Northumberland businesses back campaign calling for help to keep region open

North East businesses have joined councils and health leaders for the Keep the North East Open campaign calling on people to do their bit so they can remain open.

It comes at a time when, like many places in the country, the region is seeing a surge in the number of cases with the Delta variant.

Commenting on behalf of the seven North East local authorities, Liz Morgan Director of Public Health for Northumberland, said: “I want to thank the people of the North East for all they have done to curb the spread of the virus in our region over many months.

"It has been a monumental effort which has come at significant personal cost for many.

“We want to keep our region open where it is safe and possible to do so.

"Waiting a few more weeks to unlock further will allow more people who are at risk of becoming ill from this virus to receive both doses of the vaccine – our best protection against the virus.

“Meanwhile, younger age groups, who have the highest rates of infection, will have the benefit of having their first dose and I’d like to encourage everyone to take up that offer.

“We need to learn to live with this virus and there are some simple steps we can all take to support this, which will allow us to keep the region open and businesses and organisations operational.”

Businesses and organisations from across the region are supporting campaign.

Martin Charlton, owner of Fish Shack, in Amble, said: “I wanted to be part of the campaign and thank local people for all they are doing to curb Covid infection rates in our area, and remind them to stick with the government guidance, so we can keep the North East open.

“After a really tough year, it’s amazing to welcome people back and to once again be doing what we love most.

"We want to keep it that way, so please remember the hands, face, space guidance when you visit us and get the vaccine.

"You’ll be supporting us and protecting our livelihoods, so we can keep our doors open and our customers smiling.”