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04
Sept 2020
Harrogate urged to continue social distancing as Leeds on watchlist
Public health bosses have urged people in Harrogate to continue to abide by social distancing guidance as Leeds is placed on the government’s coronavirus watchlist.
Dr Lincoln Sargaent, director of public health at North Yorkshire County Council, reassured that cases remain below average in the town and lower than that of Leeds.
It comes as the city was confirmed to be on Public Health England’s watchlist as an “area of concern” earlier today following an increase in cases to a weekly rate of 32 per 100,000 population.
The rate in cases in Harrogate currently stands at 12 per 100,000 with 19 confirmed in the past week.
Leeds City Council bosses said cases are spread across the city, meaning they may be linked to social interaction and leisure actives.
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Officials added that cases were increasingly found in young people aged 18 to 34.
Dr Sargaent said residents in Harrogate, some of whom commute to Leeds for work and to socialise, should continue to abide by social distancing guidelines which remains as “important than ever”.
He said:
Meanwhile, Cllr Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, urged visitors to the city to do their bit following a rise in covid cases.
The city being placed on the watchlist does not mean any further restrictions, but it may lead to further measures in the future if infections do not fall.
Cllr Blake said the city was approaching a “tipping point” and it was important for people to follow social distancing guidance.
She said:
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