure organisations across Redcar and Cleveland are also being reminded that they are now legally obliged to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace as well as display special tracer 'QR' code posters.

The latest test and trace measures are made following the enforcement of ‘rule of six’ measures which came into force last Friday.