The North East's leaders have urged everyone to "do their bit" after winning a week's reprieve from Tier 3.
Earlier today, Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon confirmed that a decision on imposing more draconian restrictions on the region had been deferred, but warned that it must prove that Tier 2 is working.
Now, leaders of Northumberland, Newcastle, South and North Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham have signed a joint statement warning there is "absolutely no room for complacency".
Residents have also been told they must "do their bit" to make sure the virus does not "rip through our communities".
The statement also struck a more conciliatory tone saying leaders "welcomed" being listened to by Government and are committed to "ongoing, constructive dialogue".
Read the statement in full below:
We can confirm we have had further constructive discussions with government today and the North East is staying at High Alert Level 2.
Due to the combined efforts of our residents, businesses and communities since we introduced restrictions across the region on September 18, the public health data is showing signs of the number of Covid-19 cases stabilising.
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We would like to thank every person in the region for the role they are playing in tackling this virus but, if we are to avoid further restrictions, then it is vital every single one of us follows the law and guidance. There is absolutely no room for complacency.
We are at a critical point and cannot afford to let the virus rip through our communities – we need everyone to do their bit.
We continue to engage with government about the need for crucial economic support as well as localised control of Test and Trace, but we welcome the fact we are being listened to and we are committed to ongoing, constructive dialogue.
Cllr Nick Forbes, CBE, Leader of Newcastle City Council
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council
Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council
Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Council
Cllr Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council
Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council
Cllr Simon Henig, CBE, Leader of Durham County Council
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor
Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
