Just two cases of covid reported in Harrogate district

Just two cases of covid have been reported in the Harrogate district, according to latest Public Health England figures.

It takes the total number of cases since last March to 7,583.

Meanwhile, the district’s seven-day covid rate has fallen to 21 per 100,000 people.

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The North Yorkshire average is 39 and the England rate is 49.

No further deaths from patients who tested positive for covid have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital.

No covid vaccines for under-50s at Great Yorkshire Showground in April

No first doses of a covid vaccine will be given to the under-50s at the Great Yorkshire Showground in April.

The Spa Surgery in Harrogate posted on its Facebook page there was “reduced vaccine available nationally” and that no first doses will be given.

However, it added that those under-50 would start to be invited for appointments from May onwards depending on supply.

Meanwhile, all second doses will go ahead as normal at the showground.

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A spokesperson for North Yorkshire CCG said:

“In North Yorkshire, a number of practices have now worked through all of their patients who are in the first nine priority groups, as identified by the JCVI.

“The NHS is continuing to support primary care networks to ensure available vaccine is deployed where it is needed in North Yorkshire so that by 15 April, everyone in cohorts 1-9 will have had the opportunity to have had the vaccine. We have been assured by Government there will be enough supply to meet this deadline.

“Anyone aged 50 and over and those with underlying health conditions who has previously turned down the offer of a vaccine but has now changed their mind, can still get vaccinated – they can book online or call 119.

“Supplies of second doses have been secured and will be available at the appropriate time for those who have previously received a first dose. It’s important people attend for their second dose, so they can get the maximum protection offered by the vaccine.”

Some GPs in North Yorkshire have said they will vaccinate people under-50 if there were any spare vaccines.

Amanda Bloor, accountable officer for North Yorkshire CCG, said it would focus on as “maximum coverage as possible” for those who have not been vaccinated in the first nine priority groups.

Ms Bloor said the CCG wanted to improve the uptake for the first nine groups before moving onto the under-50s.

She added that the government had assured the CCG there would be enough supply to vaccinate those aged 18 to 49 by the end of July.

But, a letter from NHS England to GPs in March said there would be a “significant reduction in weekly supply” from March 29.

The letter said:

“The government’s Vaccines Task Force have now notified us that there will be a significant reduction in weekly supply available from manufacturers beginning in the week commencing 29 March, meaning volumes for first doses will be significantly constrained.

“They now currently predict this will continue for a four-week period, as a result of reductions in national inbound vaccines supply.”

It comes as 92,293 first doses have been carried out in the Harrogate district, according to latest NHS England figures.

The figure represents more than half of the district’s overall population.

Across North Yorkshire, 410,000 people have had a first dose and 48,000 have had a second dose.

Twitter backlash against police social media changes

North Yorkshire Police has faced a Twitter backlash after it announced restrictions on officers’ social media accounts.

The move will see people encourage to follow centralised accounts rather than those of individual officers.

As part of the changes, Harrogate traffic sergeant Paul Cording and Harrogate traffic constable David Minto, who between them have more than 20,000 Twitter followers, expect to be asked to close their accounts and post on one of eight area accounts run by North Yorkshire Police.

The area accounts will post updates on appeals, safety information and court results rather than the current blend of personal and professional updates from life on the frontline.

A police question and answer session today about the changes under the hashtag #AskNYorksPolice saw criticism of the move.

Some said tweets from a corporate account would be less personal while others asked whether officers would require approval to share posts.

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One poster, Gary Silvester, said:

“I’m sorry I just don’t see how it can be as personal as individual accounts as that’s what I and many others enjoy. I’m a big supporter of the police. 

“Will individuals tweets have to be approved? This whole policy strikes me that you don’t trust the officers completely.”

Social media posts will not need to be approved, the accts will still be run by local teams. We absolutely trust our officers, this is about improving service & responsiveness to the public through social media & giving people a place to find content more easily #AskNYorksPolice https://t.co/veJTO3yFqX

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) March 31, 2021

Another person, Jacqui Stephenson tweeted:

“Given the amount of stations being closed, surely it’s better that individual officers build up the rapport with their local communities using social media. 

“A lot of your officers use social media responsibly and engage with the public.

“I’ve often learned a lot from reading the Twitter feed of individual officers. It gives a real insight as to what they are facing as well as showing that they are human beings as well. Using the bland corporate accounts takes that away.”

But police defended the decision and said officers would continue to build a rapport with the public.

The force added officers’ social media content would not require approval and that the move was about “improving the service and responsiveness” to the public.

Sergeant Cording shared two videos explaining his views on the change.

He said while personal accounts have not been asked to be deleted yet, they will be “sometime in the future”.

Morning everyone, on leave at the moment but just wanted to give you my take on the changes to the @NYorksPolice social media policy 1/2 pic.twitter.com/lFXPqinmb1

— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) March 31, 2021

Sergeant Cording added that he understood the decision the police had made, but was “disappointed”.

The new measures have also been met with concern from candidates to be North Yorkshire’s next police, fire and crime commissioner.

James Barker, Liberal Democrat candidate for the role, said the police needed to “rethink” its decision. He said:

“Residents value the localised information that is made available via these social media channels and I really can’t understand the thinking that has led to these being scrapped.”

He also expressed concerns about North Yorkshire Police’s recent introduction of a service-level statement setting out how it responds to media requests.

The statement says it will not respond to media requests for information relating to incidents on which an article has been posted on its website.

Mr Barker said:

“The local media plays a crucial role in sharing trusted information of genuine interest to residents. They could be a real asset to the police in getting important information to local communities who already get their news through established print, online, radio and TV channels. It seems like an own goal by the police that could see them distance themselves from local communities.

“If elected, I will review the operation of the current ‘service-level statement’ and will start by engaging with the local media to explore how we can work together better for the benefit of our communities.”

Independent candidate Keith Tordoff said:

“The closure of individual police officers’ official social media accounts is, I believe, bad for public relations.

“The new accounts until we see how they operate at this point sound rather corporate. I also recognise that the officers’ accounts as they had operated could lead to security breaches, Officer safety and possible promotion of businesses which had needed addressing.

“The officers’ official accounts with directives and supervision of them would have continued to be great for police, public relations and community engagement. The accounts were clearly very popular with the public going by the people commenting against the closure of them.
“If elected, I would look to review the decision.”

The Stray Ferret has approached the Conservative and Labour candidates for comment.

North Yorkshire’s Police Fire and Crime Commissioner election will take place on May 6.

Harrogate district covid rate hits six-month low

The Harrogate district’s seven-day covid rate of infection has fallen to its lowest level in more than half a year.

The average now stands at 27 infections per 100,000 people – the lowest it has been since September 18.

Meanwhile, the North Yorkshire rate is 40 and the England average is 53.

Just three covid cases have been reported in the district today, according to Public Health England figures.

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It takes the total number of infections since last March to 7,581.

No further deaths from patients who tested positive for covid have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital.

Five covid patients are currently being treated at the Harrogate hospital.

It comes as senior health officials said today that North Yorkshire’s vaccination programme will focus on increasing the uptake in the first nine priority groups.

Amanda Bloor, accountable officer for NHS North Yorkshire CCG, said the health service wanted to “maximise the uptake” and target the 47,000 who have yet to be vaccinated.

North Yorkshire to focus on 47,000 over-50s yet to be vaccinated

North Yorkshire’s vaccine drive is to focus on the over-50s and vulnerable people yet to come forward for a vaccine rather than moving on to the under-50s.

Amanda Bloor, chief accountable officer for NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, told a press briefing today the county’s take-up of the vaccine in the first nine cohorts was 88.5%.

However, she said there was still 11.5% – about 47,000 people – who had yet to come forward.

Ms Bloor said those people have either been invited to book an appointment but chose not to or their invitation was on its way.

She said health bosses wanted to get the “maximum coverage possible” before the rollout moves onto the under-50s.

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Addressing North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, Ms Bloor said:

“I just want to stress the point that we encourage everyone who is invited to come for a vaccination to take up that offer to protect not just themselves, but also their wider communities, their families and their loved ones.

“I can’t stress enough that anyone who has had an invitation for a vaccination and chose at that time not to come forward can now come forward and get that vaccination.”

Ms Bloor said the CCG wanted to “maximise the uptake” of the vaccine in those nine cohorts. Anyone yet to have a jab in those groups can contact their GP or use the national booking system.

As part of the focus, the CCG will review take-up in care home staff as well as encouraging those in Eastern European, homeless and travelling communities to receive the vaccine.

Yesterday, Sue Peckitt, chief nursing officer at North Yorkshire CCG, said that some GPs would offer spare vaccines to under-50s.

But no indication has yet been given on when vaccines will be fully rolled out to under-50s.

Ms Bloor said the government had assured the CCG there would be enough supply to vaccinate those aged 18 to 49 by the end of July.

So far, the county has vaccinated 410,000 people with a first dose and 48,000 have had a second dose.

In the Harrogate district, latest figures show 82,118 people have received a first vaccine – more than half the district’s population.

Exclusive: Major changes expected for Great Yorkshire Show

The Great Yorkshire Show looks set to be extended to four days this year, as part of major changes in the wake of covid.

The Stray Ferret understands the show will also see the number of daily visitors restricted to between 20,000 and 25,000 — well below the usual 44,000 average.

It is understood livestock classes will be reduced, just one event hall will be open and all tickets will need to be bought in advance for track and trace purposes.

Facemasks will also have to be worn inside marquees.

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The show is now set to take place at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground from July 13 to 16, with the addition of a Friday to the usual Tuesday to Thursday schedule.

The event will operate reduced hours from 8am and 5pm each day.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organises the event, is expected to make an announcement on the changes tomorrow.

Some other major outdoor shows in the district have cancelled due to concerns over social distancing.

Last week, Ripley Show announced it will not go ahead.

Organisers said despite the roadmap out of lockdown and vaccination numbers offering a positive outlook the “proposed conditions are near impossible to comply with on the show ground”.

Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally, which was due to take place on July 17 and 18, has also been cancelled.

The YAS has previously said it was hopeful the Great Yorkshire Show will go ahead despite other events cancelling.

First covid death at Harrogate hospital in 13 days

Harrogate District Hospital has reported its first covid death in 13 days.

According to NHS England figures, the hospital reported the death of a patient who tested positive for coronavirus yesterday.

It is the first reported at the hospital since March 16.

The number takes the hospital covid death toll to 178.

Meanwhile, just two covid cases have been recorded in the Harrogate district today.

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According to latest Public Health England figures, it takes the total number of infection since last March to 7,578.

The district’s seven-day covid rate of infection stands at 34 cases per 100,000 people.

Elsewhere, the North Yorkshire average is 44 and the England rate is 54.

Harrogate set to make football history on Monday

The first female referee to take charge of an English Football League match will officiate at Harrogate Town on Easter Monday.

Rebecca Welch, from Warrington, has been appointed to referee Town’s game against Port Vale.

She has so far refereed in the Women’s Super League and men’s games in the National League.

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But the game at the EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road will be a landmark occasion, which Welch hopes will encourage other women to take up the whistle.

She said:

“Initially I wasn’t really aware of being appointed as the first female referee.

“I was just given the appointment and I was over the moon but when you kind of reflect on it you think you’re the first woman ever to do this, so I’m extremely proud and my family’s extremely proud as well.

“I do think it’s important to show that women who are in the top 1% of their category can proceed to the next level so it definitely makes others down the pyramid look up and know that they can achieve the same.

“It shows that there is a real opportunity to young girls who are wondering if they are able take the whistle, or are if they are already a referee they can aspire to be an EFL referee or like Sian Massey-Ellis, who is currently operating in the Premier League.”

In February 2010, Amy Fearn took charge of the last 20 minutes of Coventry City’s match against Nottingham Forest as an injury replacement.

However, Welch will become the first female referee to be officially appointed to an EFL fixture.

Three covid cases reported in Harrogate district

Just three cases of covid have been reported in the Harrogate district, according to the latest figures from Public Health England.

It takes the total number of infections since last March to 7,576.

This is among the lowest daily case numbers reported since September 12, when two were reported.

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Meanwhile, the district hospital has gone 12 days without a death from a patient who tested positive for covid.

The last death reported at the hospital was March 16, according to the latest NHS England statistics.

It is the longest period without a coronavirus fatality since the 14 days from December 11 to December 25.

Harrogate district outdoor sports clubs welcome easing of restrictions

Outdoor sports in Harrogate are gearing up for a return today as the government eases lockdown restrictions.

As part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s “roadmap” out of lockdown, people can now meet up with six other people outside and play organised sport.

Sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, are allowed to reopen.

It comes as the “stay at home” rule in place for most of the national lockdown has also been lifted.

However, North Yorkshire Police has urged people to minimise travel and said the county should expect an “increased police presence” in the coming weeks.

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Among the sports that will be permitted as of today are cricket, football and rugby.

Steve Clark (left), chairman of Harrogate Cricket Club.

Steve Clark (left), chairman of Harrogate Cricket Club.

Steve Clark, chair of Harrogate Cricket Club, said the move was “good news” for the club ahead of the season starting in April.

He said:

“This is really good news for us.

“We can start to play cricket, but we are waiting for guidance from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

“There is a pent up demand for mums and dads to come down and watch some cricket.”

The season is expected to start on April 16 for juniors.

However, the club is still awaiting guidance on how they can hold coaching sessions and whether games need to be stopped to sanitise the ball every six overs.

Police urge people to minimise travel

Police and public health officials have urged people to minimise travel and work from home where they can, despite restrictions being lifted.

Ahead of the Easter weekend, officers have also said there will be an increased police presence across the county.

Superintendent Mike Walker, North Yorkshire Police lead for the force’s covid response, said: 

“We will continue to play our part in tackling the public health crisis through the Easter holidays and beyond.

“Each district has patrol plans in place to ensure there are sufficient resources to provide reassurance and continue our ‘4 Es’ approach – to engage with the public, explain the regulations, encourage compliance, and enforce if there is no other way of dealing with breaches.

“The patrol plans will reflect any changes in legislation post March 29 as part of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown. We will be able to communicate these changes and our approach once the new health protection regulations have been confirmed.

“When it is safe to do so, we will welcome visitors to the county again. However, everyone can expect to see an increased policing presence as we work alongside our partners to help keep the virus at bay in the weeks and months ahead.”