NHS chiefs could begin surge testing in another part of the region if more cases of the coronavirus Indian variant are discovered.
Health bosses in South Tyneside appealed for calm on Wednesday after it was confirmed that a case of the B.1.617.2 mutation – which originated in India – had been identified in the borough earlier this month.
But while officials have stressed the need for continued caution, they have also pointed to reassuringly low infection rates and high vaccine take up.
“The thing that we remain the most aware of and vigilant to at the moment is the variants of concern,” said Tom Hall, director of public health at South Tyneside Council.