WITH the number of Covid cases in Craven remaining the highest in North Yorkshire, people are being told today 'don't risk a weekend party'.

The latest seven day infection rates per 100,000 of the population in Craven is 152, followed by Harrogate, 120 and Hambleton, 108.

This compares to the average across England of 124.7 cases per 100,000.

On Monday, the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum said it expected Craven to be put on the Government watch list as an 'area of concern'.

Although that has not happened, it says as Government prepares to unveil its new three-tier approach to national, regional and local lock-downs early next week – it is issuing a stark warning.

Against the backdrop of volatile and rising infection rates in areas covered by the forum, people are being asked to adhere strictly to the rules or risk a further surge in cases in the coming days.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, director of public health for North Yorkshire, said: “I know that many people are making a concerted effort and I am grateful for their sacrifices but unfortunately not everyone is sticking to the guidance that we know makes the difference.

“This is not about blaming or finger wagging. This is about fighting the virus, supporting our businesses, keeping our schools open and saving lives.

"I want to be very clear that while many people experience minor symptoms, for some residents who become infected they will sadly not recover.

"We will see more lives lost and I appeal again for everyone to show real restraint to help avoid that."

He added: “This weekend people may be tempted to get together or meet at pubs and other places in larger groups to socialise. "Covid-19 thrives on a crowd and is easily transmitted when your guard is down. Please play your part and protect your friends and family.”

Dr Sargeant continued: “Across the country cases are rising – and these latest figures show North Yorkshire is no different. This ongoing trend of a rising number of cases is a stark reminder to us all that without action we could see a situation that’s very difficult to manage.

"We all need to play our part - through good hand hygiene, face coverings and social distancing - to manage this ongoing rise in cases.”

Superintendent Mike Walker who is the Gold Commander for NYLRF said: “Last weekend police worked alongside our local authority partners to protect the public and this weekend is no different.

"We will be proactively policing the Covid regulations and despite demand returning to pre-lockdown levels, we are determined to keep people safe and suppress the spread of the virus."

He added: “However, our effort needs to be matched by the public who both live and visit North Yorkshire. So far, the vast majority have demonstrated high levels of personal responsibility, for which we are immensely thankful.

"We all know we must continue to stay alert and keep going for as long as it takes to beat this virus. Just like you, I know we might have to live with its impacts for some time, but our collective determination to beat it will work."

Extra officers will be on patrol this weekend, trying to keep everyone safe, he said.

“If anyone is seeing this weekend as a chance to throw caution to the wind and not follow the restrictions, which everyone should all know and understand, then my message is simple – the police will not tolerate anyone who willingly puts others at risk, by refusing to abide by the regulations.

"Anyone who acts in such a reckless and irresponsible manner should expect enforcement action to be taken against them.

“So please enjoy what the county has to offer, but do so within the restrictions and work with us to keep North Yorkshire safe.”

Everyone can play their part this weekend by:

• Being extra vigilant and sticking rigorously to hand hygiene and social distancing guidance;

• Taking your face covering with you, whenever you leave home: wearing it in indoors in public places and even outdoors when you are somewhere that is crowded.

• Sticking to the ‘rule of six’;

• Taking extra care when leaving home if you have an underlying health condition or have been advised to shield;

• Getting a test if you have covid symptoms, and persist with the booking system if a local test site is not immediately available. Isolating until you get the test result back.

• If you do not have symptoms, do not get a test, unless directed to do so. Priority is being given to those with symptoms.

More information on testing and coronavirus is available at: nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19; northyorks.gov.uk/coronavirus

and at: northyorks.gov.uk/testing