Beat the bug: North Yorkshire County Council helpline opens for people in self-isolation without family - the number to call

Staff at North Yorkshire County Council are on standby from now to provide over-the-phone support to those who have nobody else to call during the coronavirus crisis.

It comes as those aged 70 and above, and those with the most serious health conditions, have been asked to self-isolate for 12 weeks.

The county council’s chief executive Richard Flinton said: “We are taking a leading role with other local authorities up and down the county to ensure we help shield people who may be more vulnerable, such as those with underlying medical conditions as well as people over 70, who are self-isolating, over the coming weeks and months.”

Mr Flinton also urged people to look out for each other in their communities.

He said: “We know that people across the county will want to help their communities and we’re encouraging everyone to look out for anyone in their immediate area who might need help, whilst also keeping social distancing advice in mind.

“Although we need to be careful about physical contact, offering to call your neighbour who can’t get out so they have someone to chat to on the phone could make all the difference.”

The county council’s helpline number is 01609 780780.

Mr Flinton added: “If there is anyone who has no help or support and is struggling we will help you, but we ask that, in the first instance, you turn to people around you – family, friends and neighbours – so that we can find and help those most vulnerable and at risk.

“We know North Yorkshire is a place of great kindness and we will be highlighting some of the stories that will illustrate that throughout this period.”