NORTH Yorkshire Police has released the number of Covid-19 breaches in the county, including more than 334 indoor gatherings. 

Officers issued the Fixed Penalty Notices between December 2 and January 5, including 194 to local residents, 161 to visitors, 9 for outdoor gatherings and 334 for indoor gathering  – 51 per cent of indoor gatherings have been in the Scarborough district.

Ryedale had six Covid-19 breaches over the month. 

Speaking about the number of FPNs issued in Scarborough for breaches of the indoor gathering rules, Chief Inspector Rachel Wood said: “While the majority of Scarborough residents have followed the guidance and understood the rules around social gatherings, unfortunately the figures show that there was a minority of people who chose to openly flout the rules and host and attend house parties.

“Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams attended a number of incidents over the festive season and had to take enforcement action, as sadly some people did not disperse and go home when instructed.

“I cannot stress enough how serious our current situation is. As a nation we have moved into new national restrictions and we are being told to stay home once again to save lives and protect our health service.

“We are seeing infection rates rise and the impact of the virus and the new more transmissible strain is really being felt by our hospitals and healthcare colleagues. People are losing their loved ones to this virus every day.

“So, I am urging Scarborough residents to stick to the rules, especially as we approach the first weekend of the new national restrictions. Stay home and only leave if it is for an essential reason such as shopping or medical assistance.

"People are not permitted to gather indoors or outdoors socially, and you should not be meeting anyone outside your own household or support bubble.

“Our local patrol plans have been revised and we have increased our presence and visibility in our local communities, so members of the public will see officers on the roads and patrolling our local areas.

“We will take enforcement action against those who are breaking the rules and putting the wider community at risk from this deadly virus. So please stay home and stay safe.”