NORTHUMBERLAND County Council have taken action following a spike in coronavirus cases in the south west of the county.

Cases have risen sharply in the Haltwhistle ward and the surrounding area, which the council has attributed to workplaces and gatherings in the town.

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Dr Jim Brown, public health consultant at the council, explained what new measures have been in place to combat the increase in cases.

He said: "We are dealing with a sharp increase of cases in the Haltwhistle and surrounding area and believe many of these cases are connected to either workplaces or gatherings in the town.

"We've been taking a number of actions in response.

"These include bringing a mobile covid testing unit in the town which will be in place until Monday, December 21 to make it easier for local residents to be tested.

"We've also visited businesses and shops in the town and put up posters and carried out a targeted engagement campaign with residents in the local area.

"We will also be contacting individuals who have tested positive to understand confidentially how they may have become infected."

"We've also been helped by local councillors and the GP surgeries to help spread the awareness message.

"This does emphasise how the virus can ​flare up even in our most rural communities. There is still no room for complacency and we'd stress once again the need to practice good hand hygiene, wear face coverings, maintain social distancing and abide by the current rules.

"It's also vital that anyone who does have symptoms gets tested as soon as possible."