Coronavirus York updates; 8th March 2021

Deaths

One additional death has occurred at the York Hospital Trust. It took place on Saturday

Test results

Twenty additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total up to 11,979

The number of cases in the City has reduced from the 105 seen yesterday to 96 today.

The infection rate /100k population has fallen to 45.58. This is the lowest rate seen since 21st September 2021.

However, no further fall in the infection rate is expected before the end of the week.

Neighbourhoods

There has been a big reduction in the number of cases in South Bank/Dringhouses.

No neighbourhood now has an infection rate above 200.

Sixteen of York’s 22 neighbourhoods now have fewer than 4 cases in each

Vaccinations

Tests

4070 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 3rd March 2021.

Of these, 2.1% were positive. This represents a reduction on the previous days figure of 2.4%

3403 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 7th March.

Hospitals

York Hospital Trust is treating 50 confirmed and suspected Covid-19 in patients. Case numbers peaked at 242 on January 26. Six Covid patients are in intensive care. A total of 2,036 Covid patients have been discharged since the start of the pandemic.

University Students

There is no general return to in person learning for university students, other than those studying specialist courses such medicine/health, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Education and Social work

Many students have, of course, remained in York during the lockdown.

The only change is that, from today, in-person learning can resume for students who are studying practical or practice-based (including creative arts) subjects and need specialist equipment and facilities.

The Government has said that it will review, by the end of the Easter holidays, the options for timing the return of remaining students.

More here

University of York here

Catalytic converter theft suspects in custody thanks to York resident’s vigilance

Two men have been arrested in connection with catalytic converter theft in York this morning.

At 3am today, a member of the public called North Yorkshire Police reporting suspicious activity in the Dringhouses area of the city.

Officers responded immediately, and a short time later located a red Honda Civic near Wetherby. The car was stopped and searched, and a catalytic converter and a number of tools were found in the boot.

A Honda Civic stopped in connection with catalytic converter theft in York
A catalytic converter in the boot of car stopped by police

Two men inside, aged 29 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of theft and vehicle interference. They remain in custody at this time. The vehicle was seized for forensic examination.

Earlier this year, North Yorkshire Police launched an operation to clamp down on catalytic converter thefts in York, after an increase in these incidents. High prices for precious metals and the popularity of hybrid vehicles are believed to be two of the factors behind the increase.

At the time, Sgt Laura Cromwell said: “While overall vehicle crime in York is low, catalytic converter theft is an increasingly common crime in our area. That’s why we’ve increased patrols, and are urging residents to take steps to protect their vehicles. If you notice suspicious activity around vehicles, contact the police – if you have information, call 101, and if a crime is in progress, call 999 immediately.”

Since the launch of the operation, high-visibility, proactive patrols, linked to ANPR and police intelligence, have make it increasingly difficult for criminals to operate in the city undetected.

Meanwhile, motorists are being urged to continue taking extra precautions to protect their vehicles:

  • Park your car in a locked garage where possible, or a well-lit and populated area
  • Park close to fences, walls or a kerb, or alongside other vehicles, to make theft more difficult. Avoid parking half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter
  • If you are responsible for a fleet of vehicles, park the low-clearance vehicles to block the high-clearance vehicles and obstruct access underneath
  • Ask your local garage about security measures such as a cage device to lock around the converter, a tilt sensor to activate an alarm if the vehicle is jacked up, or equipment to etch a serial number on the converter itself.
  • If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it to the police. If a crime is in progress, dial 999. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations.

Officers are working closely with local authorities, and posters warning about catalytic converter theft are displayed at locations across the city. In addition, scrap metal dealers in the region are being asked to be on the lookout for people attempting to sell on catalytic converters, and pass any information to the police.