Visits to care homes across the Harrogate District will be restricted after a rise in coronavirus cases.
Richard Webb, director of health and adult services at North Yorkshire County Council, said homes in Harrogate, Scarborough and Selby will be asked to restrict visits for the next seven days.
It follows a rise in cases in North Yorkshire which led to the county declaring a “major incident” earlier this week.
Read more:
- Harrogate Grammar School confirms one of its students has tested positive for coronavirus.
- Harrogate Ladies College is another school confirming a positive case.
Mr Webb apologised for the measure, but added it was “necessary” in light of increased cases.
He said in a series of tweets last night:
“Tonight am writing letters to care homes, asking some of them to restrict visiting in some areas because of rising tide of covid cases.
“Please do all you can to prevent the spread of this virus so that care homes don’t have to go into lockdown.
“We are asking care homes in three areas (Harrogate, Selby and Scarborough districts) to restrict care home visiting for the next seven days and will then be reviewed. I am sorry to do this but it is a necessary precaution because of rising covid-19 infections”
Just to clarify: we are asking care homes in 3 areas (Harrogate, Selby and Scarborough districts) to restrict care home visiting for the next 7 days and will then be reviewed. I am sorry to do this but it is a necessary precaution because of rising #COVID19 infections 1/2
— Richard Webb (@RichardWebbNY) September 17, 2020
Mr Webb said the measure would be reviewed after the seven day period.
He added that the county council will set up a task group with care providers, care home residents and the county council to develop a more secure way to enable visits.
