Updated
Surge testing is currently underway in North Tyneside.
The government is advising people to avoid all non-essential travel in and out of the borough due to the spread of the variant – making the decision without any discussions with North Tyneside Council.
The borough is one of eight council areas in England that should be avoided “unless it is essential”, according to guidance on the government’s website.
The stricter advice was published late last week without an official announcement being made.
The advice on gov.uk states that people should try to “avoid travelling in and out of affected areas unless it is essential, for example for work (if you cannot work from home) or education”.
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