COMMUNITY leaders across the North East have said it is time to ‘learn to live safely with Covid’.

Case numbers are rising but the Government is continuing with its plans lift restrictions, change rules around self-isolating and remove school bubble systems.

The region’s council leaders have issued a joint statement urging people to continue to act responsibly to themselves, and others, safe.

The LA7 said: “We must remember that the virus continues to spread rapidly and we all have a responsibility to carry on doing our bit to protect those around us.

“The time has come for us to learn to live safely with Covid and make sure that we continue to do everything we can to support those in our communities who still feel vulnerable.

“While cases are rising rapidly, hospital admissions are very low, as thankfully are deaths.

“However pressure on public services is building, with key workers having to self-isolate either as cases, close contacts or parents/carers of isolating children.”

The LA7 includes councils in County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland as well as Norma Redfearn, Elected Mayor, North Tyneside Council, Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor  and Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner.

The statement said increasing vaccination coverage is the most important step now.

They said: “Soon, those who have received both doses of a vaccine will no longer have to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive case of the virus.

“We know vaccines are effective in reducing our chances of becoming seriously ill, and there are signs they help reduce the rate of infection.

“Soon, they will also prevent you having to enter difficult periods of isolation in certain circumstances.

“We all have a role to play when it comes to protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and those we come into contact with.

“There will be personal choices we must all now make but good hand hygiene, meeting in well ventilated areas where possible and wearing a face covering where appropriate will not just help to protect yourself, but you also help others.

To book a free vaccination appointment go online visit nhs.uk