Coronavirus York updates; 17th April 2021

Deaths

Two additional deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred on Thursday.

Test results

Nine positive test results today as total reaches 12,185.

Not such good news as infection rate starts to climb again in the wake of Mondays easing of restrictions

The number of cases in the City has increased from 24 to 26 today

All but one of the positive test results were from people aged under 60.

The rate /100k population is now 12.35. It is set to climb higher tomorrow (Sunday)

Infection levels have also risen in North Yorkshire, in the region and at national level.

Neighbourhoods

There are now 3 neighbourhoods with infection rates above the national average

21, of the City’s 24, neighbourhoods have fewer than 3 cases in each

Vaccinations

Tests

3991 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 12th April 2021

Of these, 0.6% were positive. That is an increase on the previous days rate of 0.5%

1630 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 16th April 2021

York Council warning

Enjoy our city and stay safe

This Monday saw the opening of dozens of pub gardens, hairdressers, shops and gyms right across York.

As people go out and enjoy the sun, City of York council is still encouraging residents and visitors to stay safe and help protect those around them.

You can play your part by:

  • Keeping socially distanced, and following the rule of six or two households
  • Taking a Covid test twice a week, you can arrange to collect a testing kit or book an in-person test online. All adults are now eligible for these tests symptom-free
  • Wear a face covering in busy public spaces, or in retail areas
  • Wash and sanitise your hands regularly
  • If you have any litter, take it home with you or put it in the bin
  • Respect the measures that local businesses have put in place to reduce the spread of Covid, this includes using the NHS Covid-19 app where appropriate (available for iOS and Android phones)

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of York City Council said:

It’s wonderful to see the buzz return to our city’s streets as so many of our local shops and hospitality venues are able to open their doors again.

“York’s businesses and residents have gone to extraordinary efforts to help us take a step closer to life returning back to normal.

“I would urge residents to support local businesses and stay safe whilst enjoying all that our city has to offer. We must recognise the dangers of complacency and not rest on our laurels by continuing to be vigilant and by practicing hands, face, space. This way, we can help protect not only those around us, but also the progress we’ve made.”

Anita Dobson, Nurse Consultant in Public Health, said:

Even as cases fall and the rate of vaccination rises, it’s imperative that we recognise what has allowed us to get to this point.

“The work done by our communities, businesses and institutions is helping to protect the most vulnerable among us, but Covid-19 still poses a very real threat to public health.

“Maintaining hands, face, space and remembering to keep spaces well ventilated is of upmost importance. I would also urge all those of secondary school age and over to get a symptom free test, twice a week. You can do this at home or in-person, and you can get tests by visiting  the council website or by calling 01904 551559.

“Keeping case numbers down and minimising the spread of the virus is crucial to allowing our wonderful city to open up further. Shop local, stay safe, and keep York open.”

Consultation starts on licensing smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation

Following approval by the council’s executive, the council is starting a consultation on extending licensing to a further 2,000, smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

See the source image

Views on this are being sought from tenants, landlords and partner organisations. Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are shared homes, and include houses and flat shares, student homes and bedsits.

A 10-week consultation is starting on a new licensing scheme to improve the quality of some of York’s less well-managed privately-rented homes.

Extending licensing arrangements for HMOs with three or four occupants would ensure a safer, better-managed and even more professionally run private rented sector. This work would focus on Hull Road, Guildhall, Clifton, Fishergate, Heworth, Micklegate, Osbaldwick & Derwent; and Fulford & Heslington wards.  Landlords would benefit from a level playing field, and be offered additional training in property management which would improve the quality and value of the property and encourage tenants to stay longer.

The consultation will run from 16 April to 27 June 2021 at www.york.gov.uk/HMOConsultation

95.5% of children get their first choice of primary school in York

Image result for school allocation images

Primary school admission figures for entry in September 2021 reveal that 95.5 per cent of York children (1,674 children) have been allocated their first preference of school.

This is an increase of just over one per cent on last year’s figures.

City of York Council’s figures published show that:

  • 99.5 per cent of pupils got one of their five preferences
  • all of the 143 pupils who applied for a place at York’s junior schools (from Year 3) got their first choice

Parents who applied online can find out where their child has been allocated a place by logging into their parent portal account today via www.york.gov.uk/PrimarySchoolAdmissions.

Parents who made written applications will receive a letter confirming their admission arrangements.

Anyone who didn’t receive their first choice of school will also receive written information.

School admissions figures

 We’ve provided this year’s and last year’s admission figures as a comparison.

Primary school figures 2021
PreferenceQuantityPer cent
First167495.5%
Second533.0%
Third140.8%
Fourth20.1%
Fifth10.1%
Other90.5%
Total1753–
Primary school figures 2020
PreferenceQuantityPer cent
First175394.2%
Second633.4%
Third181.0%
Fourth60.3%
Fifth10.1%
Other191.0%
Total1860–
Junior school figures 2021
PreferenceQuantityPer cent
First143100%
Second00%
Third00%
Fourth00%
Fifth00%
Other00%
Total143–
Junior school figures 2020
PreferenceQuantityPer cent
First143100%
Second00%
Third00%
Fourth00%
Fifth00%
Other00%
Total143–


The total size of the cohort starting school in September 2021 is 1,753 pupils, compared to 1,860 last year.

Nine pupils didn’t get any of their preferences. These were largely made up of parents or carers who did not apply for their child’s catchment school – despite being advised to do so – preferring instead to apply for schools a considerable distance from their home.

Councillor Keith Orrell, Executive Member for Education, Children and Young People, said:

I’m delighted that so many children will be able to attend their first choice of primary school this year. Starting primary school is such an exciting milestone. I wish all those starting a new school in September the very best of luck.

Any parent whose children may be eligible for free school meals – one of a number of benefits that come with applying for the pupil premium – should apply through their online account at www.york.gov.uk/ParentPortal.

A new partnership launches in York to tackle underage drinking

A Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) was launched in York on Monday (12 April 2021) to highlight the risks of underage drinking and improve the health and wellbeing of local young people.

York Community Alcohol Partnership logo

CAPs are made up of partnerships between local authorities, police, schools, retailers, neighbourhood groups and health providers, working together to prevent alcohol-related harm to young people and improve the quality of life for residents. 215 schemes have now been launched across England, Scotland and Wales. 

In York, partners include North Yorkshire Police, City of York Council, Licensing, Youth Justice, Youth Commission, schools, alcohol retailers and community organisations.

The CAP will work with youth services and local organisations to provide alcohol-free activities for young people. It will also work with local schools to take a proactive approach to alcohol education and ensure that young people are equipped to make the right decisions about issues including alcohol and drugs and anti-social and criminal behaviour. Working with local retailers aims to help them avoid making underage sales and reduce ‘proxy’ sales where adults buy alcohol for under-18s.

The national CAP annual report, launched at the end of March, shows how this innovative partnership approach has brought significant reductions around the UK in alcohol supply to children, alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and underage street drinking.

Nationally, CAP evaluations for the period 2016-2020 show:

  • 61% average reductions in weekly drinking among 13-16 year olds
  • 99% of retailers passed Challenge 25 compliance test for alcohol sales
  • 86% of retailers did not sell alcohol when they suspected it was a ‘proxy’ sale
  • 50% reduction in young people hanging around shops and asking adults to buy alcohol for them
  • 42% reduction in youth alcohol-related anti-social behaviour

Derek Lewis, chair of Community Alcohol Partnerships, said: “I am delighted to see the launch of a CAP in York.  Underage drinking is associated with school and educational problems, unprotected sex, drug-taking, violence and drinking problems in later life. In just over a decade CAP has set up more than 200 partnerships around the UK and our evaluations show they are having a significant impact on reducing children’s alcohol consumption, improving their health and wellbeing and enhancing the communities where they live.”