Council staff have been inundated with abusive phone calls after the Government's announcement that new Covid-19 restrictions will be imposed in the North East.
Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes said a number of people had rung his office and "been extremely rude and abusive to staff" following the news.
Mr Forbes said the abusive calls would be reported to the police and told the culprits they "should be ashamed of yourselves".
The politician tweeted: "A number of people have rung my office today about today's announcement on Covid restrictions and been extremely rude and abusive to staff.
"This is completely unacceptable - you should be ashamed of yourselves. We will trace abusive calls and report you to the Police."
The Health Secretary announced on Thursday that people in the North East will be banned from socialising with other households following a "concerning" rise in Covid-19.
Matt Hancock told MPs in the Commons new measures were needed to tackle rising infection rates in Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham.
From Friday, residents in these areas will be banned from socialising in homes or gardens with people outside their own households or support bubble, while food and drink venues will be restricted to table service only.
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Leisure and entertainment venues must also close between 10pm and 5am every night.
Residents are also being advised not to socialise with other people outside of their own households in all public venues.
They should avoid non-essential travel on public transport and only take holidays with their own household or support bubble.
