11 pictures from Sunderland on the first day of North East's new Covid-19 restrictions
Our photographer has been out and about on the streets of Sunderland on the first day of new coronavirus restrictions for Wearside and other parts of the North East region.
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.
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.
10. Fawcett Street
New rules state that people are not permitted to socialise with anyone outside of their own household or support bubble in a private home or garden. They are also advised not to socialise with other people outside of their own households in all public venues. Photo: Stu Norton
11. Park Lane
There is no set length for the restrictions to remain in place but the city's infection rate must fall before the regulations can be eased. Photo: Stu Norton