The number of people in Hambleton testing positive for Covid-19 has risen sharply.
The latest figures show that the seven-day rate per 100,000 people has increased to 393 in the district — the highest since January 10.
The rate is currently the highest in North Yorkshire.
In the week to July 8, there were 360 new confirmed cases in the district.
Separate figures show that in the seven days to July 6, there were 76 positive tests in Northallerton alone — the highest of any local area in North Yorkshire.
A further 35 cases were recorded in Brompton, Appleton and Thimbleby and 34 in Leeming, Pickhill and Thornton.
Elsewhere in the district, there where 30 cases in Great Ayton and Stokesley, 29 in Northallerton South and Leeming Bar and 22 in Thirsk South and Coxwold.
In North Yorkshire, there’s been a trebling of case rates in a fortnight, from 82.4 cases a week per 100,000 people on June 19 to 261.6 cases a week on July 3.
The rise comes as NHS leaders in North Yorkshire urge people to continue to be sensible and follow current Covid guidance.
NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group accountable officer, Amanda Bloor, said: “The vaccination programme in North Yorkshire and York has been an incredible success story, but we’re not at the finish line yet and we’re now seeing sharp increases in infection rates among younger cohorts who have not had the opportunity to be fully vaccinated.
“Around two in five young adults aged 18 to 24 in North Yorkshire and York are yet to have their first COVID vaccine and only around one in six have had both jabs for maximum protection.
“People who haven’t had both doses of the vaccine are much more susceptible to catching coronavirus than those who have been ‘double-jabbed’ and they should continue to exercise caution and common sense – and ‘book’ their COVID vaccine through the NHS national booking service, online or via 119, if they haven’t already done so.”
Dr Nigel Wells, a GP and Clinical Chair at NHS Vale of York CGG added: “While the vaccination programme has undoubtedly weakened the link between COVID cases and hospitalisations, we are beginning to see the early signs of a small but sustained increase in the numbers of people being admitted to our hospitals who have COVID-19.
“We’re also seeing more staff absences in healthcare settings because healthcare workers are self-isolating having come in to contact with a confirmed case. This is putting extra pressure on services at a time when demand is incredibly high.”
The NHS says people should continue to follow the current guidance until July 19, when it’s expected many restrictions will be removed.
At present in England, groups of up to 30 can meet outdoors and six people or two households are permitted to meet indoors (and stay overnight).
By law, face coverings must be worn on public transport and in most indoor settings, such as shops and supermarkets, and in bars and restaurants (except when seated at a table to eat or drink).
Government guidance remains that people should stay two metres apart from anyone who is not in their household or support bubble where possible, or one metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings).
People with symptoms of Covid should self-isolate immediately if they have symptoms, have tested positive, or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.
For more information on the local Covid-19 data, click here.
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