Sunderland, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Durham, Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle are now subject to new Covid-19 rules in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.
As of midnight on Friday, September 18 residents across the North East were told not to socialise with other households within private homes or gardens, with further restrictions to opening times and operations being enforced in leisure and entertainment venues.
These changes are in addition to the nationwide six-person limit on social gatherings which came into force on Monday, September 14. This rule is in place across the country and will sit alongside additional restrictions in some local areas, including the North East.
On Sunderland’s first day under the new restrictions, our photographer Stu Norton captured these scenes in the city.
2. Park Lane
Business as usual on the first day of new Covid-19 restrictions. Photo: Stu Norton
4. Beach
Quiet scenes at Roker Beach for the first day of the new restrictions in the region. Photo: Stu Norton