ONE additional death announced by the York Hospital Trust today. The fatality occurred on Wednesday.
Test results
ONE HUNDRED and NINETEEN (119) new positive test results announced today. Brings total to 9841
Infection rate continues to decline in the City.
Rate /100k population is now 603.49. Trending down to 500 early next week.
There was a reduction of 114 cases compared to previous days figure.
That is a big improvement but still some way to go before we get back to pre Christmas levels.
Case numbers are continuing to reduce at all levels (City, county, regional and national)
Hospitals
As of 12th January there were 156 Coronavirus patients occupying beds at the York Hospital Trust.
Of these, 6 were in intensive care.
Neighbourhoods
10th January – the latest date on which data was validated – saw reductions in infection levels in many neighbourhoods.
More are now showing in the “blue” category – indicating that they have an infection rate below 400.
There was a reduction in cases in the Westfield area but a small increase in Woodthorpe comparing one day’s figures with the previous.
Residents will be hoping to see a sustained reduction in case levels, in west and north York in particular, next week.
Vaccinations
Across the United Kingdom 3,234,946 people have now had their first dose of vaccine. 443,234 have received their second dose.
Over 300,000 vaccinations are now taking place each day.
No local data has yet been published by the government. The most recent NHS figures (14th Jan) for the regions are
Vaccination centre parking and buses
A new regional vaccination centre is being set up at Askham Bar. It is an extension of the existing facility there and will have extended opening hours
Askham Bar vaccination centre being expanded
First York have issued the following statement about the impact that the centre may have on its services
Askham Bar Park & Ride to help users of new Covid vaccine centre
A section of parking spaces at Askham Bar Park & Ride, operated by First York in partnership with City of York Council, will be cordoned off from Monday 18 January to help users arriving for appointments at a new Covid vaccination centre.
Disabled parking and electric charging points situated immediately behind the Park & Ride building are not affected and the site remains fully operational.
The opening of the vaccination facility, adjacent to the nearby Tesco store, means from today Service 3 buses will begin using the entrance and exit of the main public carpark at Askham Bar as the bus-only lane at the rear of the supermarket will be closed off to allow simpler traffic flow and access to the vaccination point.
Service 3 will use the Moor Lane Car Park bus stop off the roundabout on the A1036 Tadcaster Road close to the Tesco store in both directions and will not use the Tesco Car Park stop. The change will remain in place until further notice.
Marc Bichtemann, Managing Director of First York, said: “This is a minor alteration that won’t cause any delays for our customers and has been planned out carefully. It’s a further example of the close working relationship we have with the council and other partners in the city to help the community manage life in lockdown. It also demonstrates our joint approach with the council to support the tremendous effort to roll-out the vaccine which will provide a path out of the pandemic.”
He added: “Our drivers are there on the frontline, as they have been throughout the crisis, to ensure key workers and anyone making essential journeys can get where they need to be safely.
“Although we are carrying fewer passengers right now, it is important that everyone continues to wear a face covering properly for the whole time they are on the bus and use a cashless way to pay, if possible.”
Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, City of York Council said: “It’s great to be playing our part and supporting the NHS with the space for this vaccination roll-out. I would like to encourage residents who have been contacted to attend a vaccination centre that this a safe, quick and easy process.
“As we continue to stay home and follow lockdown restrictions, is it vitally important that we maintain smooth public transport services for those who need them for essential journeys and for critical workers.”
First York drivers and other staff have been involved a variety of initiatives for communities across York during the crisis including hospital fundraising, council refuse collection, shopping and prescription pick-up and at the end of last year the company teamed up with Age UK York to support the elderly who have been isolated due to lockdown and Covid restrictions.
“It’s a testament to the attitude and passion of the team to do what they can to help York and local people through this situation and aid the recovery,” said Marc Bichtemann.
Two additional deaths were announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred on Tuesday. The cumulative total number of fatalities at the York and Scarborough hospitals since 1st September now stands at 196.
Test results
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY NINE additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 9722.
Rate /100k population falls to 657.42 and is expected to reduce to below 600 over the next couple of days.
The Council has said that 2.5% of asymptomatic people taking lateral flow tests in York had positive results.
This compares with 17.3% (latest 7 day rolling figure to 4th January) who took P1 & P2 tests.
The Thanet Road test site has been closed today because of the weather
It is scheduled to reopen on Saturday
Neighbourhoods
Caser numbers are now beginning to fall across most of the City.
They are also falling at county, regional and national levels.
Vaccinations
Not available at local level
Some regional figures were published today as below
Outbreak Management Board meeting
A recording of the meeting can be viewed by clicking below
It was claimed at the meeting that local authorities had not been advised by the government of;
the number and percentage of York residents who have been vaccinated locally &
the numbers and details of people who have not responded to an invitation to be vaccinated.
That seems to us to be a major system failing (given that progress numbers ARE aggregated and published at a national level.)
The meeting did hear that arrangements had been made to ensure that people who were unable to go “on line” to book jabs would still be able to arrange an appointment.
The meeting heard that 144 (2.5%), of the 5888 lateral flow tests carried out so far in the City, on asymptomatic residents, had produced a positive result.
This is the equivalent of an “R” value of 1.4 and could help to explain the rapid rise in cases over the last two weeks.
No information was provided on the percentage of positive test being recorded at the mobile test sites (Bishopthorpe, Thanet Road).
NB. The mobile test site uses the PCR laboratory based system which is generally regarded as being more accurate than the lateral flow option)
Acorn Rugby Club event
The media are reporting that some of those who attended an event at the Acorn Rugby Club before Christmas have contracted Coronavirus. To read the media report please click here
Please remember that the mobile testing centre on Thanet Road will remain open for another week. Book a test here www.nhs.uk/Coronavirus
Letter to parents from York Council
A letter to parents and carers with children at schools in York.
Dear parents/carers,
Following the announcement of the third national lockdown on 4 January, City of York Council has been working with the city’s schools to ensure that they are able to provide a vital service for critical workers and vulnerable children in the city whilst continuing to operate safely.
At a time when the rates of infection both nationally and locally are rising it is very important that we work together to protect frontline services. At the same time we need to continue to prevent the spread of the virus by keeping the number of household contacts to a minimum.
Last week, the Government followed up its initial guidance on who qualifies as a critical worker. The Government is now asking parents and carers who are critical workers to keep their children at home if possible and only use a school place if they have no other options available.
If you qualify as a critical worker but can manage to have your children at home we would urge you to do so. The fewer children we have in schools, the more it will help in our collective efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
Our schools have risk assessments in place which allow them to work safely and to minimise the risk of transmission of Covid19. For this to work as effectively as possible schools need to have the capacity to support home learning as well as having sufficient staff to supervise children on site. For these reasons they need to keep the numbers in school at a safe level.
We appreciate that this is a difficult time for parents and carers. We know that this situation is causing considerable disruption to your personal and working lives. Schools are also working extremely hard to ensure that places are available for frontline workers and for vulnerable children.
We would also, like you, much prefer to have children in school. However, in order to reduce the rates of infection, and following the latest Government advice, we would ask you to think carefully about your individual circumstances, particularly if you or your partner is able to work from home. If you can, it would be really helpful for the safe management of our schools and the suppression of the virus if you could make arrangements to keep your child at home. Where this proves impossible then we will work with parents and carers to find access to provision.
To help support families during the coronavirus pandemic, our educational psychology team has created a booklet with information about how parents can look after their own emotional health, and support their children, which you may find useful. You can find it on our website.
You can also keep up to date with the latest information about the coronavirus response in York:
We are incredibly grateful for all you have done already and on behalf of the city, thank you for all you are doing to reduce the spread of the virus.
Stay safe and best wishes
Councillor Keith Orrell Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education City of York Council
Amanda Hatton Corporate Director of People City of York Council
Fixed Penalty Notices issued from 6 January 2021
North Yorkshire Police have issued 107 FPNs for breaches of the Coronavirus regulations since the new national lockdown commenced on 6 January 2021.
Local Authority Area where Notice Issued
Total Notices Issued
Local Residents
Visitors
Male
Female
Being Outside Place of Living
Outdoor Gathering
Indoor Gathering
Obstruct / Contravene
Craven
19
1
18
16
3
19
Hambleton
4
4
4
4
Harrogate
10
10
9
1
10
Richmond
Ryedale
Scarborough
49
35
14
28
21
15
34
Selby
3
2
1
3
3
York
22
19
3
16
6
7
15
TOTALS
107
57
50
76
31
58
0
49
0
Speaking about the number of fines issued in the first week of the national lockdown, Superintendent Mike Walker, lead for the force’s Covid-19 response said:
“We have issued 107 fixed penalty notices since the national lockdown commenced on 6 January 2021, which is more than double the number we issued in the first week of the first national lockdown last year.
“Sadly we are seeing a minority of people flouting the rules and who are making unnecessary journeys into or across the county or who are gathering indoors and holding house parties.
“I cannot emphasis enough the risk this behaviour presents at this current time and I urge people to think about their actions and very carefully consider the decisions they make about leaving home. You should only leave home for essential reasons and if you do go out, you should stay local.
“Currently within North Yorkshire and the City of York we have some of the highest infection rates across the Yorkshire and Humber region. So it isn’t just about the risk of people bringing the virus in with them. It’s about the risk that you could pick up the virus here and take it home with you, spreading it wider to your family and loved ones.
“So please follow the rules – stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
FIVE (5) more Coronavirus deaths were announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred yesterday, three on Monday and one on Sunday.
The death toll on 10th January, at eight, is the joint highest single day figure seen since the spring.
Test results
TWO HUNDRED (200) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative figure up to 9593.
The rate /100k population has now peaked at 670.91. It is expected to trend back down to around 600 by the end of the week.
During the week ending 8th January case numbers increased at all levels. York remains above the national average.
However, the rate of increase in case numbers in the City has slowed over the last week.
There is a reasonable expectation that case numbers will now start to fall.
Neighbourhoods
The 1413 cases total (w/e 8th Jan) was the highest total recorded in the City
The western suburbs continued to be badly affected.
Vaccinations
As at 12th January 2,639,309 people in England had received first dose COVID vaccinations.
York figures have not yet been published (but understood to be over 10,000)
Test site to remain open
We understand that the mobile test site, currently occupying the Acorn Rugby Club Car Park on Thanet Road, will remain open for another week (except Friday) . Organisers say that over 1000 test have been carried out at teh site over the last week.
York Wheels have written to local Councillors giving the following information
“Here at York wheel we run 2 services with the support of York City Council.
York Wheel – Volunteer car scheme community transport – for a small fee we take customers to hospital/dentist/podiatry appoints and are currently working with Nimbus (Askham Bar COVID centre) to assist in the transport of the elderly to the facility to enable ALL to have their COVID injection. A small charge is made to cover the drivers fuel (approx. 50% less than a taxi)
Dial & Ride – Mini bus service which takes customers to the main supermarkets – enabling them to keep their independence and to travel is groups of 6 safely to the supermarkets – the cost if £3.30 return of they hold a York City Bus Pass.
The customer must be eligible to travel on the above schemes and this entails been a York residence, been elderly, disabled or unable to travel on public transport for both schemes. The mini buses are also fitted to enable wheelchair users to access the vehicles whilst still in their wheelchairs.
Usually we are open for other appointments but during COVID times we are currently only carry out necessary journeys under government rules. Finally due to the current situation we are a cashless office and at the time of booking the car scheme customers pay in advance via card. On the mini bus service they are able to use card for payment of the journey as each bus carries their own card machine.
Please feel free to pass our details to your constituents and local GPs etc. and we will assist were possible.
For the car scheme York Wheels call 01904 630080
For Dial & Ride please call 01904 551441
The charity has been working to help the residents of York for over 35 years and all our drivers are DRS checked and carry out thorough PPE both during and after journeys”.
Support key workers by following the rules say authorities
This Thursday (14 January), many across the country will join in the ‘Clap for Heroes’ at 8pm to celebrate the hard work of those on the front line.
This week, council leaders are asking residents in York to show their continued support and respect of our key workers by following public health guidance and helping ease the pressure on the NHS.
Over the last month, coronavirus cases in York have increased significantly, and residents are being asked to stay local, stay at home as much as possible, and help stop the spread of the virus. The latest validated rate of new Covid cases at 7 January was 637.6 per 100,000, above the regional average of 322.8 and the national average of 629.9.
Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said:
We have all been incredibly grateful to key workers for their amazing efforts, not just this lockdown, but throughout much of 2020. With case numbers continuing to rise, it is now more important than ever that we all do everything we can to stop the spread and keep each other safe.
“I remain ever thankful for the hard work and sacrifices made by our key workers and I know that many residents will agree that the best way to truly demonstrate our thanks is to make sure that we avoid making their jobs even harder at this difficult time.”
“We know lockdown has been incredibly difficult for many, and I would urge anyone that needs support to get in touch with the Council Covid support team by covid19help@york.gov.uk or calling 01904 551550.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said:
the best thing any of us can do to support our key workers is to follow the guidance and stay at home. Last year the ‘Clap for Carers’ campaign was a great demonstration of the gratitude we all feel for those working on the front line.
“People working in a huge range of sectors have worked hard to make sure we can all continue to stay home to stay safe and therefore, we must not make their jobs any more difficult at this point by not following the latest national guidance. So I would encourage everyone not to leave their homes, unless it’s essential and remember to wash our hands, wear a face mask and keep a safe distance from others.
Wendy Scott, Chief Operating Officer for York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said:
the number of Covid-positive patients being admitted, and the rapid rise in number of cases, means that our hospitals are under growing pressure. The number of Covid-positive patients in hospital is now significantly higher than the number we experienced in the first wave.
“Our staff are doing an outstanding job responding to the pandemic; however it is absolutely vital that we all play a part in reducing the spread of the virus by complying with the lockdown restrictions and by following the health guidance of Hands, Face, Space.
“The emergency departments in both of our hospitals are also extremely busy. Please help us to help you by only using A&E for emergencies that are life or limb-threatening. If you are unsure about what to do, please consult NHS 111 first (by phone or online) to help you get the right service.”
Covid marshalls continue supporting city to be safe in lockdown
To continue supporting covid safety measures during lockdown, the council’s covid support marshalls are working in outlying areas to advise businesses and residents in lockdown.
Following the Government’s announcement for England to go into lockdown, the marshalls are helping to encourage people not to mix but to stay in household or bubble groups while keeping 2 metres distance. They are now adding new areas of the city to their rounds to lend their support, such as at popular walking spots, supermarkets and testing sites.
The marshalls will visit outlying shopping areas to add to the 525 city centre businesses they’ve already helped to implement and maintain covid-safe measures. This work builds on action begun by the council’s Environmental Health and Licensing teams. It includes helping shops and takeaways to manage queues, to display Trace and Test QR codes and to maintain hand sanitation stations.
The team has already advised 410 groups of people in the city centre. This included asking them to keep two metres apart and if they’re from the same household, to giving out 105 items of PPE including hand sanitiser, masks and information.
The marshalls have also been picking up dropped face masks which can present a health hazard. So far they’ve picked up and safely disposed of 510 face masks.
Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said:
“The marshalls’ work continues to be invaluable in ensuring that social distancing and face-coverings continue to be observed within businesses currently allowed to open.
“It is vital that people feel confident that others around them are following the necessary steps to reduce the spread of Covid-19.”
Councillor Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods, said:
“It is crucial now that we all do everything we can to minimise our contact with others, in order to save lives and protect the NHS, and our marshalls are supporting the city do just that.
FOUR additional deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. That brings the total since 1st September up to 189, Two fatalities occurred yesterday and two on Sunday.
The latest ONS figures, showing the number of deaths of York residents from Coronavirus during the week ending 1st January, have been published.
They show 10 fatalities with nine occurring at a hospital and one at home. That is the highest single week number since May.
In total, the death toll for York residents has now reached 227 of which 56 have lost their lives since 1st September.
NB. These figures vary from those published by the York Hospital Trust as the latter covers a larger area.
According to the Care Quality Commission an additional death occurred in a York care home on 5th January. That brings the total York care home death toll to 91. Most fatalities occurred in the Spring.
Test results
ONE HUNDRED and FIFTY FOUR (154) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 9239.
Rate /100k population is now 637.37. Will increase to 670.44 before beginning to trend down
The York infection rate is now above the national, regional and county averages.
Click to access
Vaccinations
As of 11th January 1,959,151 people in England had been vaccinated.
York Minsterclosed to public. Deans park remains open
York Minster has issued the following statement
We are now closed for public services, private prayer and sightseeing. We will also continue to livestream Sunday services at 11am and 4pm via our YouTube channel, so you can join the services from home.
York Minster has closed to the public from today (Tuesday 12 January) until further notice in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The cathedral closed to sightseeing visitors on 31 December when York moved into tier three, but has now also closed for public services and private prayer.
Clergy will continue to offer prayer inside the cathedral on a daily basis and services will be livestreamed on Sundays so people can join worship from their homes.
The Dean of York, The Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, said: “We feel this is the right decision in the current climate to keep our staff, volunteers, visitors and congregations safe.
“We will review the decision on a regular basis. In the meantime, our clergy will continue to keep the regular pattern of daily prayer within the cathedral and we will continue to offer worship online so people can join us from the comfort of their own homes.”
Members of the public can send a prayer to be said in the cathedral by a member of the clergy by emailing prayer@yorkminster.org.
Dean’s Park, the green space to the north of the cathedral, will remain open on a daily basis from 10am to 4pm.
Financial Help
A new Council report reveals the scale of financial concerns in the York community as a result of COVID-19.
The report says that £1.2 million had been used to alleviate hardship by the end of September.
Hardship fund expenditure
Most went on reducing Council Tax liability. Around 9,000 residents have benefited.
Another £416,729 is being used to support a winter grant scheme. Part of this is being used to fund free school meals during holidays. The grant scheme is open to applications for anyone with savings of less than £2000.
Around 250 applications a week are being received.
The council received £298k in government funding from DHPs for 2020/21 in order to help with housing costs. So far 43% of this budget has been spent.
The numbers in work, but benefiting from on universal credit, almost doubled from 2762 to 5761 between March 2020 and September 2020.
There was a similar rise from claimants not in work.
A lot of work is going into expanding digital access to services. Those who do not currently have “on line” access are at a significant disadvantage during periods of lockdown.
Council tenant arrears stood at £975,943 in April 2020 (similar to the previous year end figure).
Arrears had increased to £1.23 million by the end of December.
The Council partly blames the DWP for the rise, citing bureaucratic hurdles to universal credit changes and staff shortages.
The Council sees the further development of community hubs as part of the long term solution to poverty in the City
SEVEN (7) additional deaths were announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Five occurred yesterday (10th), one on the 9th and one on 7th.
The cumulative toll since 1st of September is now 185.
Test results
Number of tests being conducted in York is rising. Percentage positive still below 20%
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY EIGHT (128) additional positive test results have been announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 9239.
The latest validated cases /100k population figure is 627.43, slightly up on yesterday. It is expected to trend up to 660 before beginning to fall towards the end of the week.
The rate of increase has clearly now slowed.
At neighbourhood level there has been a significant drop in case numbers in Woodthorpe/Acomb Park
Numbers in Westfield/Chapelfields continue to rise, as they do in Clifton Without and Acomb.
York is now close to the national case number average (which is reducing). Figures at county and regional level are also stabilising.
Vaccinations
According to media reports, Citywide Health – York’s Independent Pharmacy Group – has posted on its Facebook page that the milestone of vaccinating the 10,000th patient York passed on Saturday.
It said the the Askham Bar site operated by Nimbuscare had Covid vaccinated 6,000 patients, whilst another 4,500 patients had been vaccinated at Haxby Group Practice.
“Citywide Health provided pharmacy support throughout the day, including the introduction of the new Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine,” it said.
“York has now delivered a first Covid vaccination to over 50 per cent of over 80s and care home residents and staff.
“Practices are working through patient lists and booking appointments for those over 80. Practices will be offering the vaccine to the remaining 50 per cent, which should happen over the next two weeks.”
West Offices customer centre to move online
Following the latest Government advice that people should only travel for essential reasons, City of York Council will be closing its customer centre at West Offices from Tuesday 12 January.
This will help to further protect residents and staff and prevent the spread of coronavirus in the city.
As people have been following the guidance and contacting the customer centre online or over the phone where possible, there has been a large drop in the number of people coming into West Offices.
During this time, our priority is to ensure we are able to provide essential services to those in most need and do not create an increased risk of infection.
All welfare assistance, business support information and forms are available online and those residents who need more help can call the customer centre on 01904 551550 for further help.
For routine business, as always, residents can call our customer service team during opening hours. People can also visit www.york.gov.uk where they can access most services 24/7. With many services operating under different arrangements, customers are urged to visit the council’s website for the latest information.
Essential face to face conversations with vulnerable residents and those accessing social care will still be facilitated, as part of their existing care. Any visits to individual’s homes will follow public health guidance.
Existing community and neighbourhood support will continue and the council’s new network of community hubs are continuing to ensure vulnerable people are identified and are able to access the support they need.
Arrangements are being made for Blue Badge assessment appointments to continue at West Offices whilst the customer centre is closed, and those arrangements will be communicated with all those attending.
People needing help with no other source in place, can email COVID19help@york.gov.ukor phone 01904 551550 and they will be contacted.
Executive Member for Finance and Performance, Cllr Nigel Ayre, said:
As always, the safety of both residents and staff is of paramount importance. It has, once again, become of national importance that we all play our part in reducing the spread of coronavirus to protect our communities.
During this difficult time, we have taken the decision to temporarily close the customer centre while the current Government guidelines are in place.
“With the Governments advice to only leave the home for food, work or exercise, we have seen a marked drop in visits to our customer centre and instead, people have been accessing our services through different means, either by phone or online.
“I’d like to reassure people that the Council is still open for business and residents will still receive the same level of service over the phone or online, we just need to be extra careful to minimise face to face contact to help slow the spread of the virus.”
All of our welfare benefits, including council tax and housing, and emergency schemes are available online with assistance available over the phone.
All services previously provided face to face in the customer centre by appointment, for example revenues and benefits, housing, planning and Citizens Advice York will all be available over the phone.
Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am until 5.30pm except on bank holidays. Remember most queries can be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on our website.
The council will closely monitor and follow Government advice and reopen the customer centre when national guidelines allow.
ONE additional death announced by the York Hospital Trust today. It occurred on Friday. Total number of fatalities since 1st September is now 178
TWO HUNDRED AND TEN (210) positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 9111.
Rate /100k population is 186.1, slightly down on yesterday. However, it will trend up to 196.7 over the next few days.
The effects of the lockdown should be apparent before the end of the week. The growth rate in infections is already slowing.
Peak was the 245 cases seen on 4th January.
Case numbers over the 7 days to 5th January are down to 1303 from the 1319 recorded on 4th January. Similar reductions were seen at national, regional and county level.
Case numbers in the Woodthorpe/Acomb Park neighbourhoods have fallen for a second day.
Highest rates are recorded
in Westfield/Chapelfields and Clifton Without.
Vaccinations
Tesco Tadcaster Road busy at lunchtime. Least busy time is apparently in the evening after 8:00pm. Neighbouring vaccination site dealing efficiently with a steady flow of “customers”. Users speak well of the process.
ONE additional death announced by York Hospital Trust today. The death occurred on Thursday
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX (176) new positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 8901.
The latest validated rate /100k population was 626.28 (4th Jan).
The subsequent trend is slightly downwards supporting hopes that the rate of increase in infection numbers in the City has stabilised.
The following table, which shows the 7 day rolling average number of cases in the City, also demonstrates that numbers may now have peaked. It may, however, be some days before there is a notable reduction in infection rates.
The figures for 8th and 9th will increase as more results are tabulated
The neighbourhood figures reflect the distribution of cases at the peak on 4th January. They should show modest improvements over the next few days.
Symptom free testing expanded with University of York
More testing slots are now available for those who are eligible after an agreement was reached between City of York Council and the University of York for a new symptom-free testing site.
The new site is now open and will offer more tests and increased hours to make it more convenient for people to get tested.
This means that York residents have more slots and a choice for when and where to get a symptom-free test. Since offering symptom-free testing in December 2020, thousands of tests have been done which have identified a number of positive tests, which has stopped the spread of Coronavirus.
The testing centre will be based at University of York Sport Centre sports hall, and working alongside the existing testing site based at York St John University, it will offer even more residents the chance to get tested. Free testing is now available for 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 school pupils who are eligible to attend school and to teachers who will be working in schools.
If you are eligible and need to book a test, please visit the council website.
Testing is voluntary, it will help you make informed decisions to help keep you, your family and friends as safe as possible, and help protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19. Testing is only another method to prevent the spread of COVID 19, the best ways to prevent the spread are to continue to comply with the public health messages of hands, face, space.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 people with coronavirus do not display symptoms and therefore, some individuals will be spreading the virus without realising. We advise that tests are booked regularly (every week), and that people get tested twice, 3 days apart.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council:
We are really grateful to the thousands of residents who have booked a test and are continuing to get tested regularly. It does make a difference and will help to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
“Throughout this pandemic we have been working incredibly closely with our partners. Our thanks go to the University of York, who along with York St John University, are offering their testing site to residents. This is yet another example of how the city can come together to fight Coronavirus.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director for Public Health at City of York Council said:
This new site means we can offer more symptom-free tests to York residents. The early identification of symptom-free cases and subsequent self-isolation will help to stop the spread of the virus.
“That so many residents are taking symptom-free tests regularly is testament to how we are looking out for each other as a city. If you are eligible please book regular tests to help the city fight Coronavirus and keep the people you love safe.”
Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice Chancellor of the University of York, said:
Throughout this pandemic we have been working with our key partners across the city and region to support the wider community and this is another example of that close collaboration.
“Asymptomatic testing is vital in reducing transmission rates and helping to protect the public, and ultimately the NHS, and I am pleased that we can play our part in broadening testing across the City to identify those showing no symptoms.”
Health Minister Lord Bethell said:
We’ve already come so far since first setting up a national testing programme at an unprecedented pace to help counter COVID-19, but we continue to strive to go further, faster.
“Innovations such as lateral flow tests hold the key to the next phase of our ambition to see mass, rapid testing available to people across the country.”
Attending school during lockdown
The Government has published details about children who can continue to attend school during the current lockdown.
A list of which job roles are defined as ‘critical workers’ for parents of school children, and those children who are defined as vulnerable, has been published by the Department for Education.
A number of different arrangement have been put in place so schools can provide IT equipment and internet access for children learning at home.
Children of critical workers can attend school during lockdown, along with vulnerable children, and children with Education and Health Care Plans.
Parents in York who are critical workers should contact their school to make arrangements for their children, should their children need to be in school full time.
Cllr Keith Orrell, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:
We want to support the citywide and nationwide effort to bring infection rates down and the national guidance is to limit contacts between households as much as possible.
“We are working with York Schools and Academies Board to provide education on site and online for all children in the city, especially for the more vulnerable pupils. However, with the alarming increase in the number of confirmed cases in the city, we must continue to be cautious and follow the national guidance where possible.
“We appreciate that this is a difficult time for families and that this is a complex situation that schools are managing. With the recent change in national guidance and amount of working taking place, schools will respond to parents/carers as soon as they are able.”
Meanwhile the Government has put in place arrangements to provide children who need them with devices and internet access at home. This will be managed directly with schools.
All schools will provide information about their remote learning provision with families and there will be details on their websites by 25 January.
Useful resources for parents to support home learning can be found on the council website.
The guidance on children of critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings can be found on the gov.uk website.
Government guidance is that schools should speak to parents and carers to identify who needs to go to school. If it proves necessary, schools can ask for simple evidence that a parent is a critical worker, such as their work ID badge or pay slip. Parents and carers who are critical workers should keep their children at home if they can.
Children who are receiving support from social workers and those who have an Education and Health Care plan should all attend school during lockdown.
City leaders’ open letter to residents
Dear Resident
As you will have seen from the Prime Minister’s recent announcement, England has now entered another period of lockdown, which is anticipated to last until at least mid-February. We know how difficult this will be for so many of you and would like to thank you for all you have already done in such difficult circumstances. In the face of adversity, you have demonstrated the very best of our city.
Throughout last year, local residents and businesses worked hard to keep cases the lowest in the region and together, we reduced the spread of the virus. However, the beginning of 2021 has created a new challenge with the spread of the new variant of Coronavirus, and once again we must adapt.
This is not the start to the new year any of us wanted, but many of us may have anticipated. In recent weeks, across the country and including here in York, there has been an alarming increase in the number of positive cases. We all need to follow the new national guidance to save lives and protect the NHS. Time and time again, the people and businesses of York have demonstrated our community spirit and we must now do so again to keep those we love safe.
We fully recognise that this third lockdown will be difficult for everyone. We will continue to do everything we can to support residents and businesses through this difficult time by adapting our services, providing support and information, or lobbying the government for additional help for lower income families or businesses who are not covered by the grants available.
Anyone who has been affected by coronavirus and who needs support can contact us on 01904 551550 or covid19help@york.gov.uk.
Support is available for businesses who have had to close, including hospitality, retail and leisure businesses. There is also support available for residents including those who have to self-isolate. Details about our support is available at www.york.gov.uk/coronavirus.
This is a tough period for us all, however, with the vaccine roll out underway there is hope on the horizon. For now, we need to look after ourselves and each other.
We know we can get through this. We did it before and we can do it again.
We are incredibly grateful for all you have done already and on behalf of the city, thank you for all you are doing to reduce the spread of the virus.
Stay safe and best wishes,
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of the Council Cllr Andy D’Agorne, Deputy Leader Ian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer
Two further deaths announced today at the York Hospital Trust. One occurred on Tuesday and one yesterday.
There have been TWO HUNDRED AND NINE new positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 8725.
244 cases were recorded on 4th January. That was a record high.
However there may be some very early indications emerging that the rate of increase in infection levels may be slowing.
The current infection rate is now 574.05
The current trend will see this increase to 626.28
There has been the first – very small – reduction in case numbers in the Woodthorpe/Acomb Park neighbourhood.
There has been a sharp rise in the neighbouring Westfield and Acomb areas.
The latest figures are up to the 3rd January. Tomorrow (Saturday)we should see what we hope will be the peak when the figures for the 4th January are published.
York Council commentary
The Council has updated it commentary on the pandemic
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 4.1.21 there had been 290 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 7.1.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 1,282.6 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,828 people). This is higher than the previous peak rate of 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.
Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)
• As at 7.1.21 York has had 8,522 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 4,046.2 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (4,437.7) and regional (4,983.2) 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 (4.1.21) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 30.12.20 to 5.1.21 in York is 595.9 (using data published on Gov.uk on 7.1.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 27.12.20 to 2.1.21 was 532.7. The national and regional averages at this date were 612.1 and 300.8 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 7.1.21).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 27.12.20 to 2.1.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 363.1. The national and regional averages were 412.6 and 216 respectively.
• As at 4.1.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 13.74%. The national and regional averages are 15.8% and 11.7% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 7 days by type of test is 1,287 positives out of 7,001 lab based (PCR) tests (18.4%) and 41 positives out of 2,261 rapid (lateral flow) tests (1.54%) Source: NHS Digital
• As at 5.1.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 16.5%. The national and regional averages were 17.8% and 12.8% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 6.8% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 18.6% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE
• As at 7.1.21 York University reported 39 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.
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 7,464 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 6,556 of the cases have been completed (87.8%). 19,080 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 13,356 of these have been completed (70%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 1.1.21, 456 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 442 of the referrals (96.9%) have been actioned and 14 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 315 were successful and 113 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 7.1.21 there were 14 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 7.1.21 (1 home).
• In the 7 days up to 3.1.21 there were 104 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 40 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 6.1.21 there were 71 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 6.1.21 was 66
• As at 6.1.21 there were 6 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 1 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 5.1.21 were 5 and 1 respectively.
• As at 6.1.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 6 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
Recovery from Covid-19
• Between 13.4.20 and 20.12.20, 276 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 12 people were discharged in the most recent week.
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 23.12.20 was estimated to be in the range 0.9 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (0.9 to 1.1) on 18.12.20.
Vaccinations
• Local data on the number of vaccinations completed is not currently available. At a national level, NHS England reported that between 8.12.20 and 3.1.20, 1,092,885 first dose and 19,981 second dose vaccinations had been administered.
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 provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 25th December 2020 and registered up to 2nd January 2021, 218 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (109 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 12 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 103.5 which is lower than the national average of 130.56. There have been 46 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 12 weeks (Weeks 41 to 52).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). Between week 2 and week 52 there were a total of 142 ‘excess deaths’ in York 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 50 fewer deaths in weeks 22-52.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 4.1.21 (for deaths occurring up to 30.12.20), a cumulative total of 216 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 81.8, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 106 of the 216 were male (49.1%), less than the national average (55.3%). 83 people (38.4%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 25.39%). In addition 18 people (8.3%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
Council bosses in York are planning to cut the Public Health budget next year by £33,000.
Last public health report published by the York Council
This will come as a surprise to those residents who, while recognising the good work done by the local authority health teams in recent weeks, had expected the pandemic to prompt increased investment in the service.
This would have been coupled with a “root and branch” review to ensure that the service was equipped to deal with contemporary health risks
£183,000 has, however, been allocated to cover an increase in the size of the population covered by the service.
The Council is budgeting £2.5million for COVID recovery work.
It would be a shame if this investment were to be undermined by further waves of infections whether they be COVID related or from other diseases.
In the wake of the pandemic, the Council has stepped in where the Government has failed, including support for vulnerable residents and struggling businesses, and also with Covid-19 testing
The Council must make sure it is even better equipped in future to deal with emerging threats to the health of its residents
TWO more deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred yesterday. The cumulative total since 1st September is now 174.
The Trust has today said that the number of admissions has reached a record high for the period of the pandemic. The Trust currently has 135 patients with Covid-19 – higher than the 131 patients it was treating last March.
There were ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY NINE new positive test results announced today. The cumulative total number of cases has now risen to 8522.
The rate /100k population figure is now 532.74.
It is trending to reach 622.0.
There are now three neighbourhoods in the highest infection rate banding. They are Woodthorpe/Acomb Park, Clifton Without and Westfield/Chapelfields.
The Citywide case rate continues to grow following the national trend.
Test numbers down in York.
Perhaps not surprisingly the number of COVID testscarried out during Christmas week (24/12 – 30/12) fell by half compared to the previous period. Not withstanding the drop in the number of tests carried out, a record high number of positive results was recorded on 29th December.
The testing profile showed a marked shift towards the Lateral Flowmethod during December
The latest ONS figures also show that there is a growth in older people testing positive for the virus although the majority of cases (70%) were still found in people aged between 20 and 60.
Fines for COVID restrictions contraventions
Between 2/12/2020 and 5/1/2021 355 FPNs have been issued in total, broken down as follows:
194 to local residents
161 to visitors
9 for outdoor gatherings
334 for indoor gathering – 51% (171) of those have been in the Scarborough district.
Speaking about the number of FPNs issued in Scarborough for breaches of the indoor gathering rules, Chief Inspector Rachel Wood said:
“While the majority of Scarborough residents have followed the guidance and understood the rules around social gatherings, unfortunately the figures show that there was a minority of people who chose to openly flout the rules and host and attend house parties.
“Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams attended a number of incidents over the festive season and had to take enforcement action, as sadly some people did not disperse and go home when instructed.
“I cannot stress enough how serious our current situation is. As a nation we have moved into new national restrictions and we are being told to once again stay home to save lives and protect our health service. We are seeing infection rates rise and the impact of the virus and the new more transmissible strain is really being felt by our hospitals and healthcare colleagues. People are losing their loved ones to this virus every day.
“So I am urging Scarborough residents to stick to the rules, especially as we approach the first weekend of the new national restrictions. Stay home and only leave if it is for an essential reason such as shopping or medical assistance. People are not permitted to gather indoor or outdoors socially and you should not be meeting anyone outside your own household or support bubble. For more guidance on the restrictions and what you are allowed to do, visit the gov.uk website.
“Our local patrol plans have been revised and we have increased our presence and visibility in our local communities, so members of the public will see officers on the roads and patrolling our local areas. We will take enforcement action against those who are breaking the rules and putting the wider community at risk from this deadly virus. So please stay home and stay safe.”
Extra £100,000 for York workers having to self-isolate
An additional £100,000 is now available for discretionary payments to York residents who are required to self-isolate by the Government’s Test and Track scheme
This extra funding comes from York’s Public Health Covid Outbreak Management Fund to support the council’s discretionary payment scheme. This scheme runs alongside the Government’s Test and Trace Support Payment scheme which makes one-off payments of £500 to eligible residents suffering financial hardship during their 14-day quarantine period.
City of York Council’s first discretionary scheme was funded by the Government but was enough to support only 39 eligible people. This new discretionary scheme will support up to 200 eligible working people with fixed £500 payments. It will also accept applications from working adults living with parents and from working students where they have been experiencing financial hardship because they have been told to self-isolate for 14 days.
People eligible for the Government’s Test and Trace Support Payment will have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace because they have tested positive for coronavirus, or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
Information on how to apply for a self-isolation support payment – either from the Government or the council’s discretionary scheme – is at www.york.gov.uk/selfisolate or please call 01904 551550.
Cllr Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance, said:
“We know how worried many people are about money at this difficult time.
“This £100,000 for eligible applicants to our discretionary scheme will provide much-needed relief to those worried about not being able to earn due to self-isolation.
“Self-isolating is just one way in which people are being affected financially by the pandemic. We’re also offering help to people to maximise any benefits and extra payments they’re eligible for, and to give advice to help them manage financially through these difficult times.”
The benefits you might be eligible for, how to claim and how any benefits will be affected if your circumstances change at gov.uk/benefits-calculators
For help to claim any of the help above or for more advice on sources of support in the city, please go to www.york.gov.uk/BenefitsAdvice or call 01904 551556 for help or a referral to the most appropriate support.
If you’re struggling to manage, or you don’t have any support, but need it because of Covid-19, the council’s helpline is here to help you through this difficult time. Contact us by email: covid19help@york.gov.uk or telephone: 01904 551550.
More COVID test appointment times available at Thanet Road
There are a large number of symptom free testing slots available at the Acorn Rugby Club site on Thanet Road for today.
NB. There is a period, from around 3pm – 6.30pm each day, when the Thanet Road site will not show as a testing option on the booking form. This is to allow the system to refresh.
Council guidance on the local initiative is reproduced below
“Dear Resident
As you will be aware cases in the city are rising and we need your help.
In recent days we have seen a spike in the number of cases in your area (and in some parts of the Foxwood area) and so are offering you the chance to get a symptom-free test to help keep you and those around you safe.
1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus have no symptoms but for some catching Coronavirus can have serious consequences. You could be spreading the virus to those you care about without knowing it.
To help stop the spread we are asking for you and your family to get a test. We are setting up a testing site at York Acorn Rugby Club, Thanet Road, YO24 2NW to make it as easy as possible for you to get a test. This site will be open from Wednesday 6th – Wednesday 13th January inclusive, between 9am and 3pm.
How it works
Book to have a test atwww.nhs.uk/coronavirus. On this website select that you do not have symptoms of coronavirus, but in the relevant section choose the option ‘my local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test even though I don’t have symptoms’. Then select the site at York Acorn Rugby Club. Testing can be undertaken on anyone aged 5 and over. We do not recommend being tested if you have tested positive in the previous 90 days. Ring 119 if can’t book online.
If you have symptoms of Coronavirus please do not attend this site, instead book a test through www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 and select the Poppleton Bar site or a home testing kit.
Getting your results
You should get your results within 24-48 hours of your test.
If you receive a negative test result you can continue as you were.
Remember:
a negative test result provides information about the level of the virus at one point in time
it’s possible to become infected in the hours or days after taking a rapid test – so you must continue to follow government guidance on social distancing, good hand hygiene, and practice ‘Hands, Face, Space’
this type of testing will only be effective if people continue to follow the guidance
Positive test results
If you receive a positive test result you must self-isolate for 10 days.
By working together and looking after each other we can get through this. We are incredibly grateful for all you have done this year to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.
Thank you for your continued support.
Stay safe and best wishes
Sharon Stoltz
Director of Public Health“
Essential frontline Council services announcement
City of York Council is working hard to ensure critical frontline services, such as waste and gritting services, will continue during the new national lockdown restrictions.
As the number of Covid cases increase in the city and across the country, it’s inevitable that the council will also see an increase in the number of infections within its frontline workforce, which makes delivering some services challenging.
Therefore, the council has acted fast and brought in additional measures to keep key frontline services like gritting and waste going over the coming months. This includes introducing stricter staff bubbles to protect staff, redeploying staff from other services and Public Health are also looking to roll our regular testing to staff in the council’s key services.
Immediate operational changes have also been introduced to ensure all but essential highways maintenance works have been paused during the national lockdown, prioritising household waste (refuse) collections and gritting services.
With many key workers currently using the highway network and winter weather affecting the city, it’s important that that the gritting team can continue to keep the highways clear and safe. Grit bins can be used by local residents and are being restocked. Residents are reminded to help relief the pressure on the NHS by taking extra care on untreated side roads and footpaths.
The council has worked with trade unions and its supply chain to develop new ways of working and has ensured all works will happen in a safe way for front line operatives and the public, particularly whilst roads are quieter than normal.
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said:
“During this incredibly difficult period, it is important that the council continues to deliver essential frontline services, such as gritting and waste collections, to support local residents, businesses and key workers.
“Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, our crews are working hard to ensure that these services can continue despite the national lockdown. With many key workers currently using the road network, it is important that our roads are gritted, so road conditions are maintained and improved. Our Household, Waste and Recycling Centres will also remain open to local residents throughout this period.
“As ever, the resilience and reaction of our city in the face of adversity has been encouraging. We have been overwhelmed by the response of residents and community groups who are supporting more vulnerable residents across the city. Again, I would like to thank our staff, residents and communities enough for truly demonstrating how York comes together in times of crisis.”
However, even with these additional measures, some services like waste may still be affected if case numbers significantly increase amongst staff. This could include some delays or missed collections and the need to co-mingle some items. The council is doing everything it can to keep such disruption to a minimum where possible.
Key services and changes summary:
Waste: some comingling may occur due to staff absences because of increased COVID infections and there may be some missed collections. Staff are operating in bubbles to protect crews
highways repairs/gritting: essential pothole repair and winter gritting will continue as normal. Staff are operating in bubbles to protect gritting drivers
outdoor gyms: sports areas, basketball courts and outdoor gyms are now closed
household waste sites at Hazel Court and Towthorpe: These services remain open
explore libraries will be opening at York, Acomb and Tang Hall for public access to PCs, in order to ensure that everyone in York has access to the internet and isn’t digitally excluded. There will also be a click and collect from Acomb and Tang Hall. These centres will be open Mon-Fri 10am to 3pm and Sat 10am 1pm
a takeaway service will also operate from Rowntree Park Reading Café, seven days a week between 9am- 4pm.
christmas tree collection – York residents can take their real trees for recycling to Tescos at Askham Bar in York between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 10 January.
footstreets – operating hours will revert to 10.30am to 5pm (not 8pm). Extensions (Blake Street/Lendal & Goodramgate/Colliergate sections) will remain in place.
street Works – Works to accelerate the delivery of utilities will take place were possible and whilst traffic levels are lower.
the lockdown restrictions may affect the frequency of buses on some routes. Please check the itravelyork and operator websites for the latest information: itravelyork.info
piccadilly car park is now closed.
Help us to ensure your waste/recycling collections can continue as normal, by following these steps:
Personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags
double bag – these bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste within your own room
this should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin
wipe down bins and boxes etc before and after collection
minimise the waste you throw away
park responsibly.
Gritting:
So far this season the crews have treated the roads and trial cycle network on 22 occasions, using 1,100 tonnes of salt
each time our nine large and three mini gritters treat York’s network they cover around 390 kilometres of road, footways and cycle-paths, with up to 100 tonnes of salt
crews leave as early as 4am to ensure the city’s main roads, footpaths and cycle ways are treated
some circumstances affect when and how we spread grit, including, traffic, rain that can wash away grit, unexpected changes and temperatures below -5°C, which make grit less effective.
yellow warnings of ice expected to remain in York over the next week, meaning icy patches are expected to develop, especially on untreated surfaces
therefore, it is vital that people travel to the conditions and leave extra time to complete their journey.
the aim of the winter maintenance service is, as far as is reasonably possible, to allow the safe movement of traffic, pedestrians and cyclists, on York roads, footways and cycleway during times of adverse winter weather
it also seeks to keep delays and accidents to a minimum
precautionary treatment is undertaken before ice forms or snow settles on the highway
precautionary treatment will only be to footways and carriageways on the defined network, which excludes most footways, cycleway and all car parks
the gritting of cycle route networks forms part of our winter maintenance, unfortunately resources do not allow us to treat these as frequently as the primary network, these routes will be treated as and when resources becomes available.
With the current situation continuously evolving, it is incredibly important that residents, communities and visitors can access reliable and accurate information easily. To subscribe to direct email updates from City of York Council, visit: www.york.gov.uk/form/EmailUpdates
Whilst national restrictions are in force, City of York Council is expanding its symptom-free testing offer to local residents.
The Council is now expanding its testing 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.
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.
We advise that tests are booked regularly (every week), and that people get tested twice, 3 days apart. More test slots have been made available and residents are being encouraged to book their place now.
The Council is also working to identify more testing sites in the coming weeks. We are seeing a high demand for testing and are working hard to increase capacity so if people experience difficulties in booking please try again later when slots may have become available.
The Council is asking that those who are no longer going into school or work as a result of the national restrictions to cancel their appointment if they no longer need it. This will help provide tests to other residents who need a test urgently. You can do this by clicking the link in the confirmation email or visiting our booking website clicking the ‘reschedule or cancel your appointment’ option.
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said:
It is estimated that 1 in 3 people with coronavirus do not display symptoms and therefore, some individuals will be spreading the virus without realising.
“That is why we are committed to offering symptom-free tests to help stop the spread of the virus. Given the recent changes in restrictions, we have expanded our criteria to offer it to those most likely to come into contact with others.
“We will be looking to open more testing sites in the coming weeks, and we are hugely grateful to York St John University for their support and other partners who are offering their help.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director for Public Health said:
The early identification of those who have coronavirus and subsequent self-isolation will really help us drive down the number of new cases.
“Thank you to the thousands who have been tested so far and book a slot. I would urge anyone who is eligible to get tested regularly to protect those they love as well as the wider York community. We would also be really grateful if those who no longer need a test as a result of the change in restrictions cancel their appointment so this slot can be offered to another resident who may need it urgently.
“If you have symptoms of Coronavirus please cancel your appointment and arrange a test through the NHS at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
“More venues will be opening across the city soon and we will share more details when we can.”
To book a symptom-free test please visitwww.york.gov.uk/SymptomFreeCOVIDTest. Telephone support is available Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 5.00pm on 01904 551559
