Scarborough borough's coronavirus infection rate falls but 'we are not home and dry yet'

The borough’s seven day infection rate per 100,000 people is down to 44, a drop of two from yesterday with an average of seven new cases every day.

It has also been revealed that, as of Tuesday, the number of people in Scarborough Hospital with Covid was down to seven, a reduction of six on the week before.

Yesterday, North Yorkshire Police warned that people flouting lockdown was putting the reopening of the country at risk.

A further 255 fines were handed out in the county in the last week, with 127 coming in the Scarborough borough, including 21 people at a 40th birthday bash who each got £800 fines.

Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic, said: “We are not home and dry yet. We know the vaccine offers hope but we are not at the point where we can abandon social distancing and all other precautions.

“The Prime Minister announced very clearly that the roadmap will be led by data and not dates so let’s not jeopardise that now.

“Imagine the disappointment we will feel if the Prime Minister announces the data does not support us moving to that next phase.”

Mobile testing facilities will be available in Whitby, Scarborough and Filey this weekend for anyone with symptoms to get tested.

To see the locations and to book a test visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-test.

William 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.