The birth registration service across North Yorkshire is now open to all births, regardless of the date.

All register offices across the county have now reopened with new rules in place to maintain social distancing and to impose extra hygiene measures.

Register offices are working by appointment only. Registrations are open for all babies born in North Yorkshire and all babies born at Airedale, James Cook or York District hospital to North Yorkshire residents, regardless of when. Read further details.

Government guidelines around the coronavirus restrictions mean baby naming ceremonies and changes to birth records are still suspended.

For those who are married, only the mother or father should attend without children except the baby if necessary. If unmarried, both will have to attend, but without children when possible. If children must attend, the other partner will either wait, with the children, outside in the car or in the waiting area. Only one person will be allowed in the interview room at any one time.

The new safety measures include desk screens, card payment only and hand sanitation stations will be available for visitors. Social distancing will be maintained at all times.

County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Customer Engagement, said: “We are sure that parents and carers will be pleased to see all our register offices back open and our full service resume. Please be assured that our offices are equipped with suitable safety measures, and new rules are here to keep everybody safe.”