Harrogate mum told to drive to Oldham next month for coronavirus test

Two Harrogate parents have voiced their frustration with the coronavirus testing process in the week children return to school.

Both are worried that, without enough testing capacity, covid-19 will spread in schools and children could take it home to vulnerable family members.

There are no permanent testing sites in Harrogate and some people have been sent to testing facilities nearly two hours away.

One mum, who asked to remain anonymous, said she has been shielding after chemotherapy and was reluctant to send her two children back to school this term.

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Her youngest son went back to school on Tuesday. A couple of days later, he developed coronavirus symptoms so she tried to book him in for a test.

She tried to get a home test but none were available. She tried to book in for one of the coronavirus testing sites, but the closest was in Oldham and the earliest date available was mid-October. She said:

“The schools cannot send the classes home until they have a confirmed positive test result. If there is such a long wait for tests then a lot of the time the damage will already be done and these children could take the virus home to vulnerable family members.”

Luckily, her son’s school had ten emergency coronavirus test kits which they have used and sent off for analysis. They are still waiting for the results.

No results

Another parent, who also wanted to remain anonymous, managed to get his 16-month-old daughter booked in for a test in Leeds. Two days later, without any test result and with his daughter’s condition worsening, the father took her to hospital in Harrogate.

The hospital tested her for coronavirus and a few hours later the results came back as negative.

Both parents have written to Andrew Jones MP calling for more coronavirus testing capacity. The Stray Ferret contacted Mr Jones but did not get a response before publication.

Harrogate police officer ‘bitten by man claiming to have coronavirus’

A police officer has alleged that he was bitten and spat at by a man claiming to have coronavirus in Harrogate.

The police attended a shop on Railway Road at around 5pm to reports that a 32-year-old man was being abusive and threatening towards customers and staff.

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When the police got there the suspect allegedly resisted arrest and said he had coronavirus.

They managed to arrest a man from Bradford on suspicion of racially-aggravated abuse. He remains in police custody for questioning.

After a 12 hour shift, the last thing I expect is my colleague to have to visit A&E after a suspect bit him & spat in officers faces during arrest in #Harrogate The individual is now in custody for numerous offences & thankfully my colleague is safely home #ProtectTheProtectors pic.twitter.com/IrAQCN52ef

— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) September 10, 2020

In the arrest one of the officers was spat at and suffered a bite to the hand. He needed to attend A&E for medical treatment.

North Yorkshire Police said the officers adhered to coronavirus safety measures throughout the incident and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact the force on 101 and quote reference number 12200158787.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111.

Ready Steady Mums to stop weekly walks due to ‘rule of six’

The Harrogate parent group Ready Steady Mums will hold its final walk today before the government’s new ‘rule of six’ forces it to stop. 

Ready Steady Mums, which was formed in 2016, provides parents with the opportunity to stay fit and socialise.

The group usually meets at St Mark’s Church at 10am on Fridays, does a group walk then enjoys refreshments.  

The Stray Ferret recently reported that the parents were able to meet up again following the easing of restrictions.  

However, the group’s meetings are set to be cancelled once again due to the new restrictions, which state that from Monday it will be illegal in most circumstances to gather socially in groups of more than six people.  

Laura Brett, group leader, said: 

“We just can’t justify it. We don’t want to do anything wrong. That being said, we are very disappointed. Particularly as Professor Chris Whitty is emphasising how coronavirus is more dangerous when you are unfit. Our group helps mothers to stay physically fit and it helps their mental health.” 

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The new rules take away other benefits of Ready Steady Mums – besides promoting mental and physical health, the group provides a network to help navigate parenthood. 

Ms Brett believes groups like hers should be exempt from the rules because of their health benefits and intends to seek clarification from the government on this matter. She said:

“Mums have lost the opportunity to make friends. Some of our members have just moved to the area and haven’t had the chance to meet anybody. The group also provides encouragement, as it is easy to lose confidence in any circumstance, never mind in the current situation. Many of the volunteers were previously midwives, which means that the group allows us to signpost concerns and guide the members to professional help if they need it.” 

The group attempted to stay in touch during lockdown to support each other. However, its activities now fall foul of the new rule.

After the final session on Friday the network will still encourage members to meet in smaller groups. 

Call for ‘greater vigilance’ amid Harrogate covid increase

North Yorkshire public health bosses have urged greater vigilance following an increase in coronavirus cases across the county, including in Harrogate.

The county council issued a statement today saying there had been a “significant rise in cases during the last week, particularly among young people”.

The statement added that “increases have been seen across the county, but particularly in the Selby, Scarborough and Harrogate districts”.

Between September 1 and 7 the Harrogate district saw 28 new cases.

Infections, however, remain low compared with areas such as Leeds, which is on the government’s covid watchlist.

A total of 825 cases have been confirmed in Harrogate since the start of the pandemic, a cumulative rate of 513 per 100,000. This compares with a total of 5,021 cases in Leeds at a rate of 633 per 100,000 population.

The council’s plea today comes as the government is expected to formally announce a ban on social gatherings of more than six people from Monday.

The new rule will prohibit people gathering indoors and outdoors, but with exceptions for weddings, funerals, christenings and workplaces.

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Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“We are seeing an escalation in the number of cases. While this remains lower than in some neighbouring towns and cities, such as Middlesbrough and Leeds, there is no room for complacency.

“Now is the time that we must all follow the guidance to protect ourselves and each other. We don’t want people to be over-anxious, but everyone needs to be vigilant. The sacrifices people have made during the pandemic were outstanding and we must all stick to the guidance to avoid a second spike.”

Meanwhile, Dr Lincoln Sargeant, the council’s director of public health, called for people to limit unnecessary interactions.

He said:

“Avoid socialising outside of your social bubbles. In going about daily activities observe social distancing guidance and wear face coverings where it is not possible to maintain two metre social distance.

“We know some establishments have chosen to close as a precaution. We do not routinely recommend closure of a business unless this is necessary to prevent ongoing transmission linked to that business. 

“However, some businesses may choose to close temporarily to implement additional safety measures, including cleaning, or because staff members are self-isolating.”

Home library service maintains morale

The home library service has earned praise in Harrogate for its support for local people as lockdown restrictions are eased.

The service delivers books to those who cannot select them in person, including people with disabilities, illness and caring responsibilities.es.

The service is run by volunteers and was operating out of libraries across North Yorkshire since before lockdown. As libraries began to reopen, the service has also been restarted.

Doris Guiseley, 92, from Harrogate, said:

“I’ve had the service since I was 80 and to me it is a godsend. I’m an avid reader and can get lost in a good book, it’s what keeps me going. I recommend it to everyone I meet and tell them it’s a brilliant service.” 

The Harrogate library volunteers have been praised for their support over lockdown.  

Edith Beckley, a 96-year-old from Harrogate, said: 

“The volunteers have become friends too and when they couldn’t visit they rang me every week during lockdown just for a chat.” 

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The service has now been adapted to ensure the protection of both volunteers and the community. All books are left in a secure place on a pre-arranged date and quarantined after collection. 

In July, a Select and Collect service was also launched to allow customers to limit contact whilst collecting books. 

County Councillor Greg White, executive member for libraries, said:  

“I would encourage more people to take advantage of our brilliant service. If you or someone you know would benefit please get in touch.” 

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:

“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.”

The Old Deanery set to close in major blow for Ripon

The Old Deanery in Ripon will close next year to become another financial victim of the coronavirus pandemic.

It has been a hotel, bar and wedding venue for the last 17 years just opposite Ripon Cathedral. The manager said it will close at the end of the lease on June 30 2021.

Any bookings before that point will not be affected by the closure. The Old Deanery made the announcement with “deep regret”.

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Chris Brown, general manager at The Old Deanery, said:

“Due to the extreme trading conditions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic and continued restrictions indefinitely affecting our wedding and event trade, the directors have made the difficult decision to cease trading.”

The Ripon Cathedral Chapter will once again take on the 17th Century Grade II listed building when the lease ends next year.

Mr Brown added that his team “would like to thank you all for your support over the years and look forward to seeing you again in the next ten months”.

When The Old Deanery made the announcement lots of customers commented that it was sad news and shared memories of their time there.

Ripon shop to close after more than 40 years

An independent designer menswear store in Ripon city centre will close this month for the final time after more than 40 years of business.

Jon Barrie, in Market Place, is selling its remaining stock as well as its fixtures and fittings. The manager expects to be closed permanently by September 19.

Not only will the Ripon store close but the Keighley shop will as well. The Pontefract and Castleford shops will remain open.

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Anna Simmonds, the Ripon store manager, told the Stray Ferret it will be a sad day when it closes in a couple of weeks:

“We simply cannot continue to trade when the economy is like this after so many months of lockdown. It is absolutely gutting, it is going to be awful on that last day.”

Jon Barrie sells a range of designer mens clothes such as Fred Perry and Pretty Green as well as designer accessories.

Andrew Jones MP ‘out of touch’ on furlough, say Lib Dems

Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats have accused local MP, Andrew Jones, of being “out of touch” on the government’s furlough scheme coming to an end.

It comes as the government is set to wind back the scheme and companies will have to contribute more to employees wages.

Mr Jones is reported to have said concerns over a surge in unemployment at the end of the scheme were “alarmist”.

Around 160,000 people have been on furlough in the Harrogate district and the scheme is set to finish at the end of October.

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But local Lib Dems said that the rolling back of the scheme will put a “greater burden” on local businesses and those who need to make ends meet.

Judith Rogerson, Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson, said:

“Our hospitality and retail sectors are under enormous pressure locally; reducing the support given by the furlough scheme will only force businesses to meet yet another significant cost.

“The furlough scheme is the only thing keeping many families across Harrogate & Knaresborough afloat, so it is completely understandable that people are hugely concerned how they will make ends meet if the government brings this support to an end before the pandemic is over. It is simply out of touch for Andrew Jones to claim that this is ‘alarmist’.

“At this time of immense stress and disruption, people need as much certainty as they can get if they are to get back on their feet. We need our MP to recognise this and be doing all he can to get residents the support they need.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has previously said that the furlough scheme cannot “carry on indefinitely” and that it would be “wrong to keep people trapped” in a situation where there may be no job to go back to.

Previously, the government had been paying 80% of wages of those employees on the job retention scheme up to a maximum of £2,500 a month.

But, from today, the government will pay employee wages of 70% up to a cap of £2,187.50 a month and employers will pay 10%.

Next month, that will reduce to 60% up to a cap of £1,875 as companies contribute 20%.

Andrew Jones MP was approached for comment but did not respond at the time of publication.

Schools prepare to reopen doors for new term

Schools across the district are preparing to reopen next week, with new measures including face masks and separating year groups in place as covid restrictions continue.

Among those to have announced the adaptations it will make is Harrogate Grammar School, which will reopen on Monday, September 7 with a number of “significant changes” in place to ensure safety and limit coronavirus outbreaks.

The school has re-organised classrooms and the cafeteria, staggered lunch and finish times and put in place a contingency plan for those needing to self-isolate. Additional cleaning staff have also been hired.

The grammar school will open to staff on September 7 and spread the full reopening for students over the next three days. All year groups will return by September 10.

Neil Renton, headteacher of Harrogate Grammar School, said:

“Work has taken place over the summer period to ensure that school is ready to safely welcome our students back in September. One of the most significant changes that students will experience when they return are the year group groupings. In addition, we have developed a contingency plan for remote education where a class, group or small number of pupils need to self-isolate. This plan draws on all our learning and development during lockdown.

“We very much recognise that children will experience a variety of emotions in response to the coronavirus outbreak such as anxiety, stress or low mood. We will continue to support students through a variety of well-being initiatives, pastoral support and our emphasis on positive relationships.”

Student sitting exam

Students will be spaced out to allow for appropriate distancing between staff and pupils.

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Parents in the district had previously called for further information regarding safety measures within schools ready for the new term to begin.

New government advice says children within “hot spot” areas are to wear face masks in congested areas such as corridors. The current number of cases in Harrogate means this is not expected be put into action in local schools next week.