Residents urged to stick to social distancing rules

Residents in Newcastle have been reminded that failure to comply with social distancing measures introduced by the Government risks more people being infected with deadly COVID-19.

Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives

The stern words came from the city’s Director of Public Health, Professor Eugene Milne, in response to people flouting the instructions brought to reduce the spread of the killer disease caused by coronavirus.

In recent days, people have been seen in large gatherings in various locations including the Town Moor, while others have been seen using parks which have been shut off to the public on health grounds. There have also been instances of people failing to comply with distancing rules inside the city’s Grainger Market, which has seen some stalls remain open to provide fruit and vegetables while a new delivery service is helping isolated residents get the provisions they need.

This is in spite of strict and unpresented measures being introduced to limit social interaction. On Monday March 23, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the nation not to leave the house other than for a small number of exceptions: health reasons, buying food or going to work.

Trending stories

Prof. Eugene Milne, Director of Public Health, urges residents to follow social distancing guidance and stay at home to stop spread of coronavirus

Eugene Milne update March 26

Prof. Milne said: “If people can't obey these rules and do these things voluntarily, we may have to close the open spaces and that would be a terrible loss for all of us.

“This is a very difficult time and I understand that and I know people want to go out and see friends, but you need at this stage to try and avoid spreading that virus. That’s not just for your sake or for your friends, but also for the sake of all those people who could be infected as a consequence.

“We can already see in London the demands being placed on the health service by COVID-19 and we don't want that to happen in Newcastle. You can do your part by helping us to prevent the increase in cases that congregating in groups might bring about. Please try and stick to these rules.”

Coronavirus has spread rapidly across the globe with hundreds of thousands of people becoming infected, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths.

Strict measures have been introduced in the UK to reduce the rate of infection and prevent the NHS’ capacity to care for patients being breached.

Prof. Milne added: “People are allowed to go out for exercise once a day, provided they go out on their own or with an immediate household member, and while out, stay two metres away from anybody they might encounter.”

Keep up to date with Newcastle’s response to the coronavirus outbreak at www.newcastle.gov.uk/coronavirus