Covid cases continue to rise in the North East with almost all authority areas recording more than a 50% rise in cases compared to the previous seven day period.
Government data reveals that recorded cases in County Durham increased by a huge 85.7% in the seven days to March 13. While cases increased by 68.4% in Gateshead and 68.0% in Northumberland.
It comes amid criticism of Government ministers over plans to scrap much of the Covid surveillance along with free testing - which will end on April 1.
