The Head of Care Services for Harrogate Neighbours, which runs two care homes in the district, said she was made to feel like a criminal when she went to Sainsbury's on Wetherby Road during special opening hours to buy food for the residents.

Denise McEvoy (pictured above) said she and a small group of care workers from other organisations -all with ID badges and letters --arrived at the store on Friday at 7.30am but were refused entry. Only NHS staff were being allowed in. When Denise insisted on being allowed to enter, the security guard called a second security guard who then called a supervisor who then called a second supervisor before Denise was allowed in. She said, by this time, the other care workers had left in disgust.

Harrogate Neighbours runs Heath Lodge Care Home and The Cuttings - it's a not for profit organisation that looks after a total of 90 residents who's average is in the mid 80s.  Management said the staff are working flat out to protect their residents -- washing everything that is brought into the homes and will be touched by residents. They are down on staff with 7 members of their team self-isolating.

Harrogate Neighbours CEO Sue Cawthray, said she feels the government isn't fully recognising the contribution of care workers:

• Earlier today, Richard Webb, Director of Health and Adult Services at North Yorkshire County Council, praised the efforts of local people to support each other.