Slight fall in Scarborough borough's infection rate; it had been in the top 10 in England

Over the last seven days, the borough averaged 90 cases a day though its infection rate fell for the first time since last month.

Scarborough’s infection rate, which last week was 337 cases per 100,000 population on a seven-day average, now stands at 577.

At its peak, so far, the infection rate last weak reached 584, which moved the borough into the top 10 areas in England with the highest rates.

Scarborough is also now well ahead of every other North Yorkshire district and also the average for England, which is now 270.

The borough’s overall total number of cases since the start of the pandemic is now 2.313.

On Friday, the leader and chief executive of Scarborough Borough Council urged people not to travel to the borough.

Cllr Steve Siddons and Mike Greene said: “We are asking visitors not to come to the borough at the moment.

“They must follow the government guidance, stay at home and exercise locally. We will work closely with local businesses to welcome them back when it is safe to do so.

“Until then, we must not blame visitors. They are not the single reason for the rise in cases. The responsibility to stay at home lies with each and every one of us.”

Last week, Scarborough’s new walk-in coronavirus testing site officially opened at the William Street Coach Park.

Testing at the site is available seven days a week from 8am until 8pm and it will have the capacity for around 350 tests per day.

Appointments must be booked in advance.

Anyone who is showing coronavirus symptoms should register for a test on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

People who do not have access to the internet, or who have difficulty with the digital portals, can ring the 119 service to book.

Tests can be booked at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.