York move to Tier 3 'inevitable'
The city's Director of Public Health says infection rates are spreading rapidly.
It's claimed that a move to Tier 3 in York is 'inevitable', with infection rates more than trebling within the last 3 weeks.
York's Director of Public Health Sharon Stoltz says the rate per 100,000 people was around 60 in early December, before shooting up to over 200 now.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio York, she said: "In the lead up to Christmas people were mixing in households more, they were out and about more and they were having more social contacts.
"At the same time, more people were coming into York from other areas so the town was very busy.
"About 3 weeks ago our case rate was just under 60, and we were having conversations about York possibly going into Tier 1. Now the case rate is over 218".
"It's clear that the spread of infection in York is out of control, and we haven't got a grip on it. The rate increase isn't down to particular outbreaks; it's down to community transmission and household transmission.
"Without additional restrictions being imposed on York, I'm struggling to see how we will stop the rise in cases and get our numbers down again".
Ahead of the Government's Tier review later, Sharon says: "I know it's really difficult and I know that people are fed up.
"It's going to take a while for everyone to be vaccinated, and meanwhile the virus is spreading. The only way to stop the spread is to go back to those basic infection control measures: hand washing, wearing face coverings in all public places and social distancing.
"If you do develop symptoms, quarantine yourself and ask for a test. There's no shortage of tests in York and it's very easy for people to request one.
"I would urge people to go back to being very strict about those measures. They've worked for us before in York; they worked when we managed to get our infection rate right down before. We need to work together as a city again to get our infection rate low".