'Whitby Businesses Didn't Need to Close' Says Public Health Director
Doctor Lincoln Sargeant, from North Yorkshire County Council, says that wasn't necessary.
North Yorkshire's Director of Public Health says businesses in Whitby, which have closed because of coronavirus fears, didn't necessarily need to.
Doctor Lincoln Sargeant says that is only necessary when they have direct positive test results.
It's as at least 13 firms in the town have shut over the past few days, as well as one in Whitby and another in Bridlington.
Doctor Sargeant also says the general rise in cases in North Yorkshire isn't as serious as it could be.
He said:
"Yes, the numbers have increased, but we're not talking about severe disease, resulting in hospitalisations and deaths - at least not in terms of the last week or so.
None of the agencies, as far as I'm aware, have indicated to any businesses that they need to close. I'm aware that a number of businesses, particularly in Whitby, have chosen, on their own steam, to close as a precaution."