A further 57 people in the Harrogate district have tested positive for covid-19, according to figures released today.

It means the district’s total confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic is now 2,106.

Across Yorkshire and the Humber, 3,565 further cases were confirmed today, bringing the total for the region to 115,145 since the outbreak began.

No further deaths have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital in today’s figures from NHS England.

Read more:

• Harrogate Nightingale ‘could open with five days’ notice’
• Harrogate district’s coronavirus cases since March pass 2,000

Yesterday, the hospital reported the death of a patient who had been diagnosed with coronavirus. The death took place on Sunday, October 25.

The total number of deaths in patients with covid-19 at the hospital since the start of the pandemic stands at 85.

Regionally, 44 deaths were confirmed today in Yorkshire and the Humber, out of a total of 207 across England. The patients were aged between 36 and 101, and all except six of them – aged between 60 and 93 – had known underlying health conditions.

A care home provider in Harrogate has struggled to get flu jabs for its staff and has claimed that others are in the same position.

Disability Action Yorkshire, which has a care home for young disabled adults in Harrogate, has only managed to get three jabs so far.

The charity has 38 staff in total, which means that fewer than 10% are protected from the flu.

Jackie Snape, the chief executive at Disability Action Yorkshire, was one of the three who has had the jab and told the Stray Ferret:

“We have been told that health and social care is a priority but our staff have been unable to get the flu jab. The GPs and pharmacies have a blanket rule to keep the jab available for those over 70. It means that there aren’t any flu jabs for social care staff.”

Disability Action Yorkshire, Chief Executive, Jackie Snape.

The staff have been told to try again in November and December but Jackie fears that it will be too late by then as it will be in the middle of flu season.

Jackie added that she fears if there are problems with the flu jab then there may be issues with the coronavirus vaccine as and when it becomes available.

Read more:

• Knaresborough carer and photographers boost morale
• Leading Harrogate pharmacist urges people to get flu jab

She has been in regular calls with other care homes in the Harrogate district and says that all other providers are in the same position.

Earlier this year the government launched what it called the “most comprehensive flu programme in UK history”.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at Public Health England, said:

“There is no shortage of flu vaccine – enough has been ordered to vaccinate 30 million people, with the most vulnerable being protected first. It is usual for manufacturers to stagger deliveries of the vaccine. Every year, there is a phased roll-out and vaccinations continue throughout the autumn. Some GP practices and pharmacies may ask people to wait until they receive further deliveries.”

A further 60 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Harrogate District, according to Public Health England figures today.

It takes the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic up to 2,049.

It’s the second highest daily number of cases confirmed in the district so far in October.

Read more:

• Harrogate coronavirus testing site opens with 57 appointments
• Harrogate Nightingale hospital put on standby

The highest figure came on October 4 when 67 cases tested positive. However, the number came after an IT error left many cases unreported.

Meanwhile, Harrogate District Hospital today recorded another coronavirus death.

According to NHS England figures, it takes the number of deaths at the hospital from patients who tested positive for coronavirus to 85.

The hospital recorded its first covid death in three weeks on October 22.

People in North Yorkshire have been urged not to hold Bonfire Night parties at home this year.

Officials from North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, a partnership of organisations that respond to emergencies, have made the plea and called for residents to consider alternative plans.

The group has published guidance for event organisers, including villages and parish bodies, who may want to hold an event this year.

It comes as events such as the annual Stray bonfire have been cancelled due to coronavirus.

Read more:

• ‘Devastated’ organisers confirm Harrogate Christmas Market cancellation
• Covid forces cancellation of 50th anniversary Stray bonfire

Dr Lincoln Sargaent, director of public health for North Yorkshire, said the forum would “strongly discourage” people from holding events in their gardens.

He said:

“The collective effort of people in North Yorkshire has meant that previously surging infection rates appear to be slowing recently and local outbreaks are being managed. This is excellent work and reflects the significant efforts being made individually and as communities; but we are not out of the woods.

“We need people to remain vigilant and follow the rules on social distancing, hand washing, use of face coverings and limiting the number of people with whom they socialise that apply where they live.

“For Bonfire Night, we would strongly discourage people from holding events in their gardens. Instead, they should look for well-organised events that are covid-secure or consider alternatives to enjoy the night in a safe way.

“We know that the most difficult area for us to tackle is the spread of infection within households and through social interactions, as that is responsible for the majority of the spread of the virus in North Yorkshire.”

Public health bosses in the county have said previously that the may cause of spread of covid is between households.

Dr Sargaent said there had been “very, very few” cases of outbreaks in the hospitality sector.

Local healthcare professionals have urged people eligible to get their flu jab this year to protect the NHS against a difficult winter season.

This year there has been an increase in demand for the vaccine. New groups are now eligible including those aged 50-64, and people who may have previously chosen not to take up the vaccine are also contributing to the rise.

Public Health England has warned there are greater risks associated with contracting covid and the flu together especially if the person is in a high risk group.

With increased demand and the need for social distancing, GP surgeries and others are having to carefully coordinate the way they deliver vaccinations.

In Boroughbridge, the local Lions group is helping Church Lane surgery with traffic management to ensure the increased number of patients get to their appointments safely.

Boroughbridge Lions representative Paul Bullivant said:

“Last year there were queues around the surgery with people waiting so this year we are helping them with traffic management. This year patients have timed slots so it’s much easier. We’re happy to do our bit to help the community.”

Volunteers from Boroughbridge Lions volunteered to help with traffic management. Credit: Sue Johnson.

Dr Duncan Petty, who lives in Harrogate and is a member of the English Board of The Royal Pharmaceutical Society, has urged people to get the vaccine to help prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed during winter.

He said:

“It is important for people to protect themselves, but also the NHS: if you are at risk of catching covid, getting both is dangerous.

“The sensible thing is to get the vaccine so the NHS isn’t overwhelmed. It’s the one thing people can do to help themselves and the NHS.”

Dr Petty is confident the supply of flu vaccines currently held by the NHS is enough to cover demand. He said it is the logistics behind vaccinating an increased number of people that could take time.

Read more:

• Flu jab season begins in North Yorkshire.
• Harrogate Hospital reports its first coronavirus death in three weeks. 

The NHS website says those at most risk will be vaccinated first, and those aged 50-64 will be contacted in November and December.

North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has said the supplies of the vaccine are being prioritised by GP practices based on clinical need.

Its governing body GP, Dr Bruce Willoughby, said:

“We’re seeing a high patient demand for the influenza vaccine and early indications suggest the uptake in the Harrogate district is higher than this time last year.

“In spite of the challenges presented by covid 19, we’re not seeing any particular issues with flu clinics. Practices continue to prioritise the highest risk patient groups first, but across York and North Yorkshire we fully intend to reach all eligible patients.”

It is urging people to take this “additional layer of protection”.

Dr Petty added:

“It may cause a few side effects but it could save your life. People need to remember it’s not just for yourself it may be for others in your family or to help your local hospital.”

Another 59 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Harrogate district today.

It brings the total number of people in the district confirmed to have the virus to 1,989 since the start of the pandemic.

Today’s figures also show there have been no further deaths at Harrogate District Hospital, with the total number of covid-related fatalities there still standing at 84.

Across Yorkshire and the Humber, 14 deaths were confirmed today, out of a total of 76 across England. The region had 2,380 positive covid tests confirmed today, bringing the total in the pandemic to 108,580.

Read more:

• Harrogate coronavirus testing site opens with 57 appointments
• Harrogate Nightingale hospital put on standby

We are all faced with a whole load of new challenges in 2020 and for some of us ‘Maskne’ is one of them. If you haven’t guessed already it’s a mash up of ‘mask’ and ‘acne’… so basically spots around the chin caused by wearing a face mask.

I have always been into my skincare, and have followed the same routine (with a few seasonal changes) for years. I have really dry skin which luckily means spots don’t usually both me. However when the rule of wearing a face mask in public spaces indoors came into place my skin started to disagree.

I don’t want to moan as I appreciate that key workers virtually live in PPE, I take my hat off to every single one of you! I also understand that wearing a mask helps stop the spread of coronavirus, which is super important…so of course I am happy to wear a face mask, (in fact I’ve got quite into my mask fashion.) But I know I am not alone in these mask related break outs.

The good news is there are things you can do to prevent and treat mask irritation. Local skincare expert Anthea Whiteley, who is the Director of Harrogate Aesthetics has provided us with some top tips

So what causes ‘Maskne’?

Anthea Whiteley – Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner RGN – Director

Anthea has worked in the skincare industry for over 20 years and before that was a Senior Sister in the operating theatres at Leeds General Infirmary. She has offered this advice on what actually causes our skin to erupt.

•  Mask related acne is due to an increased amount of oil, sweat, nasal mucus & saliva underneath your mask, which means moisture builds and blocks your pores, which causes irritation.
• Touching the face excessively can also irritate the skin especially if using hand sanitiser.
• People may find that they might be more likely to experience face-mask-related bumps and rashes if they’re already living with skin issues, such as Rosacea, Eczema or Acne.
• Some commercial face masks are pre-treated with formaldehyde to disinfect them. If you’re allergic to that chemical, those masks could spark a breakout. Likewise, laundering washable masks with heavily scented detergents or softeners can cause itching, redness or rashes.

2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Unifiant Tinted Moisturiser- Anti-blemish moisturiser that corrects and hydrates oily and acne-prone skin, whilst also having a light tint to provide treatment with coverage.
Noticeably reduces spots, controls shine and helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation marks. Clearer skin can be seen in 4 weeks.

Price £17.50 – Available at Boots stores.

A further 43 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the past 24 hours across the Harrogate district.

The figure brings the district’s total number of confirmed cases since the start of the outbreak to 1,930.

There have been no further deaths reported in patients with covid 19 at Harrogate District Hospital, after one was confirmed on Thursday for the first time in three weeks. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 84 patients have died at the hospital after testing positive for the virus.

Meanwhile, a new testing facility has opened at the Dragon Parade car park in Harrogate this week, offering tests seven days a week.

Read more:

• Harrogate coronavirus testing site opens with 57 appointments
• Harrogate hospital currently treating 10 coronavirus patients

Though the number of infections continues to rise, health leaders in North Yorkshire have offered some reassurance about the overall picture.

Speaking on Wednesday, Amanda Bloor, accountably officer at North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said Harrogate District Hospital was treating 10 covid-positive in-patients, with one in intensive care. In September, the hospital confirmed it had set aside 100 beds to treat patients with the virus through the winter.

Ms Bloor added:

“We are seeing the number of inpatient admissions with covid increasing, but we are not yet at the levels of hospitalisations that we were back at the beginning and in the middle of April.

“We have currently got 116 people in hospital beds; we had in excess of 300 in early April.

“It is a relatively stable position, although we are seeing a slight upward trend in terms of those numbers.”

However, the Nightingale hospital – which has 500 beds at Harrogate Convention Centre to treat patients from across Yorkshire and the Humber – was last week put on stand-by by the government to take patients as infection numbers around the region continue to rise.

North Yorkshire Police has urged people in tier three areas not to travel to the county during this October half term.

Amid concerns that people from the “very high” tier will venture into the county, police have asked people not to travel unless it is for work, education or caring responsibilities.

It comes as the county currently sits in the lowest tier, meaning it follows the national guidance with no additional restrictions.

Those areas in tier three, such as Lancashire and Greater Manchester, cannot socialise indoors with other households and have seen pubs closed.

Read more:

• Police consider ‘covid cars’ as part of enforcement
• Discussions ‘ongoing’ over moving North Yorkshire into tier two

People under “very high” restrictions are advised not to travel outside of the area.

Superintendent Mike Walker, gold commander for the force’s response to coronavirus, urged people from those areas to stay away this half term.

He said:

“North Yorkshire is notorious for providing a warm welcome to visitors. But at the moment, we would ask residents from tier three locations to please stay in their own area and help us with the containment of this virus.

“If we can maintain a united approach and stop the spread, I can assure you that when it’s safe to do so – North Yorkshire will welcome you with open arms.”

He also urged young people in the county to follow social distancing guidance and to stick to the rule of six during the break.

“I would appeal to parents and carers to have those conversations with their children, to ensure they are aware of the possible consequences of their actions and encourage them to adhere to the regulations.”

Earlier this week, Superintendent Walker added that there would be a visible presence across the county amid concern that people would also travel from tier two areas, such as York and West Yorkshire.

He said, while the force could not enforce travel restrictions, there would be officers out enforcing the national rules.

“For the public of North Yorkshire and the City of York who are worried what I can say is that officers will be patrolling, they will be visible and they will absolutely be enforcing face coverings and the rule of six as they have been doing throughout the pandemic.”

It comes as the force has handed out 1,151 coronavirus penalties, the most of any police force in the country.

The vast majority were issued for non-essential journeys at the start of lockdown.

The force is also considering introducing “covid cars” as part of £291,897 worth of funding from government to help with enforcement of covid restrictions.

A Harrogate events company, which employed more than 30 people, is set to go into liquidation.

Andrew Manby, director of family events firm Joe Manby Ltd, had been vocal in calling for more government support for the beleaguered conference and exhibition industry.

The sector has been decimated since the pandemic in March. But Joe Manby Ltd, like many others, had been preparing for a safe and limited return in October until the government intervened.

Read more:

• Conference sector ‘cut adrift’, says Harrogate events company
• Italian bar and restaurant closes in Harrogate

Mr Manby told the Stray Ferret “it was a heartbreaking decision” after 46 years in the business:

“We were ready to start business again this month. We had run trials and proved that we could hold events safely.

“But at the last minute Boris Johnson put the cat among the pigeons and said we were not allowed. It is particularly frustrating seeing UK-based businesses like ours running events abroad.”

Joe Manby Ltd organised more than 50 events a year. In May last year it secured a three-year contract to provide events services for the Harrogate Bridal Show.

Mr Manby, who is one of the founder’s sons, believes many businesses in the events industry are in a similar position.

He said the government’s job retention scheme had kept the business ticking over but it was difficult to survive without a clear date for return.

Coronavirus has hit Harrogate’s events industry particularly hard.

The town usually hosts a string of major events, conferences and exhibitions but the convention centre’s conversion into a Nightingale hospital changed this.