North Yorkshire could move into tier two coronavirus restrictions by the end of the week, according to the county council’s director of health and adult services.
Richard Webb said this morning (28 October) the situation in the county was “hanging by a thread” due to rising infection rates.
The Selby and Harrogate districts are particular problem areas, with seven-day infection rates of 230 cases and 203 cases per 100,000 people respectively. Average infection rates in the county remain below the England average of 220 cases per 100,000.
But they are rising, which prompted Mr Webb to issue the warning at today’s weekly press briefing of the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, which is a partnership of agencies that tackles emergencies. He said:
“The situation in North Yorkshire is now hanging by a thread. We are currently in tier one but that is really on a knife edge.
“We may even be in a situation at the end of this week where we move into tier two restrictions. But we are hoping that we can prevent that.
“We want to stay in tier one. It is better for livelihoods and for economic wellbeing. Today we are asking people to act now to save lives more than ever.”
Mr Webb said it would be up to the government to decide North Yorkshire’s fate.
People in tier two areas are prohibited from socialising with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting. People in pubs and restaurants can only consume food and drink while seated. Takeaway food can only be bought after 10pm if ordered online or by phone.
The press briefing also revealed that Harrogate District Hospital has 12 coronavirus patients – three of whom are in intensive care.
NYCC at the moment is focusing on encouraging people to follow the ‘Rule of Six’ and HANDS, FACE, SPACE alongside seasonal specific guidance for Halloween and Bonfire night – if we all play our part in following these we will hopefully help stem the spread of infection.
