Harrogate MP's Covid warning to youngsters 'be sensible for the sake of your grandparents'

A worried Andrew Jones said, with infection rates rising locally, it was important youngsters acted with caution for the sake of relatives.

Mr Jones said: “While young people are unlikely to die or be seriously ill with Covid-19 they can spread the disease the same as anyone else.

“Many young people may not even realise they have the virus. But they can still pass it all too easily.

“The way to stop this process is to just act cautiously. Keep distance from other people, wash your hands, cover your face.

“No one likes doing these things. But if it means our parents or grandparents are in no danger, is it really too much to ask?”

The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough said, despite the fact local figures remained low, the fact they were rising meant no one could afford to be complacent. In particular, he said, the adding of neighbouring Leeds to Public Health England’s list as an “area of concern” with a rapidly rising infection rate should be of concern to Harrogate, too.

Mr Jones said: “In North Yorkshire our infection rate remains low with about five new cases identified every day.

“But we know from other areas that infection can spread like wildfire once it gets into the community.

“That means that the rise in infections in Leeds is concerning. In normal times thousands of people travel to and from Leeds daily for their work. It’s also significant that Leeds is a place many people go to shop and to socialise; particularly young people.”

Major Harrogate fair is cancelled for 2020 over Covid restrictions

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