Health and job fears COUNCILLOR EXPECTING LOCKDOWN
FEARS over health and jobs are growing in Newcastle after the city was placed on the Government’s Covid-19 watchlist.
Rising cases are pushing the city – and most of the North East – closer towards local lockdown restrictions.
Businesses admit fresh measures would be a cruel blow in what has already been the hardest year in memory.
And a councillor for one of the worst-hit areas on Newcastle admits some in his ward feel that a local lockdown is now inevitable.
“I think there is almost an acceptance from some that this will now happen,” claimed Byker councillor Nick Kemp.
“But I don’t think that is recent – I think that has been a thought from people for months. “
Public Health England data shows there have been 13 confirmed coronavirus cases in Byker during the past week, a figure matched only by the city centre.
The Labour politician is unsure why. He claims that, by and large, residents have been taking the virus seriously, adhering to social distancing and wearing masks.
However, nothing has been able to stop the rising tide in cases which has left it – along with Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland – teetering on the brink of restrictions.
There have been 145 cases across the city this week, while around one in every 25 tests is coming back positive.
Last week, that figure was one in 200.
And while the potentially fatal consequences of the virus can’t be ignored, neither can the economic damage.
Fewer industries have suffered more than hospitality, something Newcastle has a worldclass reputation for.
At city centre restaurant Horticulture,lt owner Mikmike Hheskethkth hhas been so serious about keeping it safe, staff have worn face masks since it re-opened from the first lockdown.
A second, he admits, would be nothing short of “catastrophic” for a party city still rebounding from the pain of the first.
“The past few months, with all the messages about getting back to normality, has led to a great steady rise in business,” said Mike.
“It would be majorly frustrating to then be placed back in a local lockdown now that the business is back up and running.
“To put the brakes on now wouldn’t be great. People want to keep the momentum going.”
Paul Robson, landlord of the Gosforth Hotel said: “The staff are more worried about the job side of things, if pubs have to close again”.
However, he knows all too well the harsh reality if cases keep rising, adding: “We have to be realistic, if there is a big spike, there will be closures.”