For people in Bradford who are planning a trip out this weekend, it's worth reading the views of Richard Flinton, The Chief Executive of North Yorkshire County Council. 

"Heading into this weekend, there is some understandable anxiety in many towns, villages and rural beauty spots across North Yorkshire.

"Even yesterday, we were receiving reports about visitors making the most of the Government’s relaxation of the travel and exercise rules and parking in villages to explore the countryside again.

"These were very small numbers – a sign of the concern in many places. A single post on our Facebook yesterday sparked a real debate about this – reaching more than 85,000 people already! It is very evident many people have strong views on this topic.

"We understand it is a real concern and – along with our partners in the districts and North Yorkshire Police – we are working hard to try and discourage visitors from outside of North Yorkshire from coming until we can welcome them properly.

"Our message is clear. There is a very real threat of a second peak of Covid-19. That is why the Public Health advice remains to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water and to stay at least 2 metres or 6 feet apart from anyone you do not live with.

"Many hand washing and toilet facilities, as well as car parks, remain closed or are extremely limited, given social distancing rules. And, almost all cafes and shops remain shut. There are also no life guards on duty along the coast. We are a county famous for our warm welcome, outstanding landscapes and wonderful local produce but we are not ready to open the gates to the world yet and so we are asking people to be patient.

"We are doing our best to limit crowds in those places where lack of space is particularly concerning such as Whitby, Filey, Scarborough and Harrogate. We are closing a number of streets, shutting certain car parks and suspending parking in a number of areas. We will also have highways crews looking out for any issues of concern over the weekend and ready to take the action open to us, to respond.

"We hope this is reassuring, but you all have a part to play in this, too. Of course, enjoy the outdoors; there is no finer place than our county in my, perhaps biased, view. But, please, access open countryside rather than paths, narrow lanes or town and village centres. If you can do so close to your home all the better, and be prepared to change your mind if where you are heading looks busy. Protect yourselves and your family by avoiding crowds and encourage anyone you know who is thinking of coming – to wait until we can offer them a real North Yorkshire welcome in the future.

"Many of you will be aware our school hubs have been providing vital support for many key workers involved in the fight against Covid-19. In line with the Government’s announcement, we are involved with detailed planning now to deliver a staged reopening of our primary schools. This is a really challenging piece of work. Schools cannot reopen as rapidly as they were forced to close under the Covid laws. Social distancing will have an obvious and important impact on matters such as school transport, catering and, indeed, right across the teaching and learning environments. The initial phase of reopening will enable Reception and Years 1 and 6 to return to class next month. All of this is subject to careful and detailed planning with the safety of pupils and staff at its heart.

"On the subject of young people, we are in the midst of Foster Care Fortnight – celebrating the phenomenal people who make a difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children. We are blessed to have very many caring families raising children in our care and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their outstanding contribution.

"We believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life and good beginnings deliver the best life chances for children. Here’s the sales pitch…if you have never thought about being a foster carer please read this https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/news/article/north-yorkshire-celebrates-impact-fostering These words from foster dad, Dave sum it up for me “Every kid has a backstory, usually not a good one – and if you can make it a little easier for them, then you are giving them something they haven’t always received from the adults in their lives. That might be a shoulder to cry on, or a bit of normality in what may have been a life full of disruption and upheaval.” Please give it some thought.

On the subject of ‘giving’ to improve the lives of others – another one thousand people will receive welfare checks this weekend as part of a huge community support programme.

These door knocks by community champions are really well-received and making a big difference to people who are shielding or self-isolating because they are otherwise vulnerable. Thank you to every person who is making Team North Yorkshire the force it is.

So, this weekend remember you are not going through this on your own; there are thousands of caring and supportive people who will help you if you need it. No one is alone in North Yorkshire.

If you have no one to help you, call our customer service centre 01609 780780. The centre is open seven days a week 8am-5:30pm.