Three North East councils have spoken out about the strain caused by the coronavirus pandemic and urged people to get up to date with their vaccines.
It comes after the Prime Minister announced that Plan B restrictions are to remain in place in an address to MPs on Wednesday.
Boris Johnson announced a range of new measures that will be introduced as the UK looks to stem the surge of the Omicron variant.
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In response to the latest data the Cabinet agreed that England should stick with Plan B for another three weeks, with a further review before the regulations expire on January 26, the PM said.
In a statement posted on the authority's website Coun Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, warned that care services are being hit by staff absence caused by the virus.
He said: We are currently delivering our services as best we can. However, we are facing increasing pressure due to Covid-19 and staff absence.
"We recognise that disruption to public services is frustrating, but like all parts of the country, we are being hit by the infectious nature of Omicron and how quickly this is spreading through our communities. It is important and necessary for anyone who tests positive, and unvaccinated close contacts, to self-isolate, regardless of whether they feel unwell. Along with vaccination, this is our best way out of the pandemic.
"A number of Council areas, including public-facing services such as social care, are being impacted by staff absences in a service which supports our most vulnerable residents, and at a time when we're working hard to support the wider health response to the pandemic. The position is changing daily, which will likely result in a change to the services we can offer.
"We're doing all we can to minimise disruption to local services, but the situation is fluid. Cases are rising at an unprecedented rate in Gateshead. In the 7 days up to and including 3 January there have been 4,278 new cases. 29th December 2020 saw the highest number of cases in Gateshead so far during the entire pandemic, with 708 cases in that day alone.
"Please help us to keep our services running by taking whatever steps you can to reduce your risk of catching and spreading Covid-19. Get your vaccinations and boosters as soon as you can, carry out regular lateral flow tests, wear a face covering and stay at home if you feel unwell.
"You can also help us to work more efficiently by using our online services wherever you can. We're working hard to ensure that everyone gets the help they need as quickly as possible, but unfortunately some delays are inevitable. Please be patient and respectful of our staff.
"As always, the health and wellbeing of our residents and staff remains our first priority. Thank you for your support and understanding."
Amanda Healy, Durham County Council’s director of public health, said the Omicron variant along with other winter illnesses is putting "very real strain" on the NHS,
She said: “As with everywhere else across the country we are currently experiencing high coronavirus infection rates as a result of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. This, in addition to other seasonal illnesses, is putting very real strain on our NHS and also organisations and businesses of varying sizes which are having to cope with increased levels of staff absence.
“Our best defence is for people to please keep following the restrictions and guidance introduced as part of Plan B and earlier in the pandemic, crucially getting their booster vaccine and first and second jabs if they have not had them already. Taking lateral flow and PCR tests and following self-isolation guidance are also vital, as are wearing face coverings where appropriate, social distancing, continuing to practice good hygiene and ventilating rooms when meeting indoors.”
Tom Hall, South Tyneside's Director of Public Health, urged people to "be cautious to reduce the spread".
He added: “Covid case rates are currently at an all-time high across the country. Thankfully the levels of severe illness and hospitalisations are lower than at other points in the pandemic, largely thanks to the protection provided by the vaccine and the milder illness caused by the Omicron variant.
"However, the real problem with Omicron is the number of staff absences in critical services because people either have Covid or need to self-isolate.
"The best course of action is for people to continue to be cautious to reduce the spread and get all their vaccinations to give themselves and others around them the best protection possible."
