Scarborough’s seven-day infection rate now stands at 560 per 100,000 people, double its rate from a week ago after more than 600 cases were recorded since last Thursday (Nov 5).

In a joint message to residents, Cllr Steve Siddons, the Labour leader of Scarborough Council and the authority’s chief executive Mike Greene, have pleaded with visitors not to travel to the coast.

They said: “Cases are rising rapidly across the whole of the borough, including Whitby, Scarborough, Filey, Hunmanby and northern villages.

Visitors flocked to Scarborough earlier this year after the lockdown rules were relaxed

“It is a massive increase compared to just two weeks ago and is a stark warning that we are facing challenging times ahead which is why we are asking for positive action from everyone.

“Only half of the new cases in our borough are connected to high-risk settings (care homes, schools, workplaces and hospitality/visitor outlets).

“It seems the virus is spreading in the community with no single cause or pattern. And, although we now have seven-day-a-week testing in the borough, with new mobile sites being rolled out in the coming days, this will not be effective on its own unless we take responsibility for our behaviour and follow the rules.

“You will be familiar with the ‘hands, face and space’ message already and be aware that the new national lockdown in England means you should stay at home as much as possible.

“Do not mix with people you don’t live with, as tempting as it might be, stay away from social gatherings and don’t pop in to see any relatives even if you think the risk is low.

“We all need to pull together to do our bit to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Please encourage people you know to do the same. We’ve done it in Whitby before and we can do it again throughout the borough.

“While we are seeing issues throughout the borough, we – along with our partner organisations – are focussing our resources on the areas seeing the highest rates. 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.

“News this week of a potential vaccine is a positive development, but it is not here yet and it could be many months before we see the benefit. That’s why we are asking you now to please play your part by doing everything you can to minimise the spread of Covid-19.”

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'Don't come to Scarborough' council leader tells visitors amid spike in coronavirus cases