Harrogate Covid infection rate up 25 per cent in three days
It's amid the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
Last updated 20th Dec 2021
Harrogate’s Covid infection rate has jumped by more than 25 per cent in just three days
The weekly rate per 100,000 people currently stands at 476 – up from 376.
It equates to around 110 new cases per day in the district.
Meanwhile, there has been a slight increase in the number of Covid patients at Harrogate District Hospital, with 12 currently receiving treatment.
This is up from eight last week.
Richard Webb, director of health and adult services at North Yorkshire County Council, said the area was now facing a “race against time” to prepare for a similar surge in cases seen in other areas of the country.
He said: “If we follow previous patterns, and what’s happening in London, it won’t be long before we are seeing high numbers of Omicron cases here in North Yorkshire.
“Even the most optimistic Government modelling is now projecting many more cases in January and February and we face the possibility of many more hospital admissions and sadly many more deaths.
“Living with Covid means responding quickly to deal with a new variant. We need to act now to buy time”.
Mr Webb also said people should take a lateral flow test before mixing socially and that getting a booster vaccine remained the best line of defence.
The vaccination programme has been rapidly accelerated in recent weeks with firefighters now being drafted in to deliver doses at sites across North Yorkshire.
“This is an urgent situation and the time involved is substantial in getting these vaccines where they need to be,” said James Manning, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue group manager.
“For this reason the key agencies have come together to provide the best possible service to people”.
In Harrogate, vaccines are being made available by appointments and walk-ins at several pharmacy sites as well as Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground and Ripon Racecourse.