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02
Feb 2021
Covid vaccines begin at Ripon racecourse
A steady stream of cars and taxis made their way through the gates of the newly-opened covid vaccination centre at Ripon racecourse this afternoon.
Early morning snow delayed the planned 8.30am opening but by 1.30pm, with a thaw set in and roads cleared, the first vaccination had taken place.
A team of doctors, support staff and marshals — some of them volunteers — were on hand to guide, reassure and assist those who came for their jab.
The centre is located in the Wakeman Bar, where punters normally celebrate winners or commiserate over losses.
It has been temporarily transformed into a smoothly-operating medical centre that can cater for up to 600 people a day.
The number was reduced today because of the lost hours this morning, but the weather forecast for tomorrow bodes well for a full day of vaccinations starting at 8.30am.
Read more
- City councillors make urgent call for Ripon vaccination centre
- Venue announced for Ripon vaccination centre
Attendance is by appointment only.
The opening of a dedicated covid vaccination centre in Ripon comes just days after Ripon City Council offered the NHS facilities at the Hugh Ripley Hall in Skellbank for use in vaccinating local people.
Ripon is among a number of racecourses around the UK to make its facilities available so that the vaccination programme can be stepped up.
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