THE Northern Echo continues to champion local communities across the North-East and North Yorkshire - and for Journalism Matters Week we are looking back at how we have covered the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Throughout the pandemic our reporters from across the region have been tasked with seeking clarity among the confusion from governments and those in authority.

We have helped to explain what the pandemic has meant for each and every person across our region and have tried to combat misinformation, bringing our readers the news they rely on and trust. 

Here at The Echo, we've tried our best day and day to keep readers informed about what is happening on a local, national, and sometimes international level, of how Covid-19 has developed.  

So as part of Journalism Matters Week and for Trusted News Day, which is happening today, we are looking back at how we have brought you the news during this time and are highlighting some of this year's biggest stories.

First UK cases of coronavirus had been staying in York StayCity hotel

The Northern Echo:

Working alongside our sister paper The Press in York, we brought you coverage of the first confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK. 

Two people, who had travelled into the country from China, were rushed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle where they tested positive for Covid-19.

This would mark a turning point in which the number of cases would rise dramatically in the weeks that followed.

Remembering the lives lost to coronavirus in the North-East and Yorkshire

The Northern Echo:

Just several weeks after the pandemic gripped the nation, The Echo spoke to a number of families who wanted to pay tribute to those tragically lost through Covid-19.

We knew all too well that it would be easy to get lost in the figures - so in our campaign to remember in May, we brought you the real life stories from across our region.

We have continued to remain open to those who want their loved one remembered in The Northern Echo and in our sister title the Darlington & Stockton Times. 

Darlington hospital receives PPE after staff raised concerns over patient safety

The Northern Echo:

Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, we have been told by concerned members of the public and sometimes staff members that things have not always gone to plan. 

In April, we investigated concerns that a North-East mental health trust did not have the correct PPE in order to carry out CPR at its hospitals.

We spoke to a nurse, who shared her concerns, and highlighted those claims - prompting the trust to receive the correct provision of PPE later that week.

Husqvarna, in Aycliffe, closes after Covid-19 criticism

The Northern Echo:

We reported on concerns that workers at the Newton Aycliffe Husqvarna factory were 'dropping like flies' following reports of nine new Covid-19 cases.

At the time, we spoke with staff members who raised concerns over what Covid-19 safety measures had been put in place.

Following publication, the firm announced the temporary closure of the factory with staff receiving full pay for the ten-day duration.

Sister's 'unbearable heartbreak' after twin dies from Covid-19 in New Marske

The Northern Echo:

We covered the "unbearable heartbreak" which saw a Teesside woman issuing a plea to the public to take Covid-19 seriously after her twin sister died after testing positive.

This story renewed concerns and brought home the real dangers of Covid-19 in the community. 

Dominic Cummings: Council investigates planning permission complaints over Durham lockdown 'cottage'

The Northern Echo:

The drama that followed following revelations that Dominic Cummings had broken lockdown rules was a major story for the North-East.

This story sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for his resignation - it continues to be a topic widely-discussed to this very day.

 'My nerve-wracking experience on the daily coronavirus briefing'

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo's Chris Lloyd quizzed the health secretary Matt Hancock during a Downing Street press conference. 

Mr Lloyd questioned how local lockdowns would work, and asked the Government to explain why Covid-19 deaths in the North-East were comparatively higher. 

New Covid-19 lockdown measures for parts of North-East from Friday

The Northern Echo:

We were among the first news outlets to report that seven parts of the North-East would face local lockdown restrictions following a spike on Covid-19 cases.

We had been made aware that County Durham and six other local authority areas would see tighter new rules. 

Once the Government had officially announced the lockdown, The Echo brought our readers a number of comprehensive explainers to help them understand what the rules meant for them.

READ MORE - here

What you CAN and CANNOT do under new local lockdown rules in the North-East

The Northern Echo:

Throughout the 48 hours that followed, we set up a series of explainer articles, Q&As and reaction to the new lockdown-style restrictions. 

These were well received with thousands of comments collectively from people interacting with each other and using our social media channels as a forum to discuss their views. 

READ MORE - here

Decision on whether other parts of North-East will go into lockdown expected today

The Northern Echo:

And so the Covid-19 pandemic continues, we are now hearing reports of new restrictions across the North of England in a desperate bid to get Covid-19 under control.

Today, ministers said they were considering restrictions on pubs and restaurants in the North due to the rise in cases.

At the same time, a North-East MP said ministers were also considering further lockdown measures for areas of the region that are currently unaffected.

More Covid-19 coverage from the past 24 hours

The Northern Echo will continue to bring you Covid-19 coverage for as long as we need to, but it is important to remember that we haven't forgotten about the stories that also matter to you.

  • Let us know about an issue or topic by emailing newsdesk@nne.co.uk