Harrogate district coronavirus rate falls for first time after record highs

The Harrogate district’s coronavirus infection rate has fallen sharply for the first time this summer after last week reaching record levels.

In an encouraging trend that is mirrored across North Yorkshire, the borough’s weekly rate has dropped to 441 cases per 100,000 people after peaking at 533.

The latest rate equates to an average of just over 100 new infections per day. Just 57 cases were recorded today by Public Health England.

Unlike previous waves, high case rates have not translated into large numbers of infected people being admitted to hospital, with just three patients in Harrogate hospital as of last Wednesday.

That figure has remained low thanks to high levels of vaccine take-up – and there has not been a covid-related death reported by the hospital in over three months.

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A total of 122,457 people in the Harrogate district have now received their first vaccine dose and 103,067 people their second.

Meanwhile, the infection rate across North Yorkshire as a whole now stands at 472 per 100,000 people, ahead of the England average of 446.

Harrogate district on flood alert as Met Office issues storm warning

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms in the Harrogate district, which could lead to flooding.

Following weeks of warm weather in the UK, storms are expected to affect the district from 9am tomorrow until 6am on Wednesday.

A Met Office yellow weather warning is in place from Newcastle to Yorkshire and as far south as Birmingham.

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Similar recent storm warnings in the south of England left some roads and tube stations flooded.

The Met Office said in a statement:

“Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and possibly some road closures.

“Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

“There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater or lightning strikes.”

Lorry fire causes morning delays on A1 (M)

One lane of the A1 (M) northbound between junctions 44 and 45 remains closed following a serious lorry fire this morning.

The lorry, which was carrying milk, caught fire shortly after 3am this morning, causing rush hour delays of 40 minutes.

Firefighters from Tadcaster were called to the scene near Boston Spa, where the milk cartons had spilled on the highway.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident summary stated:

“The lorry was engulfed in flames on their arrival and was extinguished by fire crews using at least four hose reels and four breathing apparatus.

“No persons reported injured and cause for the fire not known at this time but believed to be vehicle related.”

The road reopened at about 7am but one lane remains closed and delays are still occurring, although the situation is improving.

Northbound traffic from before the M1 interchange is affected.

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A1 lorry fire Boston Spa

 

A1 lorry fire Boston Spa

Another 78 covid cases in Harrogate district as rates drop

The Harrogate district reported 78 covid cases yesterday, according to Public Health England figures.

The reporting of government statistics for July 24 were delayed due to problems with processing data.

Meanwhile, the district’s seven-day covid rate has dropped to 485 cases per 100,000 people.

The North Yorkshire average is 525 and the England rate is 498.

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Figures on the number of covid deaths at Harrogate District Hospital will be reported on Monday. Data is no longer published on a weekend.

But, the hospital has so far gone more than three months without reporting a death from a patient who tested positive for covid.

Latest NHS England figures show that the covid death toll at the hospital since March 2020 remains at 179.

So far, 122,325 people have received a first covid vaccine in the Harrogate district and 102,626 have had a second dose.

Harrogate district reports another 73 covid cases

The Harrogate district has reported a further 73 covid cases, according to Public Health England figures.

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.

Meanwhile, the number of covid patients in North Yorkshire hospitals has increased by 40 per cent in the past week — but just three are in Harrogate.

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Elsewhere, the district’s seven-day covid rate has fallen.

The district’s average currently stands at 508 cases per 100,000 people.

The North Yorkshire rate is 567 and the England average is 528.

So far, 122,287 people have received a first covid vaccine in the Harrogate district and 102,539 have had a second dose.

Harrogate district cat owners ‘heartbroken’ after deaths linked to food

Two cat owners from the Harrogate district have spoken of their heartbreak after their pets ate food which has been linked to hundreds of deaths across the UK.

Both cats Albert and Tina had been eating Sainsburys Hypoallergenic Recipe before they became seriously ill earlier this month.

The Food Standards Agency has recalled a number of cat foods by Applaws, Sainsburys, Ava from Pets at Home and Wilko.

No definitive evidence exists at this stage confirming a link between the cat food and a potentially fatal bone marrow condition called feline pancytopenia but recalls have been issued voluntarily as a precaution while an investigation takes place.

While a vet confirmed that Tina died from pancytopenia, which has been connected with the recalled food, Albert’s death is only a suspected case of the same disease.

The Royal Veterinary College is aware of 506 cats with the disease in the UK. Of these, 62.5% have died. Usually there is only one case in the UK in a year.

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Vivienne Cameron, who is from Pateley Bridge and was the owner of Albert, told the Stray Ferret:

“All I want to do is raise awareness. I had no idea when I bought the cat food that it could lead to Albert’s death.

“He was a really greedy, mummy’s boy. Albert would eat anything. He would probably try to eat you if you sat in his bowl.

“Albert had been eating that food for a few weeks. In the space of a week he stopped eating food, became quite lethargic and then died.

“I miss him. People cannot imagine how much I miss him.”

Liz Chambers, who is from Helperby, near Boroughbridge, and was the owner of Tina, said:

“When we took Tina to the vets they told us it was either cancer or pancytopenia. They said the best of the two would be cancer.

“We tried everything we could but she was not in a good way by the end. It was all very distressing.

“She was always there for us, whether it was by my side putting the clothes out or comforting my eldest when she was upset. It just feels empty in the house now.”

 

Boris Johnson welcomes first event back at Harrogate Convention Centre

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has welcomed news that the Harrogate Convention Centre has held its first events after being used as a Nightingale Hospital.

The Home and Gift Buyers’ Festival and the Manchester Furniture Show finished yesterday. Organisers said the four-day events attracted more than 10,000 visitors and had a projected economic impact of £750,000.

They were part of a government pilot scheme to gather evidence on the covid risks of holding large scale events safely.

All of those who attended had to provide proof of either having had two vaccinations at least a fortnight prior to the event or a negative lateral flow test within 48 hours.

They did not need to wear masks or observe social distancing rules, which were still in place across the UK for the first day of the event.

In a letter of support to Harrogate Convention Centre, Mr Johnson, said:

“The Harrogate Convention Centre is a great asset to the local economy, and I am so glad to hear that it is now back and ready to take part in the Events Research Programme pilot.

“The past year has been an immense challenge for the whole country and now, with the aid of events like this, we will all be one step closer to normality.”

Paula Lorimer, director at Harrogate Convention Centre, said:

“We’ve been waiting a long time to open venue doors and give people the opportunity to meet, network and do business.

“We were particularly delighted that it was the Home and Gift Show as our first major event, as it celebrates 60 years in Harrogate — it’s a real Harrogate success story.”

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Ms Lorimer added the convention centre has more than £15m of economic impact on its books between now and March.

Gemma Rio, head of destination management at Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“It was fantastic to see the buzz at Harrogate Convention Centre and across the town over the past few days.

“These two events, along with other recent events such as the Great Yorkshire Show are significant first steps in the event industries recovery.”

Harrogate district reports another 101 covid cases

Another 101 cases of covid have been reported in the Harrogate district, according to latest Public Health England figures.

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.

Meanwhile, the number of covid patients in North Yorkshire hospitals has increased by 40 per cent in the last week — but just three are in Harrogate.

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Elsewhere, the district’s seven day covid rate continues to rise.

The district’s average currently stands at 532 cases per 100,000 people.

The North Yorkshire rate is 585 and the England average is 532.

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning it’s Connor with you this morning giving you updates every 15 minutes on the road and rail links near you.

The blog, brought to you by the HACS group, will show you where the traffic hotspots and temporary traffic lights are and tell you of any train and bus delays.

9am – Full Update

That is all from me this morning. I will be back with your traffic and travel updates from 6.30am tomorrow.

Roads

Traffic is starting to build in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon centres this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.45am – Full Update

Roads

Traffic is starting to build in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon centres this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update

Roads

Traffic is starting to build in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon centres this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.15am – Full Update

Roads

Traffic is starting to build in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon centres this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update

Roads

Traffic is starting to build in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon centres this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7.45am – Full Update

Roads

Traffic is starting to build in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon centres this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update

Roads

Traffic is starting to build in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon centres this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7.15am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

Harrogate district records highest covid rate since start of pandemic

The Harrogate district has recorded its highest covid rate since the start of the pandemic.

Today’s figure shows that the district has a seven-day average of 509 infections per 100,000 people.

It has surpassed the seven-day average of 497 that was recorded on January 7.

The overall North Yorkshire rate stands at 570 and the England average is 520.

Another 118 infections were recorded in the district today by Public Health England.

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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.