Coronavirus York updates; 14th September 2020

Deaths and test results.

There have been no further hospital deaths in the City. In fact there has only been one fatality announced today across the whole of England with that being in Bradford. That would be the lowest daily death toll since the start of the pandemic

There have been SEVEN additional positive test results announced today bringing the cumulative total to 1051

The distribution of recent cases in York neighbourhoods according to government figures is;

Neighbourhood	Cases latest 7 days
Tang Hall	7
Heworth North & Stockton on Forest	4
Holgate West	4
Westfield, Chapelfields & Foxwood	4
Haxby	3
Clifton Without & Skelton	3
Clifton North	3
Osbaldwick	3

Today has marked the start of restrictions which prohibit gatherings of more than 6 people. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some children and young people are having difficulty in paring their social circles down to below the required maximum!

Too many second hand clothes?

It looks like the voluntary sector is struggling to cope with increases in the volumes of second hand goods on offer. Several second hand stores have declared a moratorium on new gifts.

That seems to be true of clothes as well with piles developing at the Acomb car park collection point

Clothes banks full to overflowing in Acomb car park

Traffic levels and pollution still below February levels.

Latest air quality monitoring information published on the Council dedicated web site confirms that pollution levels remain at low levels in the City. Even historic hot spots like Gillygate are recording the lowest recordable level of NO2 pollution.

The Council provides a weekly commentary on air quality

The Council has not published traffic level information recently but a national study by the Travel Technology Forum suggests that vehicle use is at about 80% of pre lockdown levels. HGV movements have returned to February levels. Bus services are running but with reduced usage.

Cycling activity has fluctuated. Figures suggest that use is sensitive to weather conditions. Relatively few choose to cycle in wet weather and this may result in a further decline as winter approaches.

The latest COVID restrictions may also further reduce the number of journeys being made in the City.

The introduction of street closures in places like the Groves has had little impact on journey times. Alternative routes remain lightly trafficked.

Around 20% of the workforce remains economically inactive. This may change when the governments furlough scheme comes to an end.

In turn any general return to work, and the reopening of city centre offices, may further test the transport system in City.