Gateshead businesses have spoken out about their fears for the future if a second lockdown happens.
Martin Gannon wrote to businesses and residents in the borough urging them to follow coronavirus restrictions to avoid a local lockdown.
This comes as Gateshead was officially placed on Public Health England's watch list for enhanced support following a spike in the number of coronavirus cases over the past week.
Now, business owners have said what a lockdown would mean to them.
Abigail Bennett, of Ryton community pub the Ye Olde Holy Cross, said another lockdown would be a big financial blow.
She said: "It's really difficult to answer, since we came back trade has been fantastic and support has been brilliant.
"I don't worry about if people will come back, I worry financially if I can buffer another lockdown.
"There will be no such thing as furlough, and we would lose thousands of pounds worth of stock."
Ms Bennett said if a lockdown was to happen the pub would have to consider options like a takeaway service.
She added: "We would really have to think on our feet, whether it would be enough who knows.
"It is one of those 'how long is a piece of string' situations."
Meanwhile, Andy Higginbotham, manger of the Central Bar, on Half Moon Lane, was cautiously optimistic, saying that businesses won't necessarily be forced to close.
The pub, which is among Gateshead oldest, has just reopened after being taken over by Ouseburn Leisure Group.
He said: "From what happened in other places it has mostly been residential bubbles, people have still been allowed to go to pubs, bars and restaurants, they just have to stay in residential bubbles.
"For us business has been pretty good, our first week exceeded expectations, we welcomed back old regulars and new faces."
However, other business people thought the outlook was bleak.
Julie Oxley, owner of alterations and creations in Low Fell, said that another lockdown would "kill" the economy.
She said: "A second lockdown would kill the local economy. Everyone is doing what they should be doing, like having hand sanitiser on the counter.
"We just survived one lockdown, if there is another lockdown how on earth are we supposed to pay the bills that still have to be paid?"
Ronnie Pattison, owner of Pattison's Cards, added: "It would be financial ruin, I have already signed up for a six year lease on my shop."
Maureen Bowes, owner of Winlaton Hair Studio, said a lockdown could cause her to have to close.
She added: "If it was to happen for a second time and the Government didn't help us like they did before I would have to close.
"If people stick to common sense things like wearing masks, washing their hands and social distancing it would be fine."
