Harrogate district records 119 daily covid cases

The Harrogate district has recorded 119 daily covid cases, according to today’s Public Health England figures.

The number is the highest number since January 11 when 138 infections were reported.

It takes the total number of cases since last March to 9,711.

Meanwhile, the number of covid patients in Harrogate District Hospital has increased to five.

However, no covid-related deaths have been recorded at the hospital in three months.

Elsewhere, the district’s seven-day covid rate stands at 402 cases per 100,000. The North Yorkshire average is 372 and the England rate is 357.

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A total of 219,249. vaccinations have been given in the district, according to Public Health England statistics.

The number includes 120,473 people receiving a first dose and 98,776 second doses.

The figures come as health bosses in North Yorkshire announced that new walk-in clinics will be introduced in the district this weekend.

Walk-in covid vaccination clinics with no bookings required will take place on July 17 in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge.

Meanwhile, Ripon Racecourse vaccination site is set to close down next month.

The centre was set up back in February in an effort to increase vaccination capacity in the Harrogate district.

The site is still open for second doses until the end of this month, but is expected to close in August.

Harrogate East and Killinghall and Hampsthwaite among covid hotspots

Harrogate East, Killinghall and Hampsthwaite and Starbeck are the Harrogate district’s current covid hotspots after another 76 infections were recorded today.

The three locations have registered 54, 47 and 46 respectively in the last seven days, which have seen rates soar but hospitalisations remain low and more than three months have passed without a covid-related death at Harrogate District Hospital.

The last reported covid death at the hospital was on April 11. It means the death toll remains at 179.

Meanwhile, a total of 218,532 covid vaccines have been given in the Harrogate district, according to latest Public Health England figures.

A total of 120,440 people have had a first dose and 98,092 have received a second vaccine.

Elsewhere, the district’s seven-day covid rate of infection has increased to 410 people per 100,000.

The North Yorkshire average is 355 and the England rate is 345.

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Knaresborough campaigner: ‘This park will be lost unless we speak up’

Campaigners in Knaresborough fighting a leisure centre and swimming pool being built on a park have accused Harrogate Borough Council of “not being honest” about the location of the new site.

A photo taken yesterday appears to show exploratory work for the new facility taking place on Fysche Field, next to the current swimming pool.

The council plans to build a new leisure centre to replace the town’s existing pool and begun drawing up designs earlier this year. A public consultation found over 80% of respondents were in support of the site, which is now the council’s preferred location.

However, some residents have criticised the consultation process and launched a campaign to protect the playing field next to the leisure centre from development.

They believe the consultation was flawed because it did not make it clear that the field next to the current pool could also be built on.

Campaigner David Hull, who set up a website against the development, took a photo that appeared to show drilling rigs and piling machines, which are used to drill holes.

Mr Hull told the Stray Ferret he believes the photo shows the council is intent on pressing ahead with its plan to build on the park.

He said:

“It is now abundantly clear to everyone that the intention is to build on the green park and not the existing pool site.

“We’ve had enough of this and this park will be lost unless we speak up.

“The council are being disingenuous and not being honest with people”.

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A council spokesperson said:

“The current facility in Knaresborough is nearing 30 years old, only provides a swimming pool and has a number of on-going maintenance issues which are not resolvable without significant investment.

“As part of the design feasibility work, we are currently carrying out ground investigations across the entire existing site. This is normal for a project of this scale and does not pre-empt any preferred design or layout for the new leisure centre.

“When plans have been submitted they will be subject to the normal planning application process.

“Once completed, the new leisure centre will provide energy efficient, state-of-the art facilities that will encourage a healthier and more active lifestyle for our residents and something they can be proud of.”

Knaresborough Pool reopened yesterday after being closed since last summer following a problem with the pool’s filters.

No covid deaths at Harrogate hospital for three months

No covid-related deaths have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital for three months.

According to NHS England figures, the last death from a patient who tested positive for covid was on April 11.

It means the death toll at the hospital since last March remains at 179.

Meanwhile, a further 98 covid cases have been reported in the Harrogate district, according to latest Public Health England figures.

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It takes the total number of cases in the district since last March to 9,516.

The district’s seven-day covid rate of infection has increased to 406 people per 100,000 — the highest in North Yorkshire.

The North Yorkshire average is 343 and the England rate is 323.

A total of 218,303 vaccinations have been given in the district, according to Public Health England statistics.

The number includes 120,348 people receiving a first dose and 97,955 second doses.

Bin collections as usual on Monday despite England game

Bin collectors across the Harrogate district will still be out in force on Monday morning after England’s big game.

While some businesses are giving employees a day off after the Euro 2020 final, Harrogate Borough Council has said all refuse will still be collected at its usual time.

England are set to walk out at Wembley tomorrow evening to play Italy in their first major tournament final in 55 years.

A council spokesperson said:

“Garden waste, refuse and recycling will be collected as normal next week.

“We have a dedicated team who look after our parks, open spaces and streets across the district. They will be working hard next week, as they do every week, to make sure the Harrogate district looks as wonderful and presentable as residents expect.”

As pubs and beer gardens are expected to be packed, the council also urged punters to use the bins provided and to take rubbish home with them after the game.

Officials have said there are no plans for a big screen on the Stray to show the match, and no third parties had applied for a screen either.

While bin collections will continue as normal, other businesses have offered their employees time off.

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National firm McQueens Dairies delivers milk, eggs and other essential produce to homes in the Harrogate district every week and told its drivers they can take the night off on July 11 to watch the final.

Customers received an email saying there would be no deliveries on the morning of July 12 due to its anticipation of a victory for England.

The rescheduling “will allow our staff… to enjoy the celebrations”, the firm explained.

But the chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours housing association has said it is “unfair” that some workers and students have been given a late start to the working week.

Sue Cawthray said that although her team members will be watching the final, essential workers don’t have the option of a mass half-day off. She said:

“Its so unfair, we’ve been through enough with the pandemic and it feels like we’ve been forgotten about. We still have to get up for our shifts on Monday. We can’t say ‘oh, we can’t wake you up or help you get dressed this morning because England were in the finals’.”

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.

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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 draped in England colours ahead of Euro 2020 final

Football fans across the Harrogate district have been decorating their homes in England’s colours ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2020 final.

England will step out at Wembley for their first major tournament final in 55 years this weekend and people have draped their houses in St George’s flags as part of the excitement.

Stray Ferret readers have been sharing their pictures of their shows of support for Gareth Southgate’s men.

Houses are covered in red and white, “it’s coming home” slogans and one household even singled out Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips, dubbed the “Yorkshire Pirlo” by the club’s supporters.

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England will take on Italy in the Euro 2020 final in front of a crowd of more than 60,000 at Wembley. The game will be broadcast on both BBC and ITV.

Have you decorated your house ahead of England’s big game? Share your pictures with us on contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will feature them.

These Leeds fans paid tribute to both England and Kalvin Phillips, dubbed the "Yorkshire Pirlo" by supporters.

These Leeds fans paid tribute to both England and Kalvin Phillips, dubbed the “Yorkshire Pirlo” by supporters.

Sheburn House in Knaresborough showing its support for England this weekend.

Sheburn House in Knaresborough showing its support for England this weekend.

More bunting and decorations ahead of England's big game.

More bunting and decorations ahead of England’s big game.

Travel concerns over Indian-made AstraZeneca jabs given in Harrogate district

Travel concerns have been raised over Indian-manufactured AstraZeneca vaccine batches which have been given out in the Harrogate district.

The Indian version of the jab, known as Covishield and made by the Serum Institute of India, is not currently recognised by the European Union’s passport scheme.

The vaccine conforms to medical standards but did not get the right paperwork for Europe so has thrown into doubt travel plans for millions of people across the UK.

Tim Stokes, a caterer from Harrogate, is one of those who received the a vaccine from the Indian-manufactured batch.

He said he received his vaccine at the Yorkshire Showground site.

While he has not yet booked a holiday, Mr Stokes said he would think twice before looking to take a break abroad.

He said:

“I think we will wait and if something comes up then we will take it.”

Mr Stokes added he was concerned that if the vaccine was not recognised then it would require him to isolate upon arrival.

Around five million British people have had the vaccine, which has not yet been authorised by the European Medicines Agency for use on the EU Digital covid certificate.

Some of the batches of the vaccine have been given at the Yorkshire Showground vaccination site.

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.However, the Department of Health said vaccines given in the UK would appear as “Vaxzevria” on the NHS covid pass.

It said:

“The government has confirmed that no Covishield vaccines have been administered in the UK and that all AstraZeneca vaccines given in the UK appear on the NHS COVID Pass as Vaxzevria.”

Meanwhile, other countries such as Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Ireland and Spain have already approved the Covishield vaccine for travel.

Estonia, Switzerland and Iceland have also said they will recognise the vaccine.

A further 99 covid cases in Harrogate district

A further 99 covid cases have been reported in the Harrogate district, according to latest Public Health England figures.

It takes the total number of cases in the district since last March to 9,135.

The district’s seven-day covid rate of infection has increased to 358 people per 100,000 — the highest in North Yorkshire.

The North Yorkshire average is 283 and the England rate is 282.

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However, the number of patients being treated for covid at Harrogate District Hospital has declined to two.

No covid-related deaths have been reported at the hospital since April 11.

A total of 216,571 vaccinations have been given in the district, according to Public Health England statistics.

The number includes 119,292 people receiving a first dose and 97,279 second doses.

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning. It’s Connor with you this glorious Thursday morning updating you every 15 minutes on how the transport links are near you.

These blogs, 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.

Let us know if you experience any delays on 01423 27619.

9am – Full Update 

That is all from me this morning on the traffic and travel live blog. I am heading over to the news desk now. Leah will be back with you from 6.30am tomorrow.

Roads

The roads are starting to become busy this morning as more people head out onto the roads. Here are the traffic hot spots to watch out for:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to become busy this morning as more people head out onto the roads. Here are the traffic hot spots to watch out for:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to become busy this morning as more people head out onto the roads. Here are the traffic hot spots to watch out for:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.15am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to become busy this morning as more people head out onto the roads. Here are the traffic hot spots to watch out for:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to become busy this morning as more people head out onto the roads. Here are the traffic hot spots to watch out for:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to become busy this morning as more people head out onto the roads. Here are the traffic hot spots to watch out for:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.15am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

6.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses