A PUBLIC health director has urged people to plan their self isolation.

Sunderland's Director of Public Health is urging people to plan and prepare for times when they may need to self-isolate, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Gerry Taylor, Executive Director of Public Health and Integrated Commissioning at Sunderland City Council said that case rates in the city are slowly reducing.

She also thanked people in Sunderland for all they are doing to help bring rates down.

Mrs Taylor said that residents who have been added to the shielding list and advised to stay at home following a change in Government guidance this week, could expect a letter from the Government advising them of this as well as a call from the council to make sure that they have the support they need.