Scarborough borough's infection rate falls but health bosses give stark half-term warning

The borough’s seven day infection rate per 100,000 people now stands at 99, down from 106 yesterday.

The average infection rate for England stands at 176 while in North Yorkshire it is now 117, also both down in the last 24 hours.

As the school half-term break arrives, families are being urged to keep up the effort to bring down the Covid-19 infection rate and not to be tempted to head to the countryside or coast.

The appeal from the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum comes after figures reveal that more than 1,000 people have now died from Covid-19 in North Yorkshire.

Louise Wallace, North Yorkshire’s Director of Public Health, said: “There is no room for complacency. Infection rates are coming down, but only very slowly, so no-one should be lulled into a false sense of security. Rates could quickly shoot up again if we do not remain vigilant.

“I know how difficult this time is, the pressure that families are under and the desire to see loved ones, but please do not do so. The virus spreads when people mix with each other, so please don’t break the rules.

“One in three people carry Covid-19 with no symptoms, so even if you feel fine you might be carrying the infection and be able to spread it. Don’t take that risk by travelling miles from your home to the coast or countryside.

“Last weekend in the Lake District, a mountain rescuer suffered life-changing injuries while trying to help a camper who had breached Covid rules.

“Stick with the fabulous efforts we have seen from so many people throughout the pandemic, keep doing the right thing and we can keep the numbers heading in the right direction – downwards.”

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.