Latest Scarborough borough Covid update as infection rate hits significant milestone, but don't get complacent residents warned

The borough’s seven day infection rate per 100,000 people in Scarborough now stands at 132, down from 178 on Friday.

It is the lowest level for the borough since November 30, though Scarborough is still averaging 21 new cases every day.

The average rate for England is 401 while in North Yorkshire it is 235.

On Friday, Scarborough Council said that the falling infection rate locally was a good sign but residents should not get complacent.

A spokesman for the authority said: “We are cautiously optimistic about this result, but given that the borough’s rate has dramatically fluctuated up and down without any obvious pattern during the entire duration of the pandemic, we can’t afford to let our guard down.

This is particularly important given that the new variant doesn’t seem to be as widespread here as it is in other parts of North Yorkshire.

“The reason for this is unknown, but with the daily death rate still rising and media coverage showing the immense strain the NHS is under, we must act like the variant is present in every community.

“Thank you for staying at home so far and please carry on adhering to the lockdown rules in the coming weeks to protect the NHS, keep our communities safe and saves lives.”

Testing is available in Whitby, Scarborough and Filey this week.

To see the locations and to book a test visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-testWilliam Street Coach Park in Scarborough is still offering testing seven days a week from 8am until 8pm.

Tests can be booked at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.