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:
“We all need to continue to play our part in protecting ourselves and others to prevent the spread of covid-19.
“The advice around hygiene and social distancing remains as important as ever. We must keep washing our hands regularly, avoid touching our faces and keep a safe distance from others.
“If you have symptoms, you must get a test. NHS tests are free and can be booked online via the NHS website or by calling 119.”
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:
“We have been working tirelessly with our partners and communities, doing everything within our power to keep the spread of this virus under control and to ensure Leeds stays open.
“However, we can’t accomplish that alone and this rise in infection rates means that inevitably, our window of opportunity is shrinking by the day and the city is rapidly approaching a tipping point.
“We completely understand that these past six months have put a tremendous strain on everyone in Leeds and that being able to get out, socialise and enjoy ourselves has provided a massive lift.
“But it is absolutely crucial that if we want to continue to do that, we all do it sensibly and responsibly and follow the latest guidance which is there to keep us all safe.”
