Covid rate falls from 1,300 to 344 in Harrogate district over last month

Latest figures reveal how dramatically the covid rate of infection has fallen in the Harrogate district over the past month.

Data published by North Yorkshire County Council shows the seven-day rate of infection was 344 per 100,000 people on March 1.

On February 1, when the Omicron variant was rampant, the rate was 1,300 per 100,000 people.

Although the rate continues to fall, there have still been covid-related deaths reported at Harrogate District Hospital.

NHS England figures show that one death was recorded on February 28 and another on February 25.

There have been 232 covid-related deaths at the hospital since the pandemic started almost two years ago.

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From Tuesday, the rules for people visiting patients in Harrogate and Ripon’s hospitals will be relaxed.

Since December 23, visitors have only been allowed for patients on end-of-life care, patients with a learning disability or severe cognitive impairment such as dementia. Visits to parents or carers of children and birthing partners are also permitted.

But from Tuesday, patients can have one visitor, by appointment, between 2pm-4pm for 30 minutes. Only two visitors will be allowed in each bay at any one time.

330 positive covid cases reported in Harrogate district

The Harrogate district has reported 330 positive covid cases, according to the latest daily government figures.

Nationally, the number of infections also remains high. Figures show 189,846 cases have been recorded as the Omicron variant continues to spread.

The Harrogate district’s seven-day covid rate has reached a record high and stands at 1094 per 100,000 people.

Across the county, the rate stands at 879 and the England average is 1,305.

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As the number of infections continues to rise, many residents have reported difficulties obtaining lateral flow tests in the Harrogate district.

Yesterday, our reporter visited pharmacies across Ripon and found they were in short supply, with pharmacies currently out of stock and awaiting deliveries.

132 positive covid cases in Harrogate district

The Harrogate district has reported 132 cases of covid, according to Public Health England figures.

The district’s average now stands at 601 per 100,000 people, which remains the highest in North Yorkshire.

Across the county, the average rate is 505 and the England average is 400.

No further deaths from patients who tested positive for coronavirus have been recorded at Harrogate District Hospital, according to NHS England figures.

However, the hospital was treating 25 covid patients as of Monday — a rise from 19 on last week.

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Meanwhile, Harrogate & Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones has questioned why school vaccinations in Harrogate are not likely to happen until February.

The Stray Ferret reported last month that the rollout of covid jabs to 12 to 15-year-old pupils in Harrogate schools has been delayed, after the government initially said all children in that age group would be offered jabs by October half-term.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Jones said vaccinating children five months later in February would be “too late”.

District MPs decline to comment on ‘broken’ covid testing system

The Harrogate district’s MPs have declined to share their views on the performance of the government’s Covid-19 testing system.

With infection rates rising across the district, there has been a rise in demand for testing. However, the Stray Ferret has been contacted by several residents this week who are concerned about the availability of testing.

Harrogate mum Madeline Smyth told us that the system is broken is “broken'” after spending two days trying to secure a test for her daughter. She finally secured an appointment – but it was in Burnley, a two-hour round trip from Harrogate.

The Stray Ferret asked our local MPs Andrew Jones, Julian Smith, and Nigel Adams – all Conservatives –  if they think the system is working well and whether it could be improved. We also asked if they have been in discussions about it with health ministers or the NHS. None of them responded to our request.

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On Wednesday, North Yorkshire County Council declared a covid “emergency” for North Yorkshire and raised concerns over testing in the county.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, director of public health for NYCC, said testing was being hampered by “significant limitations” with laboratory capacity.

He said:

“This issue is a national one and outside of our control. We have escalated our concerns nationally and we are targeting our local testing facilities towards the communities and people in greatest need.”

In Parliament today, Conservative MP and Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg said there has been “endless carping” from people unable to book coronavirus tests. Instead, he said the number of tests being carried out should be celebrated.