THE North East is entering a period of restrictions due to an increase in Covid-19 cases in the area. Sunderland, Newcastle, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead, County Durham and Northumberland councils – which between them serve a population of over two million people – had asked the government to bring […]
North East
Mixed reaction greets Sunderland’s new Covid-19 clampdown
AS the public heard of the new Covid-19 social restrictions coming into force across the North East, residents in and around Sunderland reacted to the news with a mixture of acceptance and scepticism. Almost two million people in the region will have to live with more restrictions due to a […]
Covid-19: not a lockdown, but restrictions imminent for the North East
SUNDERLAND and the North East were today bracing themselves to face tighter Covid-19 restrictions, after local councils became worried about an increase in the number of people testing positive for the virus. Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead and County Durham councils, which between them cover a […]
Metro trains cleaned with coronavirus-killing spray
Tyne & Wear Metro trains are being cleaned using a new special disinfectant to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Each train on the system is undergoing a deep clean using the special coronavirus-killing spray, called Zoono Z-71, which kills 99.99% of germs and lasts for 30 days, reducing the risk […]
The Great North Run goes Virtual
THE Great North Run has been cancelled for the first time in 40 years, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On September 13, 2020 more than 55,000 runners were set to take part in the famous North East half marathon. Following government guidelines, event organisers announced the cancellation of the event […]
Coronavirus: North-East mums reveal heart-breaking impact of COVID-19
A pregnancy and baby teacher and new mother have told of the devastating effects the coronavirus has had on them. Linzy Thirlaway, 43, from Wallsend, teaches pregnancy and baby classes. Bump, Baby and Beyond switched to running online classes when the UK went into lockdown, but the lack of human […]
Sunderland community sports facilities remain closed amid confusion over lockdown guidelines
Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that from Wednesday: “you can play sports, but only with members of your own households,” Sunderland residents heading to local parks may be surprised to find sports some facilities remain locked up. Sunderland council have said facilities such as tennis courts, football pitches, and […]
Council considering safety changes to Newcastle’s busiest roads during lockdown
Newcastle City Council are considering implementing safety changes to some of Newcastle’s busiest roads. More space could be designated to pedestrians and cyclists to help keep to social distancing rules, whilst also improving safety when exercising. There have been calls from environmental campaigners to add other measures to help locals […]
Thousands sign petition against MPs receiving £10,000 ‘Work-from-home’ fund
Thousands of people have come together to sign an online petition to prevent Members of Parliament from receiving £10,000 each as a ‘work-from-home’ allowance. The £10,000 work-from-home fund was made accessible for MPs to claim, helping them to support themselves and their staff, as well as any additional office costs […]
Will our music scene bounce back after Boris’ bum note?
#The CoronaDiaries Music journalist and University of Sunderland journalism graduate and mediahub intern Jordan Davidson – who runs the SPOTLIGHTUK.co.uk music coverage website – reflects on the possible damage done to the regional music scene by the rather confused and disjointed initial government response to the coronavirus crisis. […]