Coronvirus York updates; 15th October 2020

Deaths and test results

Another York Hospital Trust death was announced today

There were 71 (SEVENTY ONE) additional positive test results announced today. This brings the total to 2399. 1424 of these have occurred since the start of the second wave of infections on 1st September.

The highest rate per 100,000 head of population happened on Monday when the figure reached 274.44

The worst affected neighbourhood is Heslington/University which has had 119 positive test results during the last 7 days.

The least affected area has been Bishopthorpe/Copmanthorpe with 7 cases.

The government has published updated test and trace stats covering the period between 30th September and 7th October. Nearly 1 in 5 of the people who were tested in York were found to have the virus. The positivity rate is continuing to increase.

The government claims that it has traced 67% of contacts in the City since test & trace started in May. The York Council has announced plans to set up its own contact tracing service. It is expected to be operational next week.

York subject to Tier 2 restrictions

The City is to be added to the areas with “Tier 2” restrictions. Given the recent increase in case numbers in parts of the City, the decision is not unexpected.

The restrictions are effective from 00:01 this Saturday morning

Tier 2 restrictions will mean

  • All businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a Covid-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law, such as nightclubs and adult entertainment venues
  • Certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am. Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-thru
  • Schools, universities and places of worship remain open
  • Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees
  • Organised indoor sport and exercise classes can continue to take place, provided the Rule of Six is followed
  • The “Rule of Six” will continue to apply outdoors and in private gardens
  • People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
  • People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport

Some may feel that the move comes too late and should include further restrictions on travel, the closure of more leisure venues, schools returning to the arrangements seen in the Spring with other educational facilities being quarantined.

York Council coalition majority down to one

York Green Party launch Local Shops For Local People directory | York Press
Cllr Taylor

The LibDem/Green coalition which currently runs the York Council has had its majority reduced to one, following the resignation from the Green Party of controversial Councillor Dave Taylor.

Cllr Taylor, a former Lord Mayor, attracted a lot of criticism following disparaging comments that he made about football icon Jack Charlton.

Cllr Tayler has circulated a letter giving the reasons for his departure from the Green Party.

Before I resign from the Green Party I would like to pay tribute to Andy D’Agorne who has been my friend and mentor as a Councillor in Fishergate. I hope he will, at least, remain my friend as we continue to serve the residents of Fishergate.

However, I have decided to leave the Green Party after its miserable and disappointing decision to suspend me over the Charlton comment. Might I suggest that the next time you see a friend being given a kicking by a bunch of football hooligans that you give them your aid rather than cravenly join in with the thugs giving them a kicking.

But political parties are not our friends… any more than are our employers. A lesson has been learned.

I would like to thank the members who contacted me with messages of support, and those critical of the party’s decision to suspend me. That meant a lot to me, but there are some other relationships within York Green Party which are now irretrievably broken and so I must tender my resignation. I bid the party farewell and offer you all my best wishes in pursuing environmental and social justice.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Taylor
Councillor for Fishergate

It is understood that Cllr Taylor will continue to represent the Fishergate ward as an Independent for the remainder of his term of office.