Please don’t gather in large numbers to celebrate New Year.
That’s the request from York leaders as Covid infection rates rise sharply in the city.
They are asking everyone to see in 2022 just with their nearest and dearest, to prevent further spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
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Today Health Secretary Sajid Javid said no further coronavirus restrictions will be introduced in England before the New Year after ministers reviewed the latest data.
He said: “Please remain cautious and when we get into the New Year, of course, we will see then whether we do need to take any further measures, but nothing more until then, at least.”
York now has a Covid rate of 1,045 new cases per 100,000 people, which is below the national average of 1,145.2, but well above the Yorkshire and Humber average of 735.8.
York’s public health director Sharon Stoltz said: “I know this will be a difficult message for many people in York who may have had plans to celebrate the New Year with large groups of family and friends.
“But with cases of Covid increasing so rapidly across the city we are asking you to be cautious and bring in the New Year quietly with only those people who are the most important to you.”
‘The right thing to do’
Superintendent Mike Walker of North Yorkshire Police echoed this message.
“While there are no powers to prevent such events going ahead, we fully support the public health advice that mass gatherings should not go ahead on New Year’s Eve,” he said.
“We know people will be disappointed, but it is absolutely the right thing to do to help limit the spread of the new variant.
“The sooner the virus stops spreading, the sooner we can get back to normal. Something we all want very much.”
York council leader Keith Aspden added: “I want to send my thanks to everyone who has followed public health’s advice and done their utmost to protect our loved ones and essential services during the past year. Please continue to do so, and to protect, respect and be kind to all.
“As we celebrate, we need to do so safely. It is not worth the risk to undo the hard work you and others have done. Please stay safe and enjoy marking the New Year safely.”