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Mar 2020

Last Updated: 21/03/2020

One coronavirus patient at Harrogate hospital with seven more in region

by Connor

| 16 Mar, 2020

Doctors in the district are telling people to avoid GPs if they have COVID-19 symptoms

Seven people have tested positive for coronavirus in North Yorkshire with one patient being cared for at Harrogate District Hospital.

The number of COVID-19 cases in the region has risen by six in just a couple of days.

Harrogate District Hospital confirmed on Sunday, March 15 that one patient there had tested positive for coronavirus.

The hospital is still caring for that patient today and has “all of the appropriate protection measures in place.”

A spokesperson for the hospital told The Stray Ferret that it would not be providing updates on the patient’s condition or the number of cases.

North Yorkshire County Council Public Health also confirmed that one of the coronavirus patients in the region had returned from Italy.

The patient reported their symptoms and self-isolated before they tested positive for COVID-19.

Hospitals and GP surgeries around the Harrogate district have told patients to not attend if they have symptoms of coronavirus.

Ripon Community Hospital has put up a warning on the door: "Due to the increasing cases of coronavirus if you have a new cough and/or a high temperature please do not enter this hospital without a prior appointment.

"Please return home and call 111 immediately."

Across the UK there are now 1,543 confirmed coronavirus cases, which is an increase of 171 cases since Sunday.

Richard Flinton, the chief executive at North Yorkshire County Council, said that agencies are planning for a “reasonable worst-case scenario.”

“Understandably, this is a continuously evolving and fast-moving situation – which is why the agencies are prioritising planning and responding to it as the public would understand.

“While we do not expect it, we are planning for a reasonable worst-case scenario so we are as prepared as possible should that be needed.”

The NHS is asking people to stay at home for seven days if they have a high temperature or a new, continuous cough.

For the latest advice from Harrogate District Hospital on COVID-19 click here