Coronavirus York updates; 4th January 2020

Deaths and test results

FIVE additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. All occurred on Saturday. That brings the total number of fatalities for that day up to seven – the second highest single day figure seen since the Spring. (NB. There were eight deaths recorded on 28th November)

The total number of causalities at the York and Scarborough hospitals seen since 1st September now stands at 169.

ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY THREE (173) new positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative case total to 7891.

Case rate numbers are continuing to rise in the City.

Current rate /100k population is 428,8.

It is set to rise to at least 523.7

York is now the only City in Yorkshire with a case rate of over 400.

Click to access

Neighbourhood figures now reflect the post Christmas surge in case numbers

The continuing increase in case numbers will lead to further pressure on the authorities to provide an analysis of test and trace results.

The linkages to the sources of infections need to be published at a level which makes it possible for residents to make their own decisions about what constitutes a risky destination.

We understand that inter family contacts have been regarded as the principle transmission source but recent agonising about reopening schools, keeping only “essential” shops open and providing access to indoor gyms would at least seem to be worthy of public comment.

The government weekly infection bulletin identified the main transmission locations as (in order) ;

  • Education settings
  • Workplaces
  • Hospitals

Age profile of cases in York

York Press:
Shows the rate of people in York with at least one positive Covid-19 test result (either lab-reported or lateral flow device) per 100,000 population in the rolling 7-day period ending on the dates shown, by age

Winter woes – time to report problems with ice

The arrival of icy weather will put additional pressures on some public services.

Snow brings problems as well as scenic relief

The recent snowfall, and subsequent icy road and footpath surfaces, means the the gritters have been out working full time.

There was even a promise from the Council this year that cycle path would be salted but so far this seems to have been sporadic. The Tadcaster Road cycle path, for example, was icy earlier this week.

Click to access map of gritting routes and salt bin locations

Some Councillors have reported that they have been out checking local salt bins. They have found some empty, some “solid” & some contaminated with rubbish

We’re not sure that this audit has been completed everywhere though.

With Council resources stretched by the pandemic, this is an activity where residents can help by checking their local salt bin and by removing any litter.

Please let your local Councillor know if a bin needs filling.

Ice and frost will also have a major impact on poorly maintained road and footpath surfaces.

We’ve recently reported potholes on Askham Lane (near the A1237 roundabout) and on Foxwood Lane (near the Thanet Road Sports Area).

There are likely to be many more examples around the City. The sooner the potholes are filled in the less damage will occur (and the safer our roads will be).

We urge residents to use the 24/7 “report it” system (click) to highlight any concerns to the Council