Teessiders have slammed Andy Preston's reaction to the "local lockdown" announcement.
The Middlesbrough mayor said the strict new measures are "unacceptable" for the town and "as things stand we defy the government".
The shock reaction came after Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced a ban on people going into other people's homes in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.
It also restricts people going to pubs or restaurants with anyone other than those in their household.
Mr Preston, an independent council leader, posted a video on Facebook expressing his feelings.
The status, which attracted hundreds of comments and shares, was met with criticism.
- One man said: "You've literally just give the go ahead for the whole of Middlesbrough to ignore government advice. Your words should have been thought about more carefully. ‘Our mayor told us to ignore government advice’."
- Another said his video was a "bad move". He said: "[It's] not the responsible position I would expect from you. Very disappointed. I’m not a supporter of this government and many authorities around the country have been complaining ever since pandemic began about lack of consultation from government. Come on, your comments will only add to the people flaunting the rules."
- Another added: "This doesn't set a good example and encourages lawbreaking. No doubt Middlesbrough will pay the price when cases increase."
- One lady also said the post was "irresponsible".
Many people also sought clarification after Middlesbrough and Hartlepool councils both asked on Tuesday for household mixing bans to be brought in.
- One person questioned: "How are the restrictions you want different? It's getting very confusing."
Mr Preston replied saying: "I suggested to the gov that the restrictions only be within homes but they want it to be restaurants, pubs and cafes too."
The rules the Middlesbrough mayor proposed were said to "protect viable jobs and preserve mental health".
Other people also voiced their frustrations at the actions of the general public.
- One lady said: "No one is going to listen again so it’s pointless. I don’t get why people can’t stay inside for there own and others safety. It’s ridiculous not fair on the ones who follow the rules and the ones who do what ever they like anyway. This virus will not go away with the way the community are going on and not listening."
- Another added: "We all feel differently and all have different views I suppose. We don’t want to become a focal point for the wrong reason."
Shortly after his original post, the Middlesbrough mayor posted another statement on his Facebook page.
It states: "The government has made an announcement that it plans to introduce strict measures for Middlesbrough in the face of rising Covid infections in our town.
"I don’t accept this is the right decision and talks are ongoing.
"I knew the government wanted to bring in severe restrictions like these – similar to those introduced in Tyne & Wear - which I knew would be damaging to Middlesbrough jobs, livelihoods, businesses and mental health.
"That cannot be right. I believe the government can limit the spread of the virus by limiting social mixing - but while also protecting jobs, livelihoods and mental health.
"It’s my belief that the government’s announcement is based on factual inaccuracies and a frightening lack of communication.
"As it stands, I don’t accept the measures and – along with my council colleagues – will be holding further urgent talks with the government.
"I hope the government will listen to us and accept our local knowledge, expertise and ability to get things done in a way that stops the Covid spread while preserving jobs and protecting the mental health of Middlesbrough residents.
"I understand people will have lots of questions and I’m not realistically able to answer them all on here.
"Further updates as soon as I have them. As it stands, nothing changes."
New coronavirus restrictions in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool will come into force on Saturday morning at one minute past midnight, Downing Street confirmed.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said the measures “mirror” those already announced for the North East of England and followed discussions with local leaders.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiYGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmdhemV0dGVsaXZlLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvdGVlc3NpZGUtbmV3cy90ZWVzc2lkZXJzLXNsYW0tYW5keS1wcmVzdG9ucy1yZWFjdGlvbi0xOTAzMTU3M9IBZGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmdhemV0dGVsaXZlLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvdGVlc3NpZGUtbmV3cy90ZWVzc2lkZXJzLXNsYW0tYW5keS1wcmVzdG9ucy1yZWFjdGlvbi0xOTAzMTU3My5hbXA?oc=5
2020-10-01 14:49:00Z
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