North Yorkshire leaders say 'don't risk a weekend party - you may pick up more than a fine'
Police and public health officials are urging people to play their part and protect their friends and family
As Covid-19 infection rates continue to rise in North Yorkshire, the county's Local Resilience Forum are urging people to adhere strictly to the rules this weekend or risk a further surge in cases in the coming days.
Public health leaders have thanked everyone who's making an effort to do the right thing, but are concerned that not everyone is following the guidance.
They want to get the message out that 'Covid-19 thrives on a crowd', and they're asking people to 'play their part' and protect their friends and family.
Meanwhile, the police say extra officers will be out on patrol across the county.
They're warning they 'won't tolerate anyone who willingly puts others at risk', and say anyone who behaves recklessly or irresponsibly can expect enforcement action to be taken against them.
Dr Lincoln Sargeant is the director of public health for North Yorkshire:
“I know that many people are making a concerted effort and I am grateful for their sacrifices but unfortunately not everyone is sticking to the guidance that we know makes the difference.
“This is not about blaming or finger wagging. This is about fighting the virus, supporting our businesses, keeping our schools open and saving lives. I want to be very clear that while many people experience minor symptoms, for some residents who become infected they will sadly not recover. We will see more lives lost and I appeal again for everyone to show real restraint to help avoid that.
“This weekend people may be tempted to get together or meet at pubs and other places in larger groups to socialise. Covid-19 thrives on a crowd and is easily transmitted when your guard is down. Please play your part and protect your friends and family.”
The latest 7-day infections rates (number of cases per 100,000 population in last 7 days) across North Yorkshire are as follows...
Craven district – 152.3
Harrogate – 120.6
Hambleton – 108.1
Richmondshire – 100.5
Ryedale – 99.3
Selby – 91.6
Scarborough – 75.4
This compares to the average across England of 124.7 cases per 100,000.
Dr Sargeant continued:
“Across the country cases are rising – and these latest figures show North Yorkshire is no different. This ongoing trend of a rising number of cases is a stark reminder to us all that without action we could see a situation that’s very difficult to manage. We all need to play our part – through good hand hygiene, face coverings and social distancing – to manage this ongoing rise in cases.”
Superintendent Mike Walker who is the Gold Commander for NYLRF said:
“Last weekend North Yorkshire Police worked alongside our local authority partners to protect the public and this weekend is no different. We will be proactively policing the Covid regulations and despite demand returning to pre-lockdown levels, we are determined to keep people safe and suppress the spread of the virus.
“However, our effort needs to be matched by the public who both live and visit North Yorkshire and the City of York. So far, the vast majority have demonstrated high levels of personal responsibility, for which we are immensely thankful. We all know we must continue to stay alert and keep going for as long as it takes to beat this virus. Just like you, I know we might have to live with its impacts for some time, but our collective determination to beat it will work.
“Extra officers will be patrolling across North Yorkshire and York this weekend, trying to keep everyone safe, but we need your help. If anyone is seeing this weekend as a chance to throw caution to the wind and not follow the restrictions, which everyone should all know and understand, then my message is simple – the police will not tolerate anyone who willingly puts others at risk, by refusing to abide by the regulations. Anyone who acts in such a reckless and irresponsible manner should expect enforcement action to be taken against them.
“So please enjoy what the county and city has to offer, but do so within the restrictions and work with us to keep North Yorkshire safe.”