Coronavirus York updates; 23rd December 2020

Deaths and test results

THREE (3) additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Two occurred yesterday and one on 17th Dec. The cumulative death toll has now reached 276.

142 of these have occurred since the start of September.

SEVENTY TWO (72) additional positive test results were announced today. That is fewer than yesterday but the figure suggests that the virus is still spreading quickly in the City.

The cumulative total number of cases seen in the City has now reached 6345

The rate /100k population figure climbed to 115.4 last Friday (the latest available validated data).

It is, however, set to rise to over 163 following 71 new cases being reported on Sunday.

Infections are currently growing at a faster rate than was seen during either the spring or autumn waves.

The latest validated figures (last Friday) for neighbourhoods show some large increases in infection levels.

There are more in the pipeline so extreme caution over Christmas would seem to be the best advice that can be offered to residents living in all parts of York.

The latest figures published by the government confirm that, since the beginning of September and up to 11th December, 37 York residents have lost their lives as a result of the Coronavirus.

Of these, 15 died in care homes, 16 in hospital, 3 at home and 3 at a Hospice.

Commentators will be scanning with interest the new “positivity” figures which are due to be published tomorrow.

The number of P2 tests conducted reached 6309 during the week ending 9th December. 2% of tests produced positive results. The latest results will give an indication of the impact that the third wave of infections is having on the number of local cases.

Please stay safe and look after each other

Amid a sharp rise in cases in York, city leaders are asking for a huge citywide effort to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

In recent days York has seen a substantial increase in the number of positive cases being returned. The positivity rate has increased to 4.09% and the latest validated rate for the period 11.12.20 to 17.12.20 was 103.5.  This figure is expected to increase in the coming days. The council’s provisional rate for of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.12.20 to 20.12.20 in York is 140.5 

The council is asking everyone to do what they can to keep themselves and others safe by:

  • Meeting people outside if you can (if you do see people inside for Christmas keep the windows open to let air flow through and keep it short, keep it local and keep it safe)
  • Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more with soap and water
  • Wear a face covering when in busy public spaces
  • Give people space – 2m is best
  • Self-isolating when asked to by test and trace
  • Getting a symptom-free test if you are eligible (book online)

In the coming days the council’s COVID support marshalls and BID rangers will support North Yorkshire Police’s continued patrolling in the city to help people to stay safe, and will take enforcement measures if necessary.