A Liberal Democrat view of life in the City of York. This website is edited by Steve Galloway who represented the Westfield area on the City of York Council between 1973 and 2011.
#Coronavirus #York updates; 10th April 2021. No more hospital deaths. Six positive test results. Total now 12,162.… https://t.co/AdBwRshFB3
No more COVID-19 hospital deaths have been announced today
Test results
6 additional positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total to 12,162.
We seem to be seeing a post Easter spike in positive test results. This will translate into a higher infection rate next week.
There is one fewer case in York today compared to yesterday.
The rate /100k population has fallen to 11.40. It is likely to fall to under 10 over the next couple of days before rising.
The infection rate in York remains well below the regional and national averages
Neighbourhoods
According to the government web site no neighbourhoods in York now have more than 2 cases. The site is saying the same about other local authority areas. Therefore the figures at MSOA level are suspect.
Vaccinations
Tests
3374 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 5th April
Of these, 0.6% were positive. This is the same rate as the previous period.
In addition 1487 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted.
Business grants
York Council update on payments of restart grants
Restart Grants will be paid into eligible non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation and leisure business bank accounts next week, following Government rules on fraud checks.
Eligible businesses that have already qualified for payments from other grant programmes do not need to reapply, and will automatically be paid if they are eligible.
Restart Grants will be paid during w/c 12 April, and land with businesses bank accounts within 3 working days.
New businesses that started trading between 5 January and 1 April may also qualify for Restart Grants. These Businesses only can apply online through the council website from Monday 12th April.
Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance said:
Our staff at City of York Council are once again working extremely hard to ensure that payments are made quickly to eligible businesses.
“We’re grateful for businesses patience, and hope the fast payments help them to bounce back from such a tough year.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning said:
We’re working with partners across York to support a safe and successful reopening of the city.
“Fast payment of grants has been a key part of our ongoing job retention and business support work in the city. Alongside creating outdoor space and processing pavement café licenses, efficient grant support will ensure that local businesses are in the best position to reopen their doors once it is safe to do so.
“I’d like to thank all local businesses for their efforts in providing a safe and welcoming experience for customers, and wish them well as they reopen throughout the roadmap.
“I’d also like to thank all those residents who continue to support York’s local businesses and the jobs they provide by shopping local.”
The Restart Grant is a one-off grant and was announced as part of the Budget on 3 March 2021. Further information on the Restart Grant scheme, including how to apply can be found online.
If your business still falls through the cracks of government schemes, please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.
North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about a assault that occurred in the park next to Westfield Primary Community School in Acomb.
It happened at approximately 5pm on Wednesday 7 April when two boys, aged 12 and 11 years-old , are believed to have been assaulted by a group of youths aged between about 12-16.
The two victims did not receive any injuries. We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Peter Maw. You can also email Peter.Maw@northyorkshire.police.uk
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210093469.
There have been no additional coronavirus hospital deaths announced today
Test results
The authorities have changed the way that they count case numbers. The consequence is that the cumulative totals have been changed. The York cumulative figure is now 12,156.
The table and graphs below reflect the revised figures.
The number of cases in the City has fallen from 33 yesterday to 25 today. The downward trend in case numbers continues to mirror the profile seen in May/June last year. In 2020 case numbers in the City eventually fell to just one at the beginning of August 2020.
The rate per 100k population figure has fallen to 11.87. It is expected to remain at around 10 for the next few days.
This is the lowest rate seen since the 1st September 2020.
There is a steady reduction in case numbers at regional and national level
Neighbourhoods
Little change today at neighbourhood level with only three areas having more than 3 cases in each
Vaccinations
The table indicating the number of adults vaccinated in each York neighbourhood has been updated.
The figures vary from the lowest 31.6% (Tang Hall) to the highest 74.6% (Haxby).
However, this largely reflects the differing age structure of the local populations.
Areas with higher numbers of people aged under 50 are now receiving more vaccination invitations
By Tuesday (6th April) the number of residents who had received their first vaccination was 53.6%. Those receiving their second dose had increased to 9.3%.
York Hospital Trust patient numbers
A further fall in COVID-19 local patient numbers has been reported today.
Tests
3,793 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 4th April 2021
Of these, 0.6% were positive. That is lower than the 0.7% recorded the previous day
2140 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 8th April
Council commentary
The York Council has updated its “open data” commentary on the pandemic
It is reproduced below for ease of reference
The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 09.04.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 5.4.21 there had been 73 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 653 in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.
• As at 8.4.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 43 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,223 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 8.4.21 York has had 12,225 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,804 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,789) and regional (7,008) averages.
• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (6.4.21) is Red. This is due to a higher than ‘expected’ number of cases on 2 occasions in the most recent 14 day monitoring period. In recent weeks the number of cases have been low in York which has an effect on the thresholds used to determine the RAG rating – a small change can mean the difference between a red, amber and green rating.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 31.3.21 to 6.4.21 in York is 10 (using data published on Gov.uk on 8.4.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 28.3.21 to 3.4.21 was 15.7. The national and regional averages at this date were 37 and 75.5 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 8.4.21).
• York is currently ranked 13th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.
• For the 7 day period 27.3.21.to 2.4.21, 1 ward (Fulford & Heslington) has seen a statistically significant rise in rates compared with the 7 day period 20.3.21 to 26.3.21. The remaining wards have shown no significant change. The number of cases in each ward varies from 0 to 7 and rates vary from 0 to 131 per 100,000. 6 wards had zero cases in the latest 7 day period.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 28.3.21 to 3.4.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 14.1. The national and regional averages were 12.4 and 24.5 respectively.
• As at 6.4.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 0.67%. The national and regional averages are 1.8% and 4.1% respectively.
• As at 6.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.08%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.3% respectively.
• As at 6.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.1%. The national average is 0.8%.
• As at 8.4.21 York University reported 1 individual within the University community who was currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.
• As at 5.4.21 York St. John reported 0 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 11,349 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,247 of the cases have been completed (90.3%). 26,455 ‘contacts’ of these cases have been identified and 20,070 of these have been completed (75.9%).
Cases in Residential Care Settings
• As at 8.4.21 there were 0 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).
• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).
Cases amongst School Aged Children
• In the 7 days up to 5.4.21 there were 7 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive across 3 schools.
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 31.3.21 there were 9 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.
• As at 31.3.21 there were 3 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.
• As at 31.3.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
• As at 31.3.21 there had been 2 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.
• Between 22.3.21 and 28.3.21, 12 CYC residents were discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection.
R Number
• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 2.4.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 26.3.21.
Total Vaccinations
• As at 7.4.21 a total of 93,351 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 44.3% of the estimated total population of York and 53.7% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
• As at 7.4.21 a total of 16,734 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 7.9% of the estimated total population of York and 9.6% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
Deaths
The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it enables a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 11: 13.3.21 to 19.3.21) 2 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 8, 9 and 10 there had been 6 ,6 and 3 deaths respectively.
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 19th March 2021 and registered up to 27th March 2021, 386 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (226 in hospital, 131 in care homes, 21 at home and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 183.3 which is lower than the national average of 227.7
• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 17.3.21), a cumulative total of 369 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.3, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (79.9% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.2% nationally). 178 of the 369 were male (48.2%), less than the national average (54.3%).
The latest ONS figures, covering the number of deaths of York residents attributable to COVID-19, have been published.
During the week ending 26th March NO fatalities were recorded.
This is the first week since 2nd October 2020 when there has been a zero death toll.
Since the start of the pandemic there have been 125 deaths in care homes in the City, 219 in hospitals, 21 at home and 8 in a hospice.
In total the pandemic has seen 373 fatalities among York residents.
One additional death was announced by the York Hospital Trust today. The fatality occurred on Tuesday (6th April)
Test Results
Six more positive test results gave been announced today. That brings the cumulative total up to 12,225
Case numbers in the City have fallen from 39 to 33.
As anticipated the infection rate /100k population figure has fallen back to 15.67 today. Further reductions are likely over the next two or three days
We seem to have established a virtuous circle now now with fewer opportunities for transmission of the virus – a result of good social distancing and the vaccination programme.
As a result, the decline in case numbers is paralleling the rate of reduction seen in May and June last year (towards the end of “Wave 1” of the pandemic).
See comparator graph below.
Neighbourhoods
Only two neighbourhoods now have a case rate over 50. In addition, there is one neighbourhood with a rate between 10 and 50.
The 21 other areas all now have fewer than 3 cases. Several now have zero cases.
Vaccinations
People in the 40 -49 age group should start to get invitations to be vaccinated from next week
3799 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 3rd April 2021.
Of these, 0.7% proved to be positive. This is the same proportion as was recorded on the previous day.
2828 “lateral flow” tests were also undertaken on 7th April 2021
Hospitals
More good news as the number of COVID-19 patients, being cared for by the York Hospital Trust, has fallen below 20. The number in intensive care has halved to just one.
Police praise for Bank Holiday behaviour in North Yorkshire
Covid response: Please keep up “amazing effort” as we move to Step 2 of the Road Map Out of Lockdown on 12 April
Superintendent Mike Walker is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the Coronavirus and he also chairs the multi-agency North Yorkshire Local Resilience Partnership. These are his comments about the past week’s Covid-19 related issues including the Easter weekend…
Whilst the long bank holiday weekend was busy throughout the area, there was very little in way of police incidents or issues linked to Covid-19.
We only had to issue 11 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) during this period. All were for indoor gathering breaches, of which 10 occurred in Scarborough.
In total since the easing of the lockdown on 29 March, 14 FPNs have been issued. No incidents of note have been flagged-up during the past week.
It is pleasing that the rightfully careful and cautious Step 1 of the Government’s Road Map Out of Lockdown has gone well in our area.
This is testament to the outstanding partnership working we have in North Yorkshire and the City of York, plus the invaluable support from our communities who have experienced the collective effort to keep everyone safe during the pandemic.
As we move to Step 2 of the road map on Monday 12 April, it is now more important than ever to keep following the health protection measures while the vaccination programme is rolled out.
There is still no mixing of households allowed indoors until at least 17 May under Step 3, and the ‘rule of 6’ or two households remains in place regarding outdoor gatherings, including in private gardens.
Our policing teams will be promoting adherence to these rules while on targeted and highly visible patrols.
We will continue to use our ‘4 Es’ approach to engage with the public, explain the regulations, encourage compliance, and enforce only as a last resort when a blatant breach has occurred.
Officers and PCSOs will also be on hand to support our local authority, trading standards and licensing partners during checks on businesses such as pubs and restaurants, who be able to provide outdoor hospitality from 12 April.
This is clearly very welcome progress from the extremely worrying situation we faced just a few short months ago.
Our message to everyone is to keep up this amazing effort. Please keep doing all you can to reduce the risk of catching Covid-19 or unwittingly spreading the virus to others.
No further hospital deaths have been announced today.
Test results
Only one positive test result today. The cumulative case total is now 12,218
The number of cases in the City has increased from 33 to 39
The infection rate has, as forecast, edged up today. The rate /100k population is now 18.52. The rate is expected to resume its downward trend from tomorrow.
The 3 waves graph has been remodeled to facilitate easier comparisons of the effects of easing restrictions
Case numbers continue to fall across Yorkshire
Neighbourhoods
There have been infection rate increases in South Bank and Fulford Road today.
Vaccinations
Tests
3752 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 2nd April 2021
Of these, 0.7% proved to be positive. That is slightly up on the previous days figure of 0.6%
In addition, 1598 “lateral flow” tests were completed on 6th April 2021
York Hospital Trust COVID-19 patients
There has been a fall today in the number of COVID-19 patients being treated by the York Hospital Trust
There were no further hospital deaths announced today
Test results
No additional positive test results recorded today.
The cumulative total remains at 12,219
The number of cases in the City has fallen from 46 yesterday to 33 today
The rate /100k population figure has fallen to 15.67. This is the lowest figure seen since 6th September 2020.
A small upturn is expected tomorrow but, thereafter, there are hopes that the rate may fall below 10 before restrictions are further relaxed on Monday
One word of caution though is that the impact (if any) of the Easter weekend – and some increased social mingling – won’t be known until later in the week.
The reduction in case numbers in York since 1st March has been very significant.
Infection rates are falling at all levels
Neighbourhoods
Only 5 of York’s 24 neighbourhoods now have 3 or more cases.
Vaccinations
53.5% of York residents have now had their first vaccination.
8.4% have had both doses.
Tests
3926 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 1st April 2021.
Of these, 0.6% provided to be positive. That represents an improvement over the previous days figure of 1%
1952 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 5th April.
Hospitals
The latest figures from the York Hospital Trust show a declining number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care
The fatality rate has reduced from the rolling 7 day average of 5.7 seen on 21st January to 0.1 today.
Test results
Four additional positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 12,219
Four fewer cases today as the 7 case numbers fall from 50 to 46.
The rate /100k population rate has fallen to 21.84. It is set to fall below 20 for the first time since last September when figures are updated tomorrow.
Rates are falling at county and regional level
Neighbourhoods
All but two neighbourhoods have below the national average infection rates
Vaccinations
Not surprisingly, fewer vaccinations were completed on Easter Sunday
Tests
3,975 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 31st March 2021.
Of these, 1.0% were positive. This is less than the 1.2% positives found during the previous period.
2408 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 4th April 2021
Easing of restrictions confirmed
The lockdown easing next Monday will be going ahead as England has met the four tests. Boris Johnson confirms 12 April reopening of non-essential shops, outdoor hospitality and hairdressers in England
Government reveals traffic light system for foreign travel from 17 May at the earliest
Rapid, twice-weekly COVID tests to be offered to everyone in England – including home delivery
‘Vaccine passports’ and before-and-after testing to be trialled at nine events – but no vaccine passports in April or May. COVID-status certificates are being considered both in the UK and for foreign travel – these could include proof of vaccination, a recent negative test result or natural immunity
Government scientists warn another wave ‘highly likely’ when restrictions end on 21 June
No decision has been taken yet on whether international travel can resume this summer
Some coronavirus measures may still be needed after all adults have had a vaccine
What is reopening on 12 May in England?
Boris Johnson has confirmed Step 2 of the lockdown roadmap will take place on 12 April thanks to a successful vaccine programme which is reducing hospital admissions and deaths and the risks are “not fundamentally changed” by new variants.
Indoor mixing of different households will still not be allowed.
Outdoor hospitality can reopen, including pubs and restaurants – with the rule of six or a larger group from two households
Customers will not have to buy a substantial meal to have an alcoholic drink and there will be no curfew but people will have to be seated when ordering and eating or drinking
Non-essential retail can reopen
Hairdressers, beauty and nail salons can reopen
Gyms and spas, but no saunas and steam rooms, can reopen
Public buildings, including libraries and communities centres, will reopen
Other outdoor hospitality such as zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas can reopen
Two specified people can visit care home residents
Children can attend indoor children’s activities, including sport
Parent and child groups of up to 15 people (not counting children aged under five) can restart indoors
Self-catering holidays in the UK with your own household will be allowed
Funerals of up to 30 people. Weddings and wakes of up to 15 people.
Large budget but little being invested in west York
The Council has revealed its transport investment budget for the new financial year.
£44.2 million has been allocatedto a range of improvements although the vast majority of the budget has been earmarked for dualling the outer ring road (£21.3 million) and improvements to the railway station frontage (£13.5 million). Neither of the schemes will be completed during the year as extensive preparatory works are required.
£1.2 million will be spent on the ongoing programme of modernising traffic signals (this will include replacing the Front Street pelican crossing along with lights at 8 other locations across the City).
Residents of the west of the City will be disappointed to see that their neighbourhood has been snubbed when allocations from the pedestrian and cycling budget have been made. Not for the first-time investment, is being focused on the central and eastern parts of the City.
A welcome, but very modest, allocation has been made for bus shelter replacement (£100k). Many of the council owned shelters are looking very tatty now with a belated repainting programme proving to be “too little, too late” and failing to bring about a lasting improvement.
Similarly, a £50,000 allocation for Public Rights of Way (PROW) structural repairs is long overdue. Sadly, the budget will barely make a dent in the backlog of work need to stiles, signage, and repairs to flooded sections of path.
All in all then, a mixed picture.
Hopefully the highway maintenance allocations – which have still not been publicised – will be targeted at repairing the worst roads and paths many of which are located in west York.
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