Coronavirus testing site back in Harrogate tomorrow - and latest infection rates as cases rise

The drive-through facility will be at the Old Education Offices on Ainsty Road - and people are being warned to not just turn up but make an appointment first.

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

Meanwhile, people who do not have access to the internet can ring the 119 service to book.

Key workers and members of their household should register for a test on the government website at www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers.

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It comes as the virus infection rate in Harrogate has more than tripled from the weeks ending 30 August to 6 September.

The increase was from 10.6 cases per 100,000 people to 32.3.

Nineteen new cases have been confirmed in the past 48 hours and leaders have warned that everyone – wherever they live, work or visit – must be more vigilant to help prevent the spread of the virus.

North Yorkshire County Council leader Carl Les said: “We are seeing an escalation in the number of cases. While this remains lower than in some neighbouring towns and cities, such as Middlesbrough and Leeds, there is no room for complacency.

“We don’t want people to be over-anxious, but everyone needs to be vigilant.

"The sacrifices people have made during the pandemic were outstanding and we must all stick to the guidance to avoid a second spike."

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The testing site will return to Harrogate on September 15. It will be at the Dragon Road Car Park on Dragon Road.

Tests can be booked from 8pm the night before.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter