Harrogate headteachers say they are “nervous” about this week’s return to school as covid testing and face masks are reintroduced to minimise disruption during an expected rise in infections.
Secondary school pupils will now have to wear masks in class as well as in communal areas to help tackle the spread of the Omicron variant.
All students will also be expected to take an on-site test and complete twice-weekly testing from home under rules reintroduced by the government in response to surging cases.
Neil Renton, headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School, said that although infections amongst staff and students were currently low, a rise was expected and this could lead to extra measures including entire year groups learning from home. He said:
“We have got seven staff who have tested positive, but this is not enough to significantly disrupt our provision.
“At this stage we are fine, but we are nervous and do have some trepidations about the term ahead.
“We had a point before Christmas where 30 staff members were off due to covid. We didn’t have to close year groups, but it was very tight.
“This is not new to us as for the past almost two years we have had significant disruptions.
“I’m confident we can continue to deal with this. Where I have a nervousness is if staff absences become so high we have to make a decision on whether it would be better to send a year group home.
“This is a decision I and many other headteachers may have to wrestle with in the coming weeks.”
Sylvia Brett, principal at Harrogate Ladies’ College, also said plans were in place to deal with any disruptions, including the recruitment of supply staff and combining classes. She said:
“We will do everything we possibly can to continue to deliver the high quality of education our pupils and families expect during these difficult times.”
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The return to school comes as there is a further push for staff and more young people to get vaccinated.
Latest figures show 77% of 16 to 17-year-olds and 58% of 12 to 15-year-olds in the Harrogate district have received vaccines which are being made available at sites including the Great Yorkshire Showground, Ripon Racecourse and local pharmacies.
Support to schools
After cancellations in 2020 and 2021, the government is currently planning for exams to go ahead as normal this summer.
Stuart Carlton, corporate director of children and young people’s services at North Yorkshire County Council, said support would be offered to schools throughout the year and that the top priority was to ensure all students receive face-to-face education “where possible”. He said:
Harrogate district covid rate continues to climb“Being educated in the classroom, among their friends and with the support of teaching staff, is the best place for pupils.
“Schools have worked hard to ensure they remain safe places and to minimise the spread of the virus, with the support of the council.
“We have provided updated risk assessment templates with the latest government guidance for education settings in the county.
“Schools have access to public health colleagues for advice and we are providing support and guidance in other areas such as health and safety, human resources and property issues.”
The Harrogate district’s covid rate continues to climb after another 342 infections were reported today.
Latest figures show that the district’s seven-day covid average stands at 1,472 per 100,000 people — another record high.
But it remains below both the county average, which stands at 1,566, and the England rate of 1,769.
No further deaths from patients who tested positive for covid have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital, according to NHS England.
Read more:
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However, latest available figures show the number of covid patients being treated at Harrogate District Hospital has increased.
A total of 23 patients who tested positive for covid are currently in hospital.
The figure is almost three times as high it was mid-December when the Omicron variant was first detected in the district.
Meanwhile, the Stray Ferret reported yesterday that nearly 200 staff at Harrogate District Hospital are either absent with covid or self-isolating.
Harrogate district covid rate sets new high as Omicron cases surgeThe Harrogate district’s covid rate is at its highest ever level as cases of Omicron continue to surge.
Latest figures show that the district’s seven-day covid average stands at 1,434 per 100,000 people.
The number sets a new milestone for the district since data started to be reported in March 2020.
Meanwhile, across the county the average stands at 1,491 and the England rate is 1,686.
Daily figures from the UK Health Security Agency show that a further 285 infections have been recorded in the Harrogate district today.
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- Harrogate not chosen as Nightingale site this time
No further deaths from patients who tested positive for covid have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital, according to NHS England.
However, latest available figures show the number of covid patients being treated at Harrogate District Hospital has increased.
A total of 23 patients who tested positive for covid are currently in hospital.
The figure is almost three times as it was mid-December when the Omicron variant was first detected in the district.
Only nine are receiving treatment for covid — the others were admitted for different reasons and just happen to have the virus.
Nearly 200 Harrogate hospital staff have covid or are isolatingHarrogate hospital bosses said today that 196 staff currently have covid or are isolating as cases of Omicron continue to surge in the district.
Steve Russell, chief executive of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said rising infection rates were putting pressure on staff, but added that the trust had contingency plans in place to deal with the increase in absences.
Several hospital trusts across the country have been forced to declare a “critical incident” due to the number of staff who are ill or self-isolating with covid.
But Mr Russell told the Stray Ferret that Harrogate hospital has not declared such an incident.
He added that the hospital was still in a position to provide priority services, despite rising infection rates.
Mr Russell said:
“Rising covid infection rates amongst the public and NHS staff are certainly putting pressure on trusts around the country, including our own. However, we are continuing to provide priority services for our community and have not needed to declare a critical incident.
“There are just over 5,000 people employed at HDFT, and of these 126 colleagues are currently absent from work as they have caught covid and 70 are in self-isolation.
“Currently at Harrogate District Hospital there are 23 patients who have tested positive for covid and nine of these are primarily in hospital for treatment for the virus.”
Rising cases of the Omicron variant has forced staff at a number of NHS trusts in England into isolation, which has led to severe and unsafe shortages of workers.
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On Sunday, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust, which runs four hospitals in the county, declared a critical incident as it was unable to maintain safe staffing levels.
Since then, seven other hospital trusts have made a similar declaration including University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
In the Harrogate district, the surge in cases of Omicron has seen the seven-day covid rate increase to 1,357 per 100,000 people – the highest it has ever been since the start of the pandemic.
Steve Russell, chief executive of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.
Mr Russell said that Harrogate hospital had contingency plans in place should staffing levels deteriorate further.
They include redeploying staff to services which require support and having dedicated staff who are prepared to take on additional shifts.
He said:
Harrogate not chosen as Nightingale site this time“The staff absences at the trust is creating pressure for our teams, for instance fewer nursing and medical staff means that whilst we are still able to treat our patients’ for their illness or condition and ensure their safety, we are sometimes not able to provide the level of holistic support that we would like.
“It is important that we do all we can to maintain our services so that our patients’ care is not disrupted and we have contingency plans in place should the level of absences continue to rise, for instance redeploying staff where needed or having dedicated staff who are prepared to take on additional shifts.
“Of course, depending upon staff absences, the situation may arise in the future where we need to prioritise acute care, which could impact upon admissions for operations, tests and outpatients appointments.”
Leeds has been chosen ahead of Harrogate to provide a Nightingale surge hub for Yorkshire and the north-east of England.
NHS England announced today it was on a “war footing” and had chosen eight hospitals in different English regions to deal with a potential wave of Omicron patients.
St James’ University Hospital in Leeds has been selected in our region to provide a temporary structure capable of housing about 100 patients.
Harrogate Convention Centre was one of eight Nightingale hospitals set up in spring last year in England to treat covid patients.
It had 500 beds but closed this year without treating a single patient.
However, the huge increase in infections caused by Omicron has prompted health managers to devise plans for extra capacity. All eight regional sites chosen this time to be Nightingale surge hubs are within existing hospitals.
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An NHS press release said placing the new Nightingale facilities in hospital grounds would make it easier to flex staff and equipment if there is a surge in admissions.
Other hospital sites could follow — NHS trusts have been asked to identify areas such as gyms and education centres that can be converted to accommodate patients.
4,000 beds
The plan is to create up to 4,000 ‘super surge’ beds across the country.
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said:
“Given the high level of covid infections and increasing hospital admissions, the NHS is now on a war footing.
“We do not yet know exactly how many of those who catch the virus will need hospital treatment, but given the number of infections we cannot wait to find out before we act and so work is beginning from today to ensure these facilities are in place.”
Professor Powis urged the public to “play their part” by getting booster jabs. He said:
“The science is clear. Two doses of vaccine do not provide enough protection against Omicron so if you have not yet had a life-saving booster do not delay any longer.”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said:
“We hope the Nightingale surge hubs at hospitals will not have to be used but it is absolutely right that we prepare for all scenarios and increase capacity.”
The first eight of the Nightingale surge hubs will be at the following hospitals:
North East and Yorkshire – St James’ University Hospital, Leeds
North West – Royal Preston Hospital
Midlands – Solihull Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham and University Hospitals Leicester
East of England – Lister Hospital, Stevenage
London – St George’s Hospital
South East – William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
South West – North Bristol Hospital
Ripon’s New Year’s Eve free concert and fireworks display on Market Square is set to go ahead.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid’s announcement this week that no additional covid restrictions will be put in place in England before the New Year effectively gave Friday’s event the green light.
However, with the Omicron variant bringing a surge in the number of recorded covid cases in the Harrogate district, Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams is urging caution for the large public event.
He said:
“We ask anyone planning to attend to take a lateral flow test and only venture onto Market Square if it gives a negative result.
“We already had the licence for the event from Harrogate Borough Council and had been keeping a close eye on announcements from the government regarding covid measures.
“Now that we have the go-ahead, we hope that people will come and enjoy the night of free entertainment and ensure their own safety and that of others by taking sensible precautions.”
Fireworks display
Safety concerns about holding a fireworks display in Market Square to herald in 2022 have also been resolved. An alternative area of land to the rear of Ripon Town Hall will be used to discharge the display.
Entertainment will begin with the Ripon Hornblower ceremony at the obelisk at 9pm and will be followed by performances from an Oasis tribute act and the Big Boyband Reunion.
The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, will address the audience at 11.55pm and, following a blessing by the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt. Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the fireworks display will start as the town hall clock strikes 12.
New Year’s Eve celebrations have been held on Ripon Market Square since 1986 but covid caused the cancellation of the 2020 event.
The Harrogate district has had another record day for covid cases with 323 reported, according to the latest daily government figures.
The number is the highest recorded in the district since the UK Health Security Agency started reporting figures in March 2020.
Nationally, the UK has also reported a record number of infections. Figures show 129,471 cases have been recorded as the Omicron variant continues to surge.
The Harrogate district’s seven-day covid rate has also reached a record high and stands at 997 per 100,000 people.
Across the county, the rate stands at 879 and the England average is 1,217.
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Meanwhile, UK Health Security Agency figures show that a total of 100,290 booster and third vaccines have been given in the Harrogate district so far.
No further deaths from patients who tested positive for covid have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital, according to NHS England.
Latest available figures show 13 covid patients are being treated at Harrogate District Hospital – an increase from eight last week.
The Harrogate district has reported a record 236 covid cases, according to the latest daily government figures.
The number is the highest recorded in the district since the UK Health Security Agency started reporting figures in March 2020.
Nationally, the UK has also reported a record number of infections. Figures show 122,186 cases have been recorded as the Omicron variant continues to surge.
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Meanwhile, UK Health Security Agency figures show that a total of 100,026 booster and third vaccines have been given in the Harrogate district so far.
No further deaths from patients who tested positive for covid have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital, according to NHS England.
Latest available figures show 13 covid patients are being treated at Harrogate District Hospital – an increase from eight last week.
North Yorkshire is week behind London’s covid surge, health official warnsNorth Yorkshire is a “week or so” behind London’s surge in covid infections and hospitalisations, a health official has warned.
Dr Victoria Turner, public health consultant at North Yorkshire County Council, told a meeting of the county’s Outbreak Management Advisory Board that the capital remained at the epicentre of the Omicron wave and there were still a “relatively small number” of cases in North Yorkshire.
But she added infections were likely to rise and that hospitalisations would follow as the true impact of the new variant is felt over the New Year.
She said:
“The level of hospitalisations we are seeing at the moment are predominantly reflecting where we were with the Delta variant a couple of weeks ago.
“But it is safe to say Omicron is going to be the dominant variant in North Yorkshire.”
The warning comes as early studies by researchers at the Imperial College London have found the Omicron variant may cause milder illness than Delta.
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Dr Turner said while the findings were encouraging, it was still early data and that the larger number of infections from Omicron meant a rise in hospitalisations – similar to what is being seen in London – should be expected.
She said:
“It is still not 100% certain how severe Omicron is compared to Delta and other previous variants.
“And there still remains the same lag time between becoming infected and hospitalised, so over the next week or two we are likely to see hospitalisations increase as the Omicron wave is reflected in the figures.
“There is then usually a week to two weeks lag between hospitalisations and deaths.”
13 covid patients in Harrogate hospital
Hospitalisations are the key figures which government ministers are now monitoring as they consider further restrictions to slow the spread of the virus and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said no further measures are needed at present as he also urged people to be cautious over Christmas.
The meeting of the North Yorkshire Outbreak Management Advisory Board heard there are currently 94 covid patients in the county’s hospitals, including 39 in South Tees, 26 in York, 16 in Scarborough and 13 in Harrogate.
Sue Peckitt, chief nurse at the NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, described the situation as “fairly stable” but added health services were still feeling the strain from winter pressures.
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She also said a large number of the covid patients currently receiving treatment were over 65s and that most of those in intensive care were unvaccinated or had underlying health conditions.
She said:
“There are currently 94 inpatients across the North Yorkshire bed base, 10 of which are in intensive care.
“This is a fairly stable picture and we are preparing for any influx should we need to step up additional beds over Christmas and New Year.
“Omicron is coming into North Yorkshire and we anticipate that we may see more hospitalisations, but we are waiting to see what the trend is showing in other parts of the country.”
Fewer people at vaccine sites
Mrs Peckitt also said while the vaccination rollout was going “exceptionally well”, officials had noted a drop in attendance at vaccine sites in recent days.
She said this is thought to be due to patients concerned about feeling unwell with vaccine side effects over the festive period.
According to UK Health Security Agency figures, more than 370,060 people across North Yorkshire have now had their booster vaccine.
This represents around 64% of the county’s population.
Meanwhile, Selby has the highest weekly infection rate in the county with 716 cases per 100,000 people. This is followed by Harrogate at 643, Craven 617, Ryedale 594, Hambleton 545, Richmondshire 417 and Scarborough 352.
Harrogate district covid rate now above 600The Harrogate district’s covid rate is now above 600 per 100,000 people as infections soar.
A further 125 cases have been confirmed in the district, according to latest government figures.
The district’s seven-day rate has climbed over the past week as the Omicron variant continues to spread across the UK.
The district’s average now stands at 644 infections per 100,000 people.
Read more:
- Harrogate and Ripon hospitals restrict visitors due to Omicron
- Pateley Bridge Christingle service is postponed
Across the county, the average stands at 562 and the England rate has soared to 1,006.
The figures comes as 119,789 cases were reported across the UK. The number is another record day for covid infections nationally.
Meanwhile, UK Health Security Agency figures show that a total of 99,081 booster and third vaccines have been given in the Harrogate district so far.
No further deaths from patients who tested positive for covid have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital, according to NHS England.
Latest available figures show 13 covid patients are being treated at Harrogate District Hospital – an increase from eight last week.