However, no covid-related deaths have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital in more than three months.
NHS England figures show that the covid death toll at the hospital since March 2020 remains at 179.
Latest statistics show that the hospital is treating five patients who tested positive for covid.
So far, 121,974 people have received a first covid vaccine in the Harrogate district and 101,048 have had a second dose.
Appointment-free vaccines available at pop-up clinics this weekend
District residents will be able to get vaccinated without appointments at a number of pop-up coronavirus clinics this weekend.
The clinics will open in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge tomorrow and Sunday, and are part of a final push to get younger people vaccinated.
First and second doses will be offered to anyone aged over 18, while any care workers and those aged over 50 who have not yet taken up the opportunity to get vaccinated are also being urged to come forward.
The Wesley Centre on Oxford Street, Harrogate will offer first doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Saturday between 10am to 4pm.
In Knaresborough, the Homecare Pharmacy Vaccination Centre at the former Lidl site on York Road will offer first doses of the Moderna jab on Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 5pm.
And in Pateley Bridge, both first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available at Bishopside and Bewerley Memorial Hall on Park Road on Saturday between 8am and 5.50pm.
Sue Peckitt, chief nurse at NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“These walk-in clinics are aimed at those people who have not taken up the opportunity to book their vaccine via the NHS National Booking Service or NHS 119.”
Driven by the faster-spreading Delta variant, Harrogate’s weekly infection rate is approaching record levels with a current average of 416 cases per 100,000 people.
The highest rate on record was 497 at the beginning of January.
The rise in infections has been followed by a slight increase in hospital admissions with five patients in Harrogate on Wednesday, although the hospital has not recorded a Covid-related death in more than three months.
Louise Wallace, director of public health for North Yorkshire, said this was down to vaccines weakening the link between infections and serious illness, as she also urged people to make use of the pop-up clinics this weekend.
She said:
“Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing serious or life-threatening symptoms from coronavirus, as well as protecting others in the community.
“The vaccination programme in this country has been a huge success and the numbers of people becoming seriously ill, or dying, as a result of contracting the disease have fallen dramatically.
“That is why it is important for those who have not yet had a jab to do so and the walk-in clinics have been organised to make that as convenient as possible.”
Hive of activity as Harrogate prepares for Great Yorkshire Show’s return
Harrogate has been a hive of activity today as organisers and contributors prepare for the return of the Great Yorkshire Show.
There has been some last minute shearing and pruning ahead of the grand opening at 8am tomorrow morning.
The show will run for an extended period from Tuesday until Friday. It will mean that the maximum capacity of 26,000 a day can spread out for social distancing.
The Stray Ferret will be at the show all week, with our coverage brought to you by Lister Haigh.
Harrogate district records over 100 new cases today
For the second time this week the Harrogate district has recorded over 100 covid cases in a day.
According to today’s Public Health England figures, 107 infections have been reported. The total number of cases since March 2020 is now 9,418.
On Tuesday, the highest number of cases since January was reported with 108.
The district’s covid rate has also risen again, it now stands at 392.3 people per 100,000. This is the second highest in North Yorkshire.
In North Yorkshire the rate is 328.8 and England’s is 322.6.
Homecare Pharmacy Service already has plans for another walk-in clinic next weekend, when it will have 2,300 Moderna jabs available. It hopes to hold more in future.
People can still book appointments during a walk-in clinic, which means they will be guaranteed a vaccine.
Jason Baskind, of Homecare Pharmacy Services, told the Stray Ferret:
“We are really excited to hold our first walk-in clinic. The way the whole vaccine programme has gone has been great.
“This weekend is going to be a momentous moment for the country, so why not make it more special and get a jab?
“It is quite likely that we will have queues so make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and be patient with our volunteers.”
Delta variant cases in Harrogate district rise to 465
A total of 465 cases of the Delta variant have been confirmed in the Harrogate district, according to the latest government data.
The number, which represents cases up to July 7, is an increase on the 331 recorded in the district up to June 30.
Meanwhile, a further 90 covid cases have been reported in the Harrogate district according to Public Health England figures.
It takes the total number of cases in the district since last March to 9,225.
The district’s seven-day covid rate of infection has increased to 377 people per 100,000 – the highest in North Yorkshire.
The North Yorkshire average is 294 and the England rate is 295.
However, the number of patients being treated for covid at Harrogate District Hospital has fallen to two.
No covid-related deaths have been reported at the hospital since April 11.
A total of 216,710 vaccinations have been given in the district, according to Public Health England statistics.
The number includes 119,378 people receiving a first dose and 97,332 second doses.
Harrogate district joins national thank you to NHS
Residents and staff at a care home in Harrogate raised flags yesterday to say thank you to NHS staff, care workers and other front-line workers.
After showing their support, the residents at Larchfield Manor residential home on Leadhall Grove observed a two-minute silence and a rendition of The Last Post.
They later raised a toast to those who have helped others during the pandemic and enjoyed a celebratory afternoon tea.
The activities were held to mark the UK’s first-ever national Thank You Day on Sunday, which was created to recognise those who have helped the country during covid.
Yesterday also saw the bells of Ripon Cathedral ring out to say thank you.
The team of bell ringers, which included retired and current NHS employees, sounded the bells 73 times on what was the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the NHS.
Harrogate district records 71 new covid cases today
The Harrogate district has recorded a further 71 coronavirus cases today.
This is lower than yesterday’s number but means the total number of cases in the district since last March stands at 8,773, according to Public Health England.
However the district’s case rate is on the rise. Today’s seven day infection rate is now at 275.4 per 100,000, which is higher than the England rate of 235.3 per 100,000.
Across North Yorkshire the rate is 235.7 per 100,000.
Despite the high number of cases, Harrogate District Hospital is currently caring for just four coronavirus patients.
The hospital has not reported any coronavirus-related deaths since April 11. The covid death toll at the hospital remains at 179.
Harrogate district covid cases rise by 87- but just four hospitalisations
The Harrogate district has recorded a further 87 coronavirus cases today.
With cases climbing locally, the Harrogate district’s seven day infection rate is now at 218 per 100,000, which is higher than the England rate of 206 per 100,000.
According to Public Health England, the total number of cases in the district since last March stands at 8,702.
A total of 331 cases of the Delta variant have been confirmed in the Harrogate district, according to latest government figures.
The number represents cases up to June 30 – and is a 42% increase from the 233 that were reported for the seven days up to June 23.
