Scarborough borough's infection rate continues to climb ... 'It's not down to visitors, nor more tests being done'

Scarborough’s infection rate, which last month was the lowest in North Yorkshire at 92, now stands at 463 cases per 100,000 population on a seven-day average.

It has overtaken every other North Yorkshire district and also the average for England, which is now 245.

The borough’s overall total number of cases since the start of the pandemic is now 1,963 and Scarborough is now averaging 72 new cases per day in the last week, 504 in total in the past seven days.

Cllr John Casey, an independent borough councillor representing Filey, posted on his Facebook page last night that the rise was not down to an increase in testing.

Filey and Hunmanby have seen the one of the biggest spike in cases, with 64 recorded in the week up until November 5.

The councillor posted: “Many of you, I hope will be aware of the sudden rise in Covid-19 cases in the Borough of Scarborough.

“These figures will probably get worse over the coming days.

“Filey, Hunmanby and [the] surrounding villages are a concern.

“Public Health has confirmed that this is not a result of more tests being carried out at the new testing station in Scarborough.

“Infection rates can’t just be attributed to visitors. There are a significant number of infections between local residents.”

Last week, Scarborough’s new walk-in coronavirus testing site officially opened at the William Street Coach Park.

Testing at the site is available seven days a week from 8am until 8pm and it will have the capacity for around 350 tests per day.

Appointments must be booked in advance.

Anyone who is showing coronavirus symptoms should register for a test on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

People who do not have access to the internet, or who have difficulty with the digital portals, can ring the 119 service to book.

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