The coronavirus pandemic is forcing schools to close to most pupils and the council to close all of its leisure facilities.

It comes as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Yorkshire rises by two to 13 - with one death at Harrogate District Hospital.

If you have been affected by school closures or the call to arms from the NHS then reach the team on social media or by sending an email here.

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4pm – Mother Shipton's closes over coronavirus

Mother Shipton's in Knaresborough has closed temporarily today and will remain that way until "the current situation has improved."

A spokesperson for the attraction said they were saddened to make the difficult decision.

https://twitter.com/Mothershiptons/status/1241011764562665473

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3pm – Harrogate hospital: Warn staff if you have self-isolated

Harrogate District Hospital has told patients that they should warn its staff over the phone if they have been in self-isolation.

If patients have been in self-isolation they will likely be given a remote appointment by telephone to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Robert Harrison, Chief Operating Officer at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Even when self-isolating, patients may still require care and treatment for other conditions, and we aim to ensure that continues as best as possible in the circumstances.

"Alternatively, if it is essential that a patient must be seen face-to-face, clinicians will make that decision and can prepare with the appropriate personal protective equipment.

“We really need people with appointments to tell us in advance, by telephone, if they are in isolation.

"We can support them based on that information and in many cases we can be flexible with the types of appointment we can offer. We will discuss this with each patient, based on their individual needs.

“More generally, it’s really important to remember that if someone is in isolation, that they stick to it. We need help from members of the public to enable us to focus on providing care for our sickest patients and ensuring staff remain well enough to be at work.

"Please, do not come to hospital or otherwise break your isolation if you have Coronavirus symptoms, don’t yet have the all clear or have not completed the full period of isolation required."

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1pm – North Yorkshire Police brace for coronavirus impact

North Yorkshire Police is bracing for the impact of coronavirus, with plans expected to come into place in the coming weeks.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker is leading the local policing response to the outbreak which includes extensive planning and monitoring.

He said: "At the moment the public won’t see a difference in policing in the county other than increased hygiene practices, protective equipment if necessary and other practical measures taken to protect our workforce.

"However, this may change over the coming weeks and plans are in place to respond to what is a rapid and fast-moving situation.

"We know the communities of Harrogate will look after each other and that’s the message from all of us at North Yorkshire Police, please take care, look after one another, particularly the vulnerable, and keep up to date with the Government’s advice."

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12pm – All leisure facilities in Harrogate to close

All leisure centres in the Harrogate district including the Turkish baths and swimming pools will close tonight and will remain closed until further notice.

Harrogate Borough Council made the decision to close its community centres today to try and “encourage greater social isolation.”

Swimming pools, community centres, tourist information centres, Turkish Baths Harrogate, both museums in Harrogate and the Mercer Art Gallery will close.

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11am – Former workers told: 'Your NHS needs you'

The NHS has officially started its recruitment driver to get former workers back onto the frontline to help with the coronavirus outbreak.

Senior officials have sent out tens of thousands of letters to nurses and doctors and told them: "Your NHS needs you."

Are you a retired NHS worker planning to go back to work? Speak to the team by sending an email here.

 

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10am – Last day of school for many pupils

Today marks the last day of school for many pupils in the Harrogate district as the government tries to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Some schools will remain open with fewer staff members to look after the children of key workers and vulnerable pupils.

This year's academic exams will not go ahead. Have you been affected? Speak to the team by sending an email here.