North Yorkshire Carers Back Call for Greater Vigilance

North Yorkshire care providers are backing calls for greater vigilance, as they look to keep older and vulnerable adults safe during a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases.

Provider organisation the Independent Care Group said the sudden escalation of coronavirus cases across North Yorkshire was extremely worrying.

Chair Mike Padgham said:

“Covid-19 hasn’t gone away, the new figures show that and everyone must remain vigilant.

“We agree 100% with North Yorkshire County Council when it says we must all stick strictly to the Covid-19 safety instructions.”

North Yorkshire saw a significant rise in cases during the last week, particularly among young people. The week from 1 to 7 September saw 129 new cases in North Yorkshire, including 28 in the Harrogate district, 31 in Scarborough district and 36 in Selby district.

North Yorkshire County Council is reminding residents of its main guidance, including:

• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.

• Keep a safe two-metre distance, meet outside where possible, avoid crowded places, do not meet up with anyone outside your home if you have Covid-19 symptoms.

• You must wear a face covering on public transport, in shops and in indoor public spaces.

• If you have Covid-19 symptoms, book a test immediately and self-isolate at home: visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/TestandTrace

Care providers fear a second wave of Covid-19 would be particularly devastating for the older and vulnerable people they care for, who are particularly susceptible to Covid-19.

Up to 28th August some 15,484 people had died in care and nursing homes across England and Wales, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.

“Every death is the tragic loss of a loved one – a mother, a father, a husband, a wife, a son, a daughter an aunt, uncle or friend,” Mr Padgham added.

“We have to be extremely careful and not let Covid-19 capitalise on our complacency and claim yet more lives.

“With winter coming on we are approaching a very dangerous, critical period in our fight against this pandemic and it is up to each and every one of us to take extreme care.”

A lag between Covid-19 infection rates and reported deaths from the virus is worrying care providers as they prepare for winter and a possible second spike in cases.

Mr Padgham added: “Winter always puts extra strain on everyone in the caring professions and we do not want to see a resurgence in coronavirus cases on top of that. That could be devastating.”

Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that deaths from Covid-19 in care and nursing homes in England and Wales was 23 for the week ending 28th August, down from 43 the previous week.

However, on Sunday, the UK recorded its highest number of daily Covid-19 cases since May when 2,988 were reported in just 24 hours.