Covid is rising rapidly in every part of the North East, with latest data revealing a huge 73.6% increase in cases in one local authority area.
Latest government data shows Covid case rates in County Durham increased by 73.6% in the seven days to March 12. And 921 new cases were recorded in the borough where Covid vaccine figures show 25% of 18 to 29-year-olds are currently unvaccinated - equivalent to around 21,432 individuals.
Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland recorded more than a 60% rise in cases. And the North East hospitals were also recently found the have one of the fastest growing number of patients testing positive Covid.
Read more: North East has one of the fastest rising number of Covid-positive hospital admissions
Covid case rates in Newcastle increased by 69% in the seven days to March 12 and in Gateshead that figure was 63%. In Northumberland the case rate for the seven days to March 12 increased by 61.5% and in Sunderland figures showed a 49.1% increase. North Tyneside showed an increase of 42.3% and in South Tyneside case rates increased by 28.6%.
As cases surge across the North East and restrictions ease, the NHS has launched a regional campaign aimed to boost take-up of the Covid vaccine.
The NHS is aiming to ensure as many individuals as possible have their full course of vaccinations as it is vital in helping to reduce the risk of serious health issues as a result of covid-19. And now it has introduced a new campaign - A Change of Heart - which reassures people that it's ok to have a change of heart about getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
A Change of Heart is based on what people in the North East, aged between 18 and 29 years-old, say is important to them about the vaccination. It addresses their concerns and provides reassurance that it's never too late to change your mind and get vaccinated, whether that's your first, second or booster jab.
The campaign was commissioned by the Integrated Covid-19 Hub North East, working with the regional vaccination programme. It is backed by health chiefs across the region, including Amanda Healy, the Director of Public Health for County Durham.
Amanda Healy, director of public health, said: "It is not too late to get your covid-19 jabs if you are yet to begin a course of vaccination. Every vaccination helps build your level of protection against the virus, as well as the protection of others within your community. So, whether you still need your first jab or a second or booster dose, it is ok to decide to come forward and get vaccinated. There is lots of information available via the NHS, your GP and public health to answer any questions if you are still unsure about what to do."
