We revealed last September that secret payments had been made to various Directors at the City of York Trading company.
This is the Council owned company which “sells” surplus resources mainly to Council Departments and schools. It was an invention of the last Labour administration and replaced an internal system where, potentially redundant, surplus staff were used to back-fill vacancies.
The Council tonight will consider tonight an auditor’s reportinto discrepancies with the payments.
Effectively the report simply confirms what most residents had worked out. That, by 2014, the governance systems of the York Council had broken down.
No officer or Councillor has accepted responsibility for the irregularities which seem to have arisen over a misjudged attempt by the Council Leadership to buy the loyalty of senior officials.
The new regime – elected last May – was very slow to recognise the inadequacies of its relationships with its QUANGO partners. It even made the mistake of endorsing a new one (Made in York) without setting up adequate performance monitoring arrangements.
Now the agendafor a York City Trading shareholders meeting has been published.
Unfortunately all the information reports are marked as “confidential” and are not available to taxpayers
With council-funded micro grants helping 1,114 small businesses to adapt through the pandemic, the council is proposing to invest £100k to support the safe return of business-led events and festivals.
An independent evaluation of the micro grants’ impact shows that, since their introduction in March 2020, 294 businesses were saved from closure and that 635 businesses were helped to diversify or adapt their products and services.
The micro grants totalled £1.14m and supported small, micro and one-person York businesses – including self-employed people – affected by COVID-19 restrictions but not eligible for the existing Government grants. Alongside the grants, they were also given a year’s membership of the Federation of Small Businesses (FBS).
This scheme has helped protect many local jobs and support businesses to become more resilient. The scheme also inspired the Government’s own programme of Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG).
The additional expected ARG funding is set to be partly used to safely reintroduce many of the city’s regular events and festivals. Events before and after Christmas, such as the Food and Drink Festival, Ice Trail, Jorvik Viking Festival and York Design Week usually rely on sponsorship and commercial support, much of which is depleted. To support the delivery of these local business-led events across the city, the Council’s Executive will discuss allocating £100k from the ARG funding later next week.
Of the small and micro businesses which received the council’s micro grant, 30% of them were interviewed to find out about the grants’ impact. Of those interviewed:
35% used the grant to invest in equipment, technology or materials
25% used it to digitalise the business
17% used it for marketing
294 business said they’d been at risk of closing but the grant had helped them avoid that
57% respondents said the business provides the main household income
10% mentioned the positive impact the grants had had on their wellbeing
To celebrate Europe Day on Sunday May 9th, York for Europe is publishing a new trail “York in Europe, Europe in York”.
York has always been in the heart of Europe. Whilst Roman Eboracum and Viking Jorvik are all around us, many more countries of Europe have their markers in the city to the present day.
The trail explores York’s wide European heritage – through buildings, businesses, communities, individual stories and belongings.
The trail starts with three key points of York’s European connections, which merit a special visit in themselves: the old trading rivers of the Ouse and Foss, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, and the National Railway Museum which exhibits our historic and modern rail links across the Channel.
The trail then moves on to highlight 19 individual European countries present in York today, from Italy to Iceland, France to Finland, Portugal to Poland, Sweden to Slovakia and Norway to the Netherlands – allowing of course for the changes of country names and borders over time. The compilers of the trail offer an “apology” to York’s Romans and Vikings: since they are already visible everywhere, they are side-lined a little to allow the limelight onto other countries. However, they are still there in some remarkable personal items they left behind.
Sketch maps of the trail as well as a list of the countries in the trail with their numbered sites are attached.
York for Europe hopes that York people will enjoy a different way of looking at their city with perhaps some surprises, that our fellow European residents in York will find their longer history here, and that tourists from mainland Europe will have fun finding out if a bit of their country is built into York.
No more COVID-19 hospital deaths have been announced today
Test results
6 additional positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total to 12,162.
We seem to be seeing a post Easter spike in positive test results. This will translate into a higher infection rate next week.
There is one fewer case in York today compared to yesterday.
The rate /100k population has fallen to 11.40. It is likely to fall to under 10 over the next couple of days before rising.
The infection rate in York remains well below the regional and national averages
Neighbourhoods
Updated figures
Vaccinations
Tests
3374 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 5th April
Of these, 0.6% were positive. This is the same rate as the previous period.
In addition 1487 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted.
Business grants
York Council update on payments of restart grants
Restart Grants will be paid into eligible non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation and leisure business bank accounts next week, following Government rules on fraud checks.
Eligible businesses that have already qualified for payments from other grant programmes do not need to reapply, and will automatically be paid if they are eligible.
Restart Grants will be paid during w/c 12 April, and land with businesses bank accounts within 3 working days.
New businesses that started trading between 5 January and 1 April may also qualify for Restart Grants. These Businesses only can apply online through the council website from Monday 12th April.
Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance said:
Our staff at City of York Council are once again working extremely hard to ensure that payments are made quickly to eligible businesses.
“We’re grateful for businesses patience, and hope the fast payments help them to bounce back from such a tough year.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning said:
We’re working with partners across York to support a safe and successful reopening of the city.
“Fast payment of grants has been a key part of our ongoing job retention and business support work in the city. Alongside creating outdoor space and processing pavement café licenses, efficient grant support will ensure that local businesses are in the best position to reopen their doors once it is safe to do so.
“I’d like to thank all local businesses for their efforts in providing a safe and welcoming experience for customers, and wish them well as they reopen throughout the roadmap.
“I’d also like to thank all those residents who continue to support York’s local businesses and the jobs they provide by shopping local.”
The Restart Grant is a one-off grant and was announced as part of the Budget on 3 March 2021. Further information on the Restart Grant scheme, including how to apply can be found online.
If your business still falls through the cracks of government schemes, please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.
The latest ONS figures, covering the number of deaths of York residents attributable to COVID-19, have been published.
During the week ending 26th March NO fatalities were recorded.
This is the first week since 2nd October 2020 when there has been a zero death toll.
Since the start of the pandemic there have been 125 deaths in care homes in the City, 219 in hospitals, 21 at home and 8 in a hospice.
In total the pandemic has seen 373 fatalities among York residents.
One additional death was announced by the York Hospital Trust today. The fatality occurred on Tuesday (6th April)
Test Results
Six more positive test results gave been announced today. That brings the cumulative total up to 12,225
Case numbers in the City have fallen from 39 to 33.
As anticipated the infection rate /100k population figure has fallen back to 15.67 today. Further reductions are likely over the next two or three days
We seem to have established a virtuous circle now now with fewer opportunities for transmission of the virus – a result of good social distancing and the vaccination programme.
As a result, the decline in case numbers is paralleling the rate of reduction seen in May and June last year (towards the end of “Wave 1” of the pandemic).
See comparator graph below.
Neighbourhoods
Only two neighbourhoods now have a case rate over 50. In addition, there is one neighbourhood with a rate between 10 and 50.
The 21 other areas all now have fewer than 3 cases. Several now have zero cases.
Vaccinations
People in the 40 -49 age group should start to get invitations to be vaccinated from next week
3799 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 3rd April 2021.
Of these, 0.7% proved to be positive. This is the same proportion as was recorded on the previous day.
2828 “lateral flow” tests were also undertaken on 7th April 2021
Hospitals
More good news as the number of COVID-19 patients, being cared for by the York Hospital Trust, has fallen below 20. The number in intensive care has halved to just one.
Police praise for Bank Holiday behaviour in North Yorkshire
Covid response: Please keep up “amazing effort” as we move to Step 2 of the Road Map Out of Lockdown on 12 April
Superintendent Mike Walker is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the Coronavirus and he also chairs the multi-agency North Yorkshire Local Resilience Partnership. These are his comments about the past week’s Covid-19 related issues including the Easter weekend…
Whilst the long bank holiday weekend was busy throughout the area, there was very little in way of police incidents or issues linked to Covid-19.
We only had to issue 11 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) during this period. All were for indoor gathering breaches, of which 10 occurred in Scarborough.
In total since the easing of the lockdown on 29 March, 14 FPNs have been issued. No incidents of note have been flagged-up during the past week.
It is pleasing that the rightfully careful and cautious Step 1 of the Government’s Road Map Out of Lockdown has gone well in our area.
This is testament to the outstanding partnership working we have in North Yorkshire and the City of York, plus the invaluable support from our communities who have experienced the collective effort to keep everyone safe during the pandemic.
As we move to Step 2 of the road map on Monday 12 April, it is now more important than ever to keep following the health protection measures while the vaccination programme is rolled out.
There is still no mixing of households allowed indoors until at least 17 May under Step 3, and the ‘rule of 6’ or two households remains in place regarding outdoor gatherings, including in private gardens.
Our policing teams will be promoting adherence to these rules while on targeted and highly visible patrols.
We will continue to use our ‘4 Es’ approach to engage with the public, explain the regulations, encourage compliance, and enforce only as a last resort when a blatant breach has occurred.
Officers and PCSOs will also be on hand to support our local authority, trading standards and licensing partners during checks on businesses such as pubs and restaurants, who be able to provide outdoor hospitality from 12 April.
This is clearly very welcome progress from the extremely worrying situation we faced just a few short months ago.
Our message to everyone is to keep up this amazing effort. Please keep doing all you can to reduce the risk of catching Covid-19 or unwittingly spreading the virus to others.
No further COVID-19 deaths at the York hospital were announced today
Test results
Three additional positive test results were announced today. They bring the cumulative case total to 12,201
The number of cases has increased from 63 to 64 today.
The infection rate per 100k population figure has edged up to 30.39 today. However it is now on course to fall below the 25.0 benchmark over the weekend.
Infection rates at all levels across the country have remained fairly stable today
Neighbourhoods
Little change today at neighbourhood level with most areas now having fewer than 3 cases.
We may next week – if the expected decline in case numbers continues – have to introduce exception reporting (listing only those neighbourhoods with over 3 cases). The government stats feed doesn’t list the case numbers by neighbourhood where they are below 3.
Vaccinations
Updated vaccination figures by neighbourhood have been published, They cover the period up to 28th March
+NB. Populations vary in different neighbourhoods
As at 30th March 52,9% (92,113) of the City’s adult population had received their first vaccination and a further 5.70% (9,857) had been given their second jab
Tests
4429 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 27th March 2021.
Of these, 1.7% were positive. That is slightly more than the 1.6% found the previous day.
In addition, 2866 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 31st March 2021
York Hospital Trust COVID-19 patient numbers
Lockdown eases with mixed results
Good weather over the last couple of days, coupled with an easing of lockdown restrictions, has encouraged people to get out and about.
The golf courses have been busy while beauty spots have also attracted crowds.
However, it has been a mixed picture with anti social behaviour an issue in some parts of the City, litter has accumulated on some parks and fly tipping remains a problem.
The authorities will need to be proactive in managing the next stage of the lockdown exit which is scheduled to take place from 12th April. Any spike in visitor numbers to York could be difficult to control and might prompt an increase in COVID-19 case numbers
Police Covid response:
Plea to be extremely careful this Easter – “We have come too far and made too many sacrifices for this effort to be wasted now”
Chief Inspector Charlotte Bloxham is the silver commander for North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic. These are her comments about the past week’s (22-28 March 2021) Covid-19 related issues, including details around Step 1 of the Government’s Road Map Out Of Lockdown…
From Monday 29 March, as part of the new health protection regulations known as the Steps Regulations, there is no longer any restriction on leaving home without a reasonable excuse. The “stay at home” rule has come to an end.
This means the police’s role in helping to tackle the public health crisis has become much more focused on the revised restrictions around indoor and outdoor gatherings.
For indoor gatherings, the regulations remain the same with only members of the same household allowed to be together, subject to some exceptions including support bubbles and providing care.
Our overriding message is that households still must not mix – there remains a high-risk of infection and we must do all we can to avoid community transmission of the virus.
Outdoor gatherings are governed by “the rule of six” or two households, and these can take place in public spaces and in private gardens with social distancing rules remaining in place.
There are a number of exceptions that we have to take into consideration, including the fact that two households may comfortably exceed six people, and that linked-households – for the purposes of providing care and support – only count as one household.
Clearly, the continued “4 Es” approach of the police – to engage with the public, explain the regulations, encourage compliance, and enforce as a last resort – is vital to help our officers and PCSOs determine whether or not there has been a breach of the regulations.
At this stage, restrictions on businesses remain the same. It is expected that these will begin to be relaxed from 12 April, subject to the Government’s conditions being met including the continued reduction in infections and the successful roll-out of the vaccination programme. North YorkshirePolice will continue to support our local authority, licensing and trading standards partners to ensure businesses comply with the regulations at each step.
International Travel Restrictions are also in place. This means holidaying abroad is not allowed until at least 17 May when it will be reviewed by the Government. An enhanced fixed penalty notice of £5,000 is linked to this breach.
Travel…
With regards to travelling within the country and county, people must minimize travel to reduce the risk of infection. This will be subject to change as part of the roadmap out of lockdown, but not until 12 April at the earliest.
The Government has not defined a distance that would constitute a breach of the regulations, so it is down to each and every person to make a judgement call about if a journey is absolutely necessary and the risks it poses in the context of the public health crisis that we are still facing.
From a policing point of view, we will keep using the “4 Es” approach to engage, explain the regulations, encourage compliance and enforce if there is blatant disregard to the regulations.
Easter holidays…
When it is safe to do so, we will welcome visitors to the county again. However, everyone can expect to see an increased policing presence as we work alongside our partners to help keep the virus at bay in the weeks and months ahead.
Our plea to everyone this Easter is to be extremely careful and to keep following the regulations until it is safe to resume a more normal way of living – we have come too far and made too many sacrifices for this effort to be wasted now.
Latest enforcement data
During the past seven days (22-28 March 2021) we have issued 170Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) – the previous week’s total was 149.
This takes the total to1,980 FPNs during the third lockdown, and3,876 FPNs since the first lockdown on March 2020.
82 were issued to local people and 88 were issued to visitors
80 issued for being outside place of living
11 for outdoor gatherings
76 for indoor gatherings
3 for obstruct/contravene/fail to close business
0 for gathering of more than 15
Broken down into districts, the number of FPNs issues are as follows:
Craven – 0
Hambleton – 20
Harrogate – 23
Richmond – 0
Ryedale – 1
Scarborough – 89
Selby – 3
York – 34
*No notable cases have been brought to our attention this week.
The ONS have updated their weekly monitor of the number of deaths among York residents from COVID-19.
During the week ending 19th March 2021 two residents lost their lives. Both were hospital patients.
There were no deaths in care homes.
No further deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today.
It is now two weeks since the last hospital fatality in York
Test results
Five additional positive test results have been announced today. That brings the total up to 12,198
Citywide case numbers have fallen from 67 to 63 today. There may be a small rise tomorrow before numbers are expected to fall to a 2021 low on Saturday
The infection rate per 100k population figure has fallen to 29.91 today. There now appears to be a real possibility – for the first time in 2 weeks – that a downward trend in infection rates will resume over the Easter period.
For the first time in over a week, infection rates have fallen today at City, county, regional and national levels.
Neighbourhoods
16 York neighbourhoods now each have fewer than 3 cases
There has been a modest increase in infection numbers in the Holgate and Westfield neighbourhoods
Vaccinations
As at 28 March, 91,467 people in York had received their first dose of the vaccine, an estimated 52.6% of the adult population.
9,222 people have received both doses of the vaccine, accounting for an estimated 5.3% of the adult population.
For the first time yesterday at a national level, more people received their second dose than received their first dose of vaccine.
Tests
4,399 people in York had PCR tests during the week ending 26th March 2021
Of these, 1.6% were positive. That is an improvement on yesterdays figure of 1.8%
858 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 30th March 2021
Hospitals
There has been a further drop in the number of patients being treated for COVID-19 by the York Hospital Trust
What to do over Easter
This is what the Council is recommending for the Easter holidays. The weather is expected to become cooler and most lockdown RESTRICTIONS ARE STILL IN PLACE
Council updates businesses on the restart grant payments
Restart Grants will start being paid to York businesses from w/c 12th April after the government confirmed it would transfer money to local authorities after the Easter weekend.
The council continues to prioritise paying government grants into the bank accounts of qualifying businesses as quickly as possible.
April sees the next phase of grant payments with restart grants being paid to non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation and leisure businesses that are liable for business rates. Businesses that have already qualified for payments from other grant programmes do not need to reapply, and will automatically be paid if they are eligible.
New businesses that started trading between 5 January and 1 April may qualify for restart grants. They can apply through the claim form on the council website, which will be available from Monday 12 April.
Eligible business who have not yet applied for Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) funding must do so before 31 March 2021. See details of available business grants and check if you’re eligible online. After this date businesses will not be able to apply for the ARG grant, but those who have already qualified will continue to receive payments from April onwards in line with roadmap periods.
All qualifying businesses liable for business rates will continue to benefit from business rates relief as previously announced in the March Budget.
Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance said:
Throughout the pandemic we have prioritised keeping businesses as up to date on the process as we can and in getting payments to them as quickly as possible.
“We are now over a year on since the first lockdown and it has been an incredibly challenging year for us all. We continue to be incredibly grateful to the business community for their understanding and support and to our council staff who are working tirelessly to get each payment into the bank accounts of businesses as soon as possible. We expect these payments to be made from 12 April but as ever will keep businesses updated.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for the economy and strategic planning said:
Many businesses are seeking to re-open as safely as possible, and the council is committed to supporting local businesses through this process.
“The finance team is working hard to ensure that as soon as Government funding is received, payments are made to business’ accounts. We know that the quick payment of these grants is essential for eligible businesses. This is why I have recently written to the Secretary of State to urge for the current system to be streamlined to ensure businesses receive payments as quickly as possible.”
“We continue to update our website with the latest information and eligibility criteria for certain support online.
“Any businesses who have fallen through the cracks of government support please get in touch with us as soon as possible on email: economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.”
Shielding lifts after 1 April as infection rates fall
Clinically extremely vulnerable people in York are being reassured that help is still to hand as, from Thursday 1 April shielding will stop, as virus infection rates continue to fall.
Affected residents will be getting updated guidance from the Government asking them to take extra precautions to reduce their risk of infection from Covid-19. These set out practical steps to reduce the risk of catching the virus, including continuing to maintain strict social distancing and to keep overall social contacts at low levels, such as working from home where possible.
The move follows the first dose vaccination of more than 9 in 10 clinically extremely vulnerable people as well as a steady decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations for the last few weeks. People aged 16 or older who have been advised they are clinically extremely vulnerable and who haven’t had their first vaccination should book it via the NHS website. Please take up the second dose of the vaccine when it is offered to further increase your level of protection.
York’s community hubs and the network of food deliverers will continue to offer support. Anyone already registered for priority access to supermarket delivery slots will to be able to access them until 21 June 2021.
Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:
Shielding helps safeguard those who are the most clinically vulnerable in our communities. We recognise how difficult this period has been for so many and the impact it has had on people’s wellbeing.
“Being able to lift shielding is testament to the efforts of everyone in the city in stopping the spread of the virus. It means people can start thinking about easing up on the more rigid guidelines and begin going out more. To keep York open and the people we love safe, please continue to observe hands, face, space.
“We are still here to help. Our community hubs can support anyone who needs it, whether to talk to someone or to collect essentials. Please call 01904 551550 or email covid19help@york.gov.uk if you need support.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health at City of York Council, said:
Thank you to everyone who has shielded or has helped someone who is shielding: we know how challenging and worrying this period has been for individuals and families.
“Whilst this is another positive step in the road to normal we all still need to be careful. If you have been shielding, please continue to take extra precautions after 1 April to keep yourself as safe as possible.
“No vaccine is 100% effective. Even if you have had both doses, there is still no absolute guarantee that you will not become ill from Covid-19, so please remember hands, face, space.”
According to the government’s web site the cumulative number of positive test results in the City remains at 12,176 today.
However, the profile of when the positive results were recorded has changed. They are recording a zero increase in cases today. The rejigging of the figures has resulted in 15 positive results being recorded on 25th March. If correct, this would be the highest single day figure recorded in the City since 9th March.
The number of cases in the City has increased from 65 to 68 (7 day moving average) That is the second day in a row that there has been an increase
The rate /100k population has increased to 32.29.
The revisions to the incidence of positive test results has also impacted elsewhere. There has been a big reduction in case numbers in North Yorkshire.
Case numbers at reginal level continue to increase.
The national rate is stable
Neighbourhoods
The increase in case number sin Holgate East has continued. There are now 11 cases there. That is up from 1 in less than a week.
Elsewhere infection numbers are fairly stable.
Vaccinations
Tests
4599 PCR tests were carried out in York duirng the week ending 22nd March 2021
1.5% of the tests were positive. That represents and increase over the previous days figure of 1.3%
1668 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 26th March
Hospitals
Latest capacity figures from York Hospital Trust
Council plans for reopening the “High Street”
original allocations
The Council has revealed more of its plans to fund the reopening of the City centre to visitors. An initial programme had been discussed earlier in the month (click)
At a behind closed doors meeting, officials have now allocated funds to the following projects
The allocation of £45k to the BID to deliver College Green and general outdoor seating across the city centre
The allocation of £60k to Make It York to deliver Parliament Street seating area and £4.5k for the associated toilets
The allocation of a single budget of up to £20k to allow Make It York and the BID to operate shared security and waste collections across all city centre wide projects
The College Green outdoor activity area is set to return
The plans singularly fail to address the issues faced by suburban shopping areas. Not for the first time, the Front Street area has been snubbed.
What’s on at Easter
Guide to some leisure options available this Easter holiday click
Grant support provided to more than 3,500 businesses
During the last quarter more than 3,500 companies received grant support from City of York Council.
As the nation marks one year of unprecedented changes for residents as well as businesses, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning has received an update on the economic support provided during the last quarter.
The focus for the council’s economic team has been quick and efficient payments of any business support grants for affected businesses, helping to protect jobs and secure the future for the diverse collection of independent businesses in the city.
City of York Council continue to provide grant support to more than 3,500 companies, accounting for more than half of the city’s businesses, which is a significantly higher proportion in comparison to other local councils. The Council’s focus has been getting support grants to those who are entitled to receive them quickly and efficiently, as well as focussing discretionary grants on the small and micro businesses that need them most. Funding provided through the 2020 microgrant scheme and the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) has helped over 1,200 businesses to adapt to challenges, and supported the diverse community of microbusiness in York. These businesses have been at the heart of the response in York, with payments received earlier than in other areas.
The report considered by the Executive member shows how York continues to be the city with the lowest percentage increase in unemployment, with cities including Bradford, Hull and Birmingham having seen unemployment rise at nearly 3 times the rate that York has experienced.*
To further support job retention and creation in the city, the Council has endorsed proposals put forward by the city’s Skills and Employment Board to tackle the immediate impact of the pandemic.
One-year plan: Skills for Employment in York, sets out how the city needs to respond to the changing skills and training needs of the city post-pandemic. The aim is to ensure that residents and businesses have the necessary skills and training support to meet their needs, helping York’s economy to recover, and grow, over the coming years.
There has been one hospital COVID death has been announced today.
It occurred yesterday and is the first recorded since 7th March.
Hospital deaths from COVID are falling across the country as the vaccination programme reduces risks
Test results
Ten additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total up to 12.081
The number of cases in the City has fallen by five from 105 to 100.
The rate /100k population has fallen again and is now 47.48. There is a good chance that, when tomorrows figures are confirmed, we will see a record 2021 low infection rate.
While the infection rate in York is now falling again, it is continuing to creep up at county (North Yorkshire) and regional (Yorkshire) levels. It is stable at national (England) level.
Neighbourhoods
Eighteen of York’s 24 neighbourhoods now have infection rates below the national average
Tests
4019 PCR test were conducted in the City during the week ending 12th March 2021
Of these, 1.5% were positive. That is an improvement on the previous days figure of 1.7%
2134 “lateral flow” test were also carried out on 16th March
Council plans
The Council have provided more information on their plans for lateral flow testing over the next few weeks.
With the return of all pupils to school and college, from 8th March the Government introduced Community Collect for school bubbles. This means that anyone with a child at school can access lateral flow tests for the rest of the family (adults) via community collect. In York, this means collection of test kits in the afternoon from the Poppleton Bar drive through site, or the Wentworth Way walk-in site. There is also an option for people to have kits posted to them if they are unable to travel to the collection point.
In future the Council propose to adopt a “dual approach whereby our test centres can offer tests for those that want it, as well as provide community collect for people choosing this route. The test centres can also offer a demonstration of testing, or the ability to answer questions from people wishing to do home testing but requiring more guidance“.
It remains unclear how workers in the retail and hospitality sector will be tested prior to and during the more general lifting of trading restrictions which is expected to occur from 12th April.
There is no update report from local Universities provided for today’s outbreak board meeting (see below). Information is provided on testing at York College and Askham Bryan agricultural college
Vaccinations
Over 100,000 doses of vaccine have now been administered at the Askham Bar centre
As at 14.3.21, 74,887 CYC residents had received the first dose and 3,550 had received both doses
Council to contact trace all positive cases in York
City of York Council will now do all local contact tracing of residents who have tested positive for Coronavirus, working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace.
The council has been working with the national test and trace system so that the council to take over the service fully. The agreement means York’s local public health team will now get in touch to offer advice and local support via contact tracing for all York residents who test positive for Coronavirus. Close contacts will then be followed up by the national system.
Over the past five months, York has been running its own local contact tracing system, in order to contact those people in the city that the national service could not. This work has meant in York 90.2% of Coronavirus cases are contacted, and it is hoped that this success can be built on moving forward.
Previously the national test and trace system tried to call in the first 24 hours and if they were unsuccessful, they would then pass the details to local contact tracers to support.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:
Today’s announcement follows the hard work of our public health team to speak to and support residents who have tested positive in the city, following lobbying efforts from the city’s Outbreak Management Advisory Board.
“People who are contacted will be advised to isolate, and then one of our public health team members will be in contact to discuss support available to them, as well as the details of their close contacts, so this can then be followed up by national test and trace service.
“Our local contact tracing service has already had great success in the city, so it is welcome that we can now get going with contacting all positive cases to check they are ok, offer support and ultimately, help stop the spread of the virus.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health at City of York Council said:
This is exciting news and will mean our highly skilled team can speak to all positive cases and provide the necessary help, whilst identifying close contacts. It also means we can contact people quickly after the test result.
“The service runs seven days a week, with residents being contacted using a local (01904) phone number. Text messages will also be sent to people with mobile phones telling them to expect a call. If this is still unsuccessful, then a home visit will be made, and if no-one is at home, a letter with details of how to contact the team will be delivered to those advised to isolate, following Covid-19 guidelines.
“Please pick up the phone if we get in touch. Our tracers prioritise people’s wellbeing and ensuring they can access any necessary local support. We are hugely grateful to everyone following the guidance and self-isolating when necessary. It does make a difference and save lives and why it is so important to let them know about the local support available as well as identify close contacts to stop the virus from spreading.”
Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said:
I congratulate City of York Council for participating in this pilot to further support the collective effort to tackle the spread of the virus and break chains of transmission.
“Our partnership with local authorities has now seen us reach more people than ever before and supporting them to self-isolate, many of whom might otherwise have unknowingly spread the virus to their loved ones.
“Local authorities’ unique knowledge of their communities is invaluable as we work together to stop the spread of the virus, and with the support of the national tracing service their involvement will continue to strengthen our contact tracing work. As we come out of lockdown, the role of tracing and the support for people to self-isolate is ever more important and I am very proud of everything that we are achieving together.”
TWO additional hospital deaths announced today. Brings the cumulative death toll at the York Hospital Trust since 1st September to 199.
Test results
ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE new positive test results announced today. Cumulative total is now 9946.
Rate /100k population reduces to 580.7. That is the lowest rate seen in the City since 3rd January.
The infection rate is trending to go below 500 within the next two days.
Case numbers are reducing at all levels although York remains above the national, regional and county averages.
Hospitals
The latest available figures show that the York Hospital Trust was caring for 156 COVID patients on 12th January. Of these 6 were in mechanical ventilation beds.
Neighbourhoods
Further reduction in case numbers across the City. Down from1271 to 1223.
Infection rate now reducing in west York.
Vaccinations
Nationwide 3,559,179 people have received a doze of vaccine. The second dose total is 447,261
York Council commentary on COVID trends
The Council progress report on open data has been updated
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 11.1.21 there had been 317 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 653 in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.
• As at 13.1.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 958.5 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,772 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 14.1.21 York has had 9,722 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 4,615.9 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (5,035.5) and regional (5,284.7) averages.
• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the no. of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (11.1.21) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 6.1.21 to 12.1.21 in York is 541.26 (using data published on Gov.uk on 14.1.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.1.21 to 9.1.21 was 657.6. The national and regional averages at this date were 622.3 and 318.7 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 14.1.21).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.1.21 to 9.1.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 500.3. The national and regional averages were 465 and 240.7 respectively.
• As at 11.1.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 14.62%. The national and regional averages are 15.5% and 10.5% respectively.
• As at 11.1.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.7%. The national and regional averages are 1.7% and 0.9% respectively.
• As at 12.1.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 15.6%. The national and regional averages were 16.7% and 11.6% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 8.1% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 17.1% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE
• As at 14.1.21 York University reported 35 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.
• As at 12.1.21 York St. John reported 17 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 8,673 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 7,747 of the cases have been completed (89.3%). 21,364 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 15,398 of these have been completed (72.1%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 8.1.21, 597 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 574 of the referrals (96.1%) have been actioned and 23 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 399 were successful and 152 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 14.1.21 there were 15 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).
• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 13.1.21 (2 homes).
• In the 7 days up to 10.1.21 there were 95 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 38 different schools). NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 13.1.21 there were 121 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 12.1.21 was 116
• As at 13.1.21 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 11.1.21 were 5 and 0 respectively.
• As at 13.1.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 6 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
• As at 13.1.21 there had been 0 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours
R Number
• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 8.1.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.1 to 1.4. The previous estimate was (0.9 to 1.1) on 23.12.20.
Vaccinations
• In England between 8.12.20 and 13.1.20, 2,910,027 vaccinations had been administered (2,494,371 first dose and 415,656 second dose). Data at Regional level is available for the period 8.12.20 to 10.1.21 and 433,045 vaccinations were administered in this period in the North East and Yorkshire Region.
Deaths
The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it enables a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 1st January 2020 and registered up to 9th January 2021, 230 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (120 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 13 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 109.2 which is lower than the national average of 135.6. There have been 58 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 13 weeks (Weeks 41 to 53).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS): Between week 2 and week 53 there were a total of 165 ‘excess deaths’ in York in 2020 compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 18 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 27 fewer deaths in weeks 22-53.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 11.1.21 (for deaths occurring up to 6.1.21), a cumulative total of 225 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 81.96, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 109 of the 225 were male (48.4%), less than the national average (55.2%). 83 people (36.49%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 24.85%). In addition 19 people (8.3%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
Stay home and save lives this weekend
City of York Council would like to thank local residents, businesses and communities for doing their part to stop the spread of the virus in York.
The council is urging everyone to stay at home, where possible, to protect the NHS and save lives in our city.
With cases still high in the city, residents are being reminded to act as if they and others have the virus, in order to prevent further transmission from those who do not have symptoms.
This weekend, residents are advised to avoid congregating to chat in crowds or groups outdoors and to avoid queues where you can’t socially distance. Our best defence against COVID-19 is to minimise our contact with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. If you need to leave the home for essential reasons, please remember hands, face, space to protect yourself and those you love.
Avoiding unnecessary journeys doesn’t mean we can’t also support our hard working local businesses. Many businesses now offer delivery of food and goods, and a list can be found on the Live Well York website which residents are encouraged to share and print if neighbours can’t access it online at www.livewellyork.co.uk/fooddeliveries
About 1 in 3 people with coronavirus have no symptoms, and will be spreading the virus without realising. The Council has recently expanded its symptom-free testing offer to include anyone living or working in York who is unable to work from home during the lockdown and who come into contact with other people during the course of their work, including staff working in education and early years settings and those in factories or working in construction. Symptom-free testing continues to be offered to those who support the most vulnerable in the city, to school pupils who are eligible to attend school and to teachers who will be working in schools.
You should not book a rapid test if you have coronavirus symptoms, instead you should self-isolate and book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus , or calling 119.
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of the council, said;
“I would like to thank local residents and businesses for yet again rising to the challenge and demonstrating the strong community spirit in York.
“We must continue to work together the stop the spread of the virus, in order to keep the people we love safe and not overwhelm our NHS.
“With the new variant of COVID-19 now apparent in the majority of new positive cases in York, we must all remain vigilant. Our collective efforts of following public health guidance will help flatten the curve of cases in York.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said;
“In York, around 75% of all new positive cases of COVID-19 are of the new variant.
“What we know about this new variant is that it is thought to be around 70% more transmissible than what we were dealing with earlier last year. This means that everyone needs to practice extra caution with hygiene and ask themselves if their journey or interaction is absolutely essential, even if it is within the current rules.
“With news that more than one third of people aged 80 and over in England have received at least one dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine as of this week, we can remain hopeful that there is in an end in sight to the current restrictions. However, we still have a fair way to go to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and that case rates are at a much lower level – and this is down to our united efforts to carefully follow the current guidance and stay home.”
Be aware of Covid-related scams
People in York are being urged to guard themselves against a recent spate of scams relating to Covid-19.
Residents have reported receiving fake mobile texts, calls or emails offering vaccine appointments or claim to be about Test and Trace. In most cases the texts and emails contain a link that asks for payment or further personal details.
People in York and the region are being invited to be vaccinated when it’s their turn. They will be invited by the NHS, their local GP practice, or in York by Nimbuscare, a local consortium of 11 GP practices.
NHS vaccines and tests are free, so they will never ask for payment or for an individual’s bank details. Because they already hold individual’s personal details they won’t ask for them either.
Residents are being asked to remember these ways to protect themselves and other people from scams:
Be wary of people selling or offering:
Vaccines or ‘miracle cures’
People calling at your door offering to sell you and give you a vaccine
Shopping or medication collection services
Overpriced or fake goods
Offers to clean your home of coronavirus.
Don’t be rushed but check out what’s being offered:
If you’re unsure, ask family and friends before accepting offers of help
It’s OK to refuse or ignore approaches. If someone tries to pressure or rush you, they are unlikely to be genuine
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
Only buy goods or services from trusted sellers
Think carefully before parting with money or personal information
Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Chair of NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“COVID-19 vaccines are available only on the NHS for free.
“Our staff are currently working their way through vaccinating priority groups in York and the surrounding areas, and people are being invited directly by the local NHS when it’s their turn.
“Anyone asking you to pay for a vaccine is committing a crime. The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and we’ll never ask for payment or for your bank details.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member with responsibility for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:
“The NHS will contact you direct when it is your turn to be vaccinated.
“Preying on people’s worries about Covid-19 at this time is despicable. We understand that people want to do all they can to protect themselves and their loved ones, and we advise caution and checking before sharing any personal information or handing over money.
“If you think you have identified a scam or are suspicious about an approach, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133, or report scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.”
Thousands get symptom free testing in York
Public health leaders in York have thanked the thousands of people who have already accessed symptom-free covid tests in the city.
The latest data shows that 500 secondary school pupils are amongst those who have already taken the tests, who are also attending school.
The tests are one way of helping to reduce the spread of coronavirus, and they are available to anyone (living or working in York) who is unable to work from home and is still going to work. This includes staff working in education and early years, those in factories and construction and other essential sectors.
Testing continues to be offered to those who support the most vulnerable in the city, to secondary school pupils who are eligible to attend school and to teachers who will be working in schools.
The free testing is voluntary and tests are available at sites across the city, all of which have access to good transport links and parking.
Testing appointments are available over the next few days to those eligible and can be booked online.
The tests should be booked regularly (every week), with individuals being tested twice, three days apart.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council:
We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of residents who have booked a test and are continuing to get tested regularly.
“This is of course incredibly important in our efforts to reduce the spread of the virus and I am pleased that we have expanding our testing offer in the city.”
“Alongside testing, we must all continue to follow the latest national guidance in order to relieve pressure from our NHS and ultimately, protect our loved ones.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director for Public Health at City of York Council said:
With around one in three people with coronavirus not showing any symptoms, symptom free testing is a great way of helping to reduce the spread of the virus.
“Working together with partners across the city has enabled us to provide a number of testing sites across the city, so it’s convenient for residents to pop along to get their test. Spaces are available over the next few days and I’d urge anyone who is eligible to get a regular test to help keep people safe.”
Grant boost for York businesses as council deliver grants
York’s businesses will be among the first in the country to receive the latest lockdown grants as the amount of coronavirus business relief distributed by the council tops £140m.
York’s businesses will be among the first in the country to receive the latest lockdown grants as the amount of coronavirus business relief distributed by the council tops £140m.
The council has also published proposals which could extend grant support to even more York-businesses. Hundreds of York business can expect payments by next Wednesday (20 January) after the council issued another £14.5m of grants today, including one-off top-up payments of between £4000 and £9000 for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses.
This means that the council has processed all payments for businesses which it knows are eligible for Local or Lockdown Restrictions Grants until 15 February, the government’s first review date of the current lockdown. The council hopes to complete the Additional Restrictions Grant payments next week. This grant is designed to meet the needs of businesses not forced to close but severely impacted by the lockdown.
On Monday 18 January, the executive member for finance and performance, Cllr Nigel Ayre, and Executive member for economy, Cllr Andrew Waller, will consider proposals to extend support to even more businesses falling through the cracks of government schemes.
Changes include:
Offering grants to businesses which trade almost exclusively in York but are not residents of the area, including many York-licensed taxi drivers and market traders who missed out on previous grants
Giving the small number of B&Bs and hotels who legitimately pay council tax rather than business rates the same level of grant as other accommodation businesses
Giving businesses classed as essential but whose income has disappeared, such as food suppliers to hotels, the same level of grant as retail hotel and leisure businesses forced to close
Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance, said:
We promised York businesses that our team were once again ready to get grants paid faster than the rest of the country.
“Having received the government guidance and funding on Wednesday, the payments have been processed without the need to apply within 48 hours, and will be in business bank accounts by Wednesday. “I’d like to thank our payments team for their commitment to getting this money where it belongs, and our business partners across the city for helping us keep businesses informed and reassure them that the payments and support is on its way.
“While we’ve made the process as simple as possible by automatically paying businesses which have received grants, we know that there will be some who have never applied – I urge them to check the criteria and apply if you qualify on our website.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for economy and strategic planning, said:
Making sure grants get to businesses as quickly and simply as possible has been central to our pandemic response. This protects jobs, the supply chain and the city’s wider economy.
“We’ve also been listening to the city’s businesses and shaped grant schemes to support those which miss out. The Additional Restrictions Grant has helped hundreds of York businesses not forced to close but whose income is devastated by the restriction.
“The changes we’re considering on Monday could extend the support to many new businesses, and offer parity for many more.
“We also know this won’t cover all the need in the city, and we continue to demand more from central government on behalf of York’s business community. I would urge businesses who have fallen through the cracks, to please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk . Thanks to all those who already have – you have already helped us to convince government to improve the support, including extending grants to those in higher value premises.”
The decision session of the executive member for finance and performance takes place at 2pm on Monday. You can view the agenda and find details of how to live stream it here.
We revealed last September that secret payments had been made to various Directors at the City of York Trading company.
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