Statement from LA7 leaders

“As we enter the second week of the third national lockdown, we once again thank all residents who have done their bit by staying at home as much possible.

“These efforts, coupled with the widespread compliance with the tiered restrictions beforehand, means infection rates across our region are at a level that is much lower than other parts of the country.

“The current case rate per 100,000 for Tyneside, Wearside, Northumberland and County Durham is less than 400, compared to a rate in excess of 600 per 100,000 for England as a whole.

“The position we find ourselves in may be better than in other parts of the country, but we still have a long way to go and if we are to avoid some of the scenes we’ve seen in London and elsewhere with hospitals reaching capacity with Covid-19 patients, we must continue do everything we can to limit the spread of the virus.

“There is always a delay between the point of infection and people requiring hospital treatment if they become seriously ill, so we cannot afford to let our guard down for a moment if we are to save lives and protect our NHS services.

“What we do know is that the new, more transmissible variant of the virus now accounts for approximately half of all cases in the region. It is well known that this variant is easier to catch and spreads further than the original virus, so we must continue to be vigilant and act like we all have Covid. We cannot allow it to take control.

“For the most part, that means staying at home but for a few exceptional reasons including for exercise, shopping for essentials and travelling to work if you cannot do so from home. You can also leave home to seek help if you are unsafe or at risk of danger. But unless it absolutely necessary for you to go out, you should stay at home and deny the virus any opportunity to spread.

“As Chief Medical Officer Christ Whitty outlined this morning, reducing your social contact with others remains vital and by following the guidance we can all do our bit to protect our communities. Stay local if you do have to go out and if you go somewhere that is already busy, turn around and go home. Less traffic on our roads and fewer pedestrians also reduces the likelihood of accidents and prevents further pressure on the NHS.

“Our police forces and local authority enforcement teams have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to engage with the public and keep us safe. By acting responsibly we can help them to focus on essential day-to-day work.

“The vaccination programme is now in operation and the NHS is working to provide protection to the most vulnerable among us and to health and care staff and this is going on at pace.

“We are working with our NHS colleagues to provide buildings and sites, support with staffing, transporting people to get vaccinated, traffic management, winter maintenance – we know our communities and will do everything in our power to support the vaccination roll out.

“Our region is showing that following the rules is effective for preventing the virus from spiralling out of control and we must continue to follow Hands, Face, Space, getting a test if we have symptoms and do everything we can to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.

Please stay safe, stay at home where possible and together we will protect the NHS and save lives. Thank You.”

Cllr Simon Henig, CBE, Leader, Durham County Council
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader, Gateshead Council
Cllr Nick Forbes, CBE, Leader, Newcastle City Council
Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor, North Tyneside Council
Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader, Northumberland County Council
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader, South Tyneside Council
Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader, Sunderland City Council 
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor
Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

COVID vaccines must be rolled out across police forces to ensure public safety, Northumbria police officials have said today.
Northumbria’s Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness, Chief Constable Winton Keenen and Northumbria Police Federation’s Jim Gray are supporting calls for officers and essential police staff to be prioritised, as appropriate, for the vaccine alongside health-workers in order to keep vital public services safe.
Earlier this week the Police Federation called for those serving in our police forces to be soon given access to Covid-19 vaccines, after the most vulnerable members of society and frontline NHS staff.
Backing the calls to prioritise those who are keeping us all safe and policing lockdown, Kim McGuinness yesterday raised the need to vaccinate officers as an urgent matter during a conference call with Policing Minister, Kit Malthouse.
The Commissioner said: “We are in a serious situation and the clock is ticking – the Government needs to apply common sense and get our police vaccinated, and fast.
“No-one can deny the fact that our police officers are out there in the thick of it day in, day out – they’re coming into close contact with a lot of people, in a lot of places. There are, I appreciate, many people who are key workers and deserve to be high on that list too, of course, but for our police the risks are notably huge.
“They’re entering countless homes, being fought with, spat at, coughed at – social distancing isn’t even a choice. The only solution is an urgent vaccination programme and this needs to happen to keep our workforce numbers strong at what is a crucial time for everyone.”
She added: “Yes, we need to protect officers just like they protect us but this is about the much bigger picture too. An officer who gets Covid is either unknowingly spreading it, or, will be isolating and out of action from serving our communities.
“None of this is good and neither should be allowed to happen, not when there is a simple solution – get them vaccinated now. This is ultimately about everyone’s safety and we’ll have to keep shouting until we are heard on this.”
Chief Constable Winton Keenen said: “Throughout this pandemic, officers, staff and volunteers have continued to display unwavering commitment to serving the communities we are privileged to be a part of here in the North East.
“I am immensely proud of the way they have overcome the challenges brought about by Covid-19 while also meeting the demands of regular policing.
“In doing so it is important to recognise that, by the very nature of the duties they are carrying out, it is inevitable they will be regularly engaging with members of the public.
“It is right that we should look at how we can best protect both them and those they come into contact with – and also maintain vital policing numbers so we are able to provide the very best service possible.
“I therefore welcome the discussions which are being held to ensure those on the frontline, working to keep us all safe, can also feel assured that a vaccine is on its way to them as soon as the vulnerable groups have been completed.”
Inspector Jim Gray, the Chairman of Northumbria Police Federation, the staff association for rank and file Police Officers, said: “We are calling for officers to be given appropriate priority, after the most vulnerable and frontline NHS staff, for access to the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Police officers deal with countless and varied interactions with members of the public on a daily basis and it is not always possible to reduce the risk of contracting the virus because the nature of our role is that interactions are often spontaneous, sometimes violent and require the use of force and restraint. This reality means that officers and their families are at significantly increased risk of contracting the virus.”
He added: “It simply cannot be right that police officers, those people who, day in day out, put themselves in harm’s way to uphold the law, protect the public and who are now responsible for policing this pandemic and enforcing Covid-19 linked legislation, have not been identified as a group of people who should be afforded appropriate priority when it comes to the vaccine. Sometimes society should do its bit to protect those who protect us all.”
ENDS

STATEMENT FROM LA7 LEADERS

National lockdown required to slow spread of Covid-19.

“Covid-19 is continuing to ramp up the pressure on NHS services nationally and it is abundantly clear that national action is required.

“We are all aware of the challenges hospitals are facing as infections continue to rise with more and more people becoming seriously ill and requiring medical attention as a result.

“A national lockdown is now the only sensible course of action. Tiered restrictions appear to be failing to slow down transmission and the new, more transmissible variant of the virus continues to spread rapidly through communities up and down the country. We have seen in London and the South East what impact this variant can have on health services, and we must strive to do everything in our power to prevent local services reaching capacity as they have elsewhere.

“We also know that the variant is present in our region and our cases will continue to get worse before they get better and, coupled with the fact we are yet to see the impact of the relaxation of the rules on Christmas Day in the data, we must all do our bit while the vaccination programme is carried out.

“It remains essential that we all continue to follow the national public health guidance and stay at home as much as possible, keep your distance from others if you do need to leave your home, wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering when required and get tested if you have symptoms. It is important to keep homes well ventilated as well by opening windows periodically.

“Infections are higher than ever before and if the Government does not respond accordingly the consequences will be dire.

“Our communities have already endured so much hardship and it is difficult to once again accept the situation we are in, but we must take a pro-active approach as introducing further measures targeted at the prevention of further spread of the virus is much better than having to act to cure the problem at a later date.

“A national lockdown period will provide clear and consistent guidance requiring people in all parts of the country to remain at home except for essential reasons and significantly limit the opportunities for the virus to spread from person to person.

“We also know this is a challenging time for schools, their staff, pupils and parents. Within our own local authority areas, we will continue to support all educational settings to continue to review their individual circumstances and support whatever decision they make.

“For those pupils who will continue learning from home we will give whatever support we can to assist in the continuity of their learning. Our priority is educating our young people, but this must be done with the safety of school staff, pupils and their parents at the forefront of our minds.

“We cannot allow this virus to completely overwhelm our hospitals, especially when there is so much hope on the horizon with the scaling up of the vaccination programme.

“The Government must act now to protect our communities and prevent more lives being lost to this deadly disease.”

Cllr Simon Henig, CBE, Leader, Durham County Council
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader, Gateshead Council
Cllr Nick Forbes, CBE, Leader, Newcastle City Council
Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor, North Tyneside Council
Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader, Northumberland County Council
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader, South Tyneside Council
Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader, Sunderland City Council
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor
Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

Government places North East in Tier 4

Today the North East has been placed into Tier 4 restrictions by government, alongside many other parts of the country.

We understand this may be disappointing for our residents and businesses who have worked so hard with us to try and slow the spread of the virus, but we ask again for everyone’s support so that these Tier 4 restrictions have the impact they need to.

We thank everyone who has been doing their bit for so long, and we know everyone desperately wishes we could see an end to the restrictions.

We understand people are tired and frustrated but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it has been uplifting to see vaccinations being delivered across the region every day which can give us hope for 2021. Today’s news that the Astra Zeneca vaccine has been approved makes this light shine a little brighter and will be a welcome boost for the vaccine programme.

As our Directors of Public Health stated last week, the new  variant of the deadly virus is being transmitted almost 70% faster than other strains and vulnerable communities, NHS services and social care facilities have been quickly consumed by it in the south of the country so it is vital we act now to avoid our local services being overwhelmed.

Our view is that the Government should consider a national lockdown now to ensure the spread of the new variant is slowed and efforts can be focussed on the crucial roll out of the vaccine. This is a national problem and a national solution is required now.

After a disrupted Christmas the last thing any of us wanted was further restrictions as we enter 2021 but sadly we feel this is the only sensible option to protect our health and care services and the most vulnerable in our communities.

One in three people have Covid-19 without symptoms and so are spreading it without realising, so we need to be even more vigilant around social distancing, social contacts and maintain strong hand hygiene – washing our hands regularly and wearing face coverings everywhere the law requires us to.

Under Tier 4 there should be no household mixing inside, apart from within a support bubble, only meeting with a maximum of one person from another household outdoors, while non-essential shops, personal care, indoor gyms must close alongside our hospitality industry which has been forced to stay closed for the last two months.

We will continue to press government for fair decisionsand continue to seek strengthened business support to help businesses potentially affected by further measures and continue work with ministers on how best to deploy targeted community testing to open our economy, while seeking localisation of the national test and trace programme. Government decisions regarding schools are communicated directly to education establishments, without consultation with Local Authorities, however continue to provide strong support to all our schools and education settings throughout these times.

In the meantime, anyone with symptoms should also book a test as soon as possible and follow the guidance around self-isolation until the result is known and thereafter if it comes back positive.

We all need to put in that extra effort to keep ourselves, our friends, our families and our communities as safe as possible in the coming weeks. Thank You.

Cllr Simon Henig, CBE, Leader, Durham County Council
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader, Gateshead Council
Cllr Nick Forbes, CBE, Leader, Newcastle City Council
Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor, North Tyneside Council
Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader, Northumberland County Council
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader, South Tyneside Council
Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader, Sunderland City Council
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor
Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

The North East’s leaders have reacted to the government’s decision to keep the region under the very high Tier 3 restrictions.

“Today the government has made the decision to keep the North East under the very high Tier 3 restrictions.

While we accept this decision on public health grounds, we still need a greater understanding of how moving out of Tier 3 will be determined in the New Year.

We will continue to press government for fair decisions and the right level of economic support – especially for the hospitality sector which has been so heavily impacted by the restrictions.

We will also work with ministers on how best to deploy targeted community testing to open up our economy, while seeking localisation of the national test and trace programme.

As leaders, we are incredibly proud of and grateful to the people of the North East for their efforts in following the rules, laws and guidance throughout the pandemic.

Their efforts have seen infection rates come down but sadly the virus continues to be a potent threat, putting pressure on NHS services, and we need to keep doing our bit to protect the most vulnerable in society.

We recently launched our Thank You communications campaign, fronted by ordinary folk from across the LA7. These are people representative of our communities, talking about the impact Covid has had on their lives and the efforts and sacrifices we have all made as well as looking forward to when we can once again do the things we love.

It is also a reminder that we can’t afford to throw away all the hard work when the chance of getting back to normal is within our grasp.
The Pfizer/Biontech vaccine is being rolled out into communities and this week we have seen some of our residents, aged over 80, invited to be vaccinated in GP surgeries, which is tremendous progress.

But this will be a long process and we all need to be patient. That is why we are asking everyone to carefully consider their plans and actions over the festive period. Just because the law says we can all meet three households over five days, doesn’t mean we should to choose to do so.

Increases in social contact and household mixing over Christmas could see infections rise steeply again in the New Year so we must act responsibly to supress the virus.

Of course, we understand people wanting to see each other but we also want families to be able to see each other and celebrate future Christmases, birthdays and family events.

For the sake of yourselves, your loved ones and the wider community please continue to follow all the guidance. Hands. Face. Space. And book a test if you have symptoms.

Once again, thank you for all your efforts.

Have a safe Christmas.

Cllr Simon Henig, CBE, Leader, Durham County Council
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader, Gateshead Council
Cllr Nick Forbes, CBE, Leader, Newcastle City Council
Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor, North Tyneside Council
Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader, Northumberland County Council
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader, South Tyneside Council
Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader, Sunderland City Council
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor
Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

Friends and family are being urged to make domestic abuse everyone’s business this Christmas, as part of an ongoing campaign setting out how to help victims.

Support services across the region are joining Northumbria Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and are encouraging people to reach in and keep in touch at a time when survivors are being isolated by both the pandemic and their perpetrator.

People with concerns are being encouraged to take action by following a series of safe steps. Advice includes making suggestions to the victim, not demands, and sharing support information, if safe to do so.

The latest figures from Northumbria Police have revealed that domestic abuse incidents increased by 5.2 per cent (+1,931 incidents) for the 12 months to September 2020. There has also been a 10 per cent (+977 incidents) increase in the last quarter, compared to the previous year.

This increase in reporting includes victims known to the Force; however, there has been an increase in new victims and perpetrators – believed to be as a result of lockdown.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Domestic abuse is everyone’s business. We know the risk of domestic abuse increases at Christmas time – we see it year on year. And this year, Christmas will be made worse for some due to restrictions and people being cut off from the outside world – it really is a dangerous mix. I really feel for those suffering.

“Sadly, for many, lockdown has made them more vulnerable and I am expecting to see domestic abuse reports higher this Christmas than previous years. The reality in many homes is far from the picture perfect impressions we’re often led to believe on social media.”

The Commissioner, went on to explain that everyone has a role to play in helping those suffering behind closed doors: “The message is – be safe, be kind, be there. For many victims the idea of breaking free from the harm and overcoming awful experiences is not easy, but it can be done. We have some wonderful support services in the North East to help anyone who needs to do just that.”

A survey earlier this year by Wearside Women in Need, revealed 62 per cent of victims tell a friend or family member first, so it’s vital that those people who are confided in, feel equipped to raise their concerns and encourage those at harm to seek help.

Becky Rogerson, Director of Wearside Women in Need, said: “Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, which means you could have a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbour who needs support. The pandemic has increased isolation and increased the need for us all to look after one another. We’re asking everyone to try and stay connected and keep in touch with friends, family, neighbours and co-workers over the festive period. We need to ‘reach in’ to those who might not be able to reach out, and let them know we’re here for them.”

Northumbria Police’s Detective Superintendent Deborah Alderson, of the Safeguarding Department, wants to reach out to send a clear message of support to those experiencing domestic abuse and living in fear this Christmas.

She said: “2020 has been a year like no other and a very lonely year for many, especially those at home with their abuser. It’s not too late to speak out and receive help and support.

“My message to anyone trapped in an abusive situation – if your home is not a safe environment then I urge you to seek support, to contact police.

“We will do everything we can do to support you which can include help to find safe accommodation for you and your children or removing abusers from homes.”

She added: “If you’re aware of domestic abuse happening in the home of a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour – please speak out.

“If you see someone suffering in silence, be the voice they wish they had and seek help from police.”

Here’s important advice for if you’re worried about someone:
• Be safe: remember – social media, phone and emails might be monitored. Don’t confront the abuser.
• Be kind: listen, make suggestions, not demands.
• Be there: be understanding and available.
• Get help: contact organisations for support and information
• Call 101 if you are concerned about a friend or loved one, or that someone’s behaviour is abusive.
• Call 999 if you think there’s an immediate danger.

Information and support: If you or someone you know needs support for issues about domestic abuse – these organisations can help.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact Northumbria Police on 101, or make a report online. In an emergency, always call 999. If you dial 999 and are unable to speak, the emergency operator will ask you to dial 55 and to follow their instruction to quickly put you in touch with police.