The York Hospital Trust has announced THREE additional deaths today. Two occurred on Monday and one last Friday. That brings the cumulative number of fatalities, at the York and Scarborough hospitals since 1st September, to 172.
The latest ONS figurespublished today reveal that a further 6 York residents fell victim to the COVID-19 virus during the week ending 25th December.
All are recorded as having died in hospital.
NB. these figures are different from those announced by the York Hospital Trust which covers a wider area.
TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY THREE (243) additional positive test results announced today. That is another record high and brings the cumulative total to 8323
The rate /100k population figure is now 496.1 and is trending upwards towards towards 594.47,
The rate has now exceeded the peak seen in the second wave on 16th October when a figure of 444.30 was recorded.
There continues to be large increases in case numbers across all neighbourhoods in York
Looks like it will be mid January before we can hope to see any sustained reduction in case numbers.
Council recovery plan
The Council has published an update on its COVID recovery plan. It can be read byclicking here
New COVID test site for Woodthorpe/Acomb Park/Foxwood south
A local COVID testing site has been established at the Acorn Rugby Club on Thanet Road.
It is a response to the very high local infection level and is aimed at those who have no virus symptoms.
It is open from Wednesday 6th until Wednesday 13th January inclusive, between 9am and 3pm.
No further deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY NINE (189) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 8,080.
Rate /100k population is now 464.8.
Set to rise to 559.8
All neighbourhoods are now above the 200 case rate threshold.
By the end of 2020 there were 979 COVID cases in the City
Prior to lockdown, infection rates were increasing at City, county, regional and national levels. It will be next week at least before the effects of Lockdown 3 are reflected in case rate figures.
End of year neighbourhood trend graphs
Vaccinations
The vaccination centre on Moor Lane was not being used today. Improved lighting was being installed. Early recipients – over 80’s, care home occupants/workers and NHS staff – will mostly be immunised at their place of work or at a GP surgery. However, we’d expect the Moor Lane facility to become much busier over the next week or so
New Lockdown
The country woke up today to find that new lockdown restrictions were implemented at midnight. Full details can be found by clicking here
The restrictions are similar to those seen in the Spring although there are some exceptions (estate agents can, for example, continue working and religious services may take place subject to social distancing).
In summary the main features of the new lockdown – which is enforceable by law with on the spot fines for transgressors – are:
Stay at home
You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to:
shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
attend education or childcare – for those eligible
Colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half term. Early Years settings remain open.
Higher Education provision will remain online until mid February for all except future critical worker courses.
If you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should always stay local in the village, town, or part of the city where you live. You may leave your local area for a legally permitted reason, such as for work.
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. You should not attend work
York Council offers support
City of York Council reassures residents and businesses following the announcement of further national restrictions.
Following this evening’s (4 January) announcement from the Prime Minister, City of York Council has moved to reassure residents and businesses that it will continue to support local communities after further national restrictions were introduced.
The Government is urging people to follow this guidance immediately. The law will be updated to reflect these new rules.
The Prime Minister announced the Government’s restrictions including that you must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to:
shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
attend education or childcare – for those eligible
Anyone affected by coronavirus and who has no other sources of help, can call the Council’s Covid-19 helpline on telephone: 01904 551550 or email: covid19help@york.gov.uk
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:
In recent weeks across the country, including here in York, there has been an alarming increase in the number of positive cases.
“Of course this isn’t the start to 2021 any of us wanted, but with this concerning trend, it is vital that we all follow the new national restrictions.”
“As we have done since the very beginning of this pandemic, the Council will continue to do all we can to make sure residents, businesses and communities are supported through this difficult time. We will also continue to make the case to Government for increased financial support, both to local businesses and households on low incomes.”
“I would like to thank everyone in the city, including our incredible volunteers, Council staff, key workers communities and businesses, who have already done so much in extraordinary circumstances and demonstrated the very best of our city.”
“This is a tough period for us all, but please look after each other and check in on friends, families and neighbours. With the vaccine roll out, there is hope on the horizon, but we need to pull through this once again.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health at City of York Council said:
Over the last few weeks we have seen the number of infections significantly increase across all age groups. This is a cruel and unforgiving virus and therefore, we must do all we can to protect ourselves and each other by reducing our risk of spreading the virus and remembering Hands, Face, Space.
“None of us want to see further restrictions on our lives, but it is crucial that we stop the spread of the virus as the vaccine is rolled out. Everyone has sacrificed so much to look after each other, collectively we must go again.
“As well as looking after our physical health by practicing hands, face, space, we must also look after our mental health too. Anyone needing support can call our helpline and I would encourage those that can to exercise. Getting exercise, ideally in the fresh air, can make a real difference to your physical and emotional health and will help make the next month more bearable.
“The Every Mind Matters campaign has lots of helpful tips for everyone to look after their emotional health. As a city we always look after each other and this has been demonstrated time and time again this year. Please stay safe, we will meet again”
Anyone affected by coronavirus and who has no other sources of help, can telephone: 01904 551550 or email: covid19help@york.gov.uk
FIVE additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. All occurred on Saturday. That brings the total number of fatalities for that day up to seven – the second highest single day figure seen since the Spring. (NB. There were eight deaths recorded on 28th November)
The total number of causalities at the York and Scarborough hospitals seen since 1st September now stands at 169.
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY THREE (173) new positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative case total to 7891.
Case rate numbers are continuing to rise in the City.
Current rate /100k population is 428,8.
It is set to rise to at least 523.7
York is now the only City in Yorkshire with a case rate of over 400.
Click to access
Neighbourhood figures now reflect the post Christmas surge in case numbers
The continuing increase in case numbers will lead to further pressure on the authorities to provide an analysis of test and trace results.
The linkages to the sources of infections need to be published at a level which makes it possible for residents to make their own decisions about what constitutes a risky destination.
We understand that inter family contacts have been regarded as the principle transmission source but recent agonising about reopening schools, keeping only “essential” shops open and providing access to indoor gyms would at least seem to be worthy of public comment.
Shows the rate of people in York with at least one positive Covid-19 test result (either lab-reported or lateral flow device) per 100,000 population in the rolling 7-day period ending on the dates shown, by age
Four additional Coronavirus deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Two occurred on Friday and a further two yesterday.
ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY SIX additional positive test results announced bring the cumulative total to 7718. The infection rate is still rising.
Rate /100k population is now 380.8. It is trending to rise to at least 490.1
The post Christmas peak in infections has now worked its way into the neighbourhood figures. There are now no York neighbourhoods with fewer cases than the 100 threshold.
The infection rate in Woodthorpe/Acomb Park now exceeds 1000.
The latest results (to 28th December) on the number of local COVID tests carried out and the “positivity” rate have been published. The number of tests completed each day is around 750 although lower over the Christmas holiday period.
The highest positivity rate was 15.8% on 16th October.
The positivity rate on 28th December stood at 11%. However this doesn’t include the higher post Christmas infection rate figures which were seen from 29th December.
Vaccination
The pace of vaccinations is expected to step up from later this week. The rate of progress will be influenced by the availability of qualified staff,
Vaccine Queue Calculator for the UK (click link below)
Detailed COVID report
A new report into virus transmission in the UK has been published. Although it contains only national figures it does give some background on how the pandemic is spreading.
TWO additional deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust. One occurred on Thursday and one yesterday. The total number of fatalities at the York and Scarborough hospitals since 1st September has risen to 160.
The latest COVID bed occupancy figures, covering the York Hospital Trust, tend to confirm that there is a delay of around 3 weeks between case numbers increasing and there being a corresponding rise in hospital admissions. The October peak has effectively now passed through the hospital system while the post Christmas spike will not yet have had a major impact.
NB. The test result figures are for York. The hospital caters for a wider area.
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY EIGHT (168) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 7572.
The case rate /100k population figure is now 321.92. It is set to rise to at least 450.12 over the next few days.
The infection rate is now higher in the City than was seen at the peaks of either the first or of the second wave of the pandemic
The latest confirmed figures also reveal that 27 of the infections were found in people aged over 60. That is also a record high.
The infection rate continues to increase in most parts of York. It is particularly high in the Woodthorpe/Acomb Park neighbourhood.
There was a modest reduction in cases reported at a national level. The g=figures continue to creep up at both county and regional levels.
ONE additional death has been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. It occurred on 30th December.
The “positivity rate” (the proportion of P1 & P2 tests producing a positive result) has risen to 9.2%. That is now higher than the regional average
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY THREE (163) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total number of infections to 7404.
The infection rate is now 297.1 and is set to rise to at least 406.4 over the next few days.
With the increase showing no signs of slowing, it seems inevitable that the 2020 peak of 444.9 (16/10/20) infections /100k population will be exceeded before the end of next week.
The growth in case numbers is mainly in the under 60 age group.
There is a new, third wave, record high infection rate in the Woodthorpe/Acomb Park neighbourhood where the rate /100k population figure is now 749.3.
In total there were 627 cases in the City on 27th December. The post Christmas spike has yet to show in the neighbourhood figures.
Neighbourhood infection trends
Latest York Council commentary
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 28.12.20 there had been 191 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 30.12.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 553.2 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,572 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.
Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)
• As at 30.12.20 York has had 7,039 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 3,342.1 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national average (3,713.9).
• 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 (27.12.20) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 22.12.20 to 28.12.20 in York is 312.4 (using data published on Gov.uk on 30.12.20).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 19.12.20 to 25.12.20 was 235. The national and regional averages at this date were 374 and 175.6 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 30.12.20).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 19.12.20 to 25.12.20 for people aged 60+ in York was 123.1. The national and regional averages were 232 and 131.8 respectively.
• As at 28.12.20, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests) was 9.2%. The national and regional averages were 11.6% and 8.2% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 day is a 5.5% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 10.3% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests.
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 5,901 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 5,181 of the cases have been completed (87.8%). 15,936 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 10,397 of these have been completed (65.2%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 25.12.20, 396 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 390 of the referrals (98.5%) have been actioned and 6 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 280 were successful and 104 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 29.12.20 there were 5 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 24.12.20 (2 homes).
• In the 7 days up to 20.12.20 there were 23 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 16 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 22.12.20 there were 39 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 21.12.20 was 44.
• As at 22.12.20 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 1 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 21.12.20 were 5 and 0 respectively.
• As at 22.12.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 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.
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 18th December 2020 and registered up to 26th December 2020, 211 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (102 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 100.18 which is lower than the national average of 125.89. There have been 39 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 11 weeks (Weeks 41 to 51).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). Between week 2 and week 51 there were a total of 145 ‘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 47 fewer deaths in weeks 22-51.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 28.12.20 (for deaths occurring up to 23.12.20), a cumulative total of 207 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 82.2, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 102 of the 207 were male (49.3%), less than the national average (55.3%). 83 people (40.1%) died in nursing /care homes (the national average is 25.68%). In addition 18 people (8.7%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
THREE additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. Two occurred on Tuesday and one yesterday. Brings the total number of fatalities since 1st September at the York and Scarborough hospitals to 157.
Local COVID related hospital deaths since September
TWO HUNDRED AND TWO (202) new positive test results announced today.
That is a record high.
The 209 infections reported on 29th December is also the highest single day figure ever recorded in the City.
The previous highest was 159 recorded on 13th October.
The Tuesday figure may have been influenced by delayed results from a Christmas backlog, but this does not entirely explain the surge in cases.
The rate /100k population stands at 266.8. It is set to rise to at least 370.8 within the next three days.
The neighbourhood figures do not yet include the large post Christmas spike in infections. They are likely, therefore, to get worse over the next few days.
End of shuttle service for disabled
Following feedback from service users the temporary Blue Badge shuttle service from Monk Bar car park is set to end on 31 December.
The service will be replaced with improved city centre access arrangements and more parking locations.
Feedback on the shuttle service and single drop off from Monk Bar was that it was not popular and viewed as inadequate by some blue badge holders. To make it easier for those who used the shuttle service to visit the city centre, vehicle access and Blue Badge parking is being reinstated from Monk Bar to Deangate, and College Green..
Free blue badge parking will be available in locations including:
• in ten dedicated spaces at Monk Bar Car Park • in 4 additional dedicated bays at Bootham Row Car Park (Off Bootham next the BBC Radio York building) • as well as on double yellow lines on Monk Bar to Deangate and College Green (up to and past the Cross Keys pub)
The original changes were brought in quickly at the start of the pandemic to allow for social distancing and the opening of pavement cafes. This helped York’s city centre to recover more strongly than most other cities in the UK, including giving many pubs and cafes the outdoor space which allows them to keep trading.
The latest plans follow extensive engagement with disabled residents and advocacy groups. It revealed broad support for the increased safety of the footstreets but dissatisfaction with the arrangements put in place to replace the lost Blue Badge parking. The proposed changes included:
• Vehicle access and Blue Badge parking would return from Monk Bar to Deangate, and College Green. • The taxi shuttle service for which feedback was poor will finish at the end of December. • Ten Blue Badge spaces would be retained at Monk Bar Car Park, and four created at Bootham Row to add to the additional free on-street spaces at Dundas Street, Carmelite Street, St Saviourgate, Duncombe Place and the existing spaces on Piccadilly, Tower Street, Castle Car Park and all other council car parks. • A single information point for disabled people to plan journeys. • Explore ways to allow disabled people who use cycles as a mobility aid to use them with care on the footstreets. Following the announcement that York will be in Tier 3 from 00.01 on 31 December footstreets will be open to traffic from 5pm as bars, pubs and cafes will only be able to open for takeaway service due to the restrictions.
Councillor Andy D’Agorne, deputy leader and executive member for transport, said:
We recognise that there is a balance to be struck between re-opening the city by extending footstreets whilst also ensuring disabled residents are able to access the city centre.
“Following further engagement we have looked to adapt these changes to better reflect the needs of everyone. We think this strikes the balance realising the benefits of footstreets for businesses and most of their customers whilst mitigating the negative impact for blue badge holders.
“When we no longer need to protect the people in our city centre from coronavirus, we will have to protect the large crowds which will return from the very different threat of terrorism. It is right that we look now at the long-term footstreets arrangements as part of that protection working with businesses and all types of users to find the most appropriate solutions.”
Council simplifies Tier 3 support grants for businesses
We will make Tier 3 grant support as simple and smooth as possible for York’s businesses – and urged qualifying companies who have not yet made a claim to make sure they are not missing out.
All businesses that have applied for and are receiving grants in Tier 2 do not need to reapply for Tier 3 grants. The council will automatically process the grants under existing schemes.
The council will automatically register and pay the appropriate grants to any business which has successfully applied for: • The Local Restrictions Grants brought in to support business through Tier 2 • The Additional Restrictions Grant introduced to support businesses which were severely impacted, but not forced to close during November’s lockdown. Tier 3 grants include: • Businesses forced to close by law, including most hospitality, indoor entertainment and accommodation, can access Local Restrictions Grants (Closed) of up to £3000, depending on their rateable value, per month. • Businesses not forced to close but with trade reduced by over 75% due to the pandemic can receive between £500 and £3000 for every two weeks we remain in Tier 3.
These grants will be paid automatically – businesses do not need to contact the council.
Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for performance and finance, said:
Throughout the pandemic we’ve made sure that York’s businesses are getting their grants as quickly as possible.
“As we move into Tier 3, we want to remove any additional stress so if we can pay grants based on existing information, we will.
“So if you have applied for grants in the last 8 weeks, you shouldn’t have to reapply now.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for the 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.
“If you haven’t applied for a grant recently, please check what you may be eligible for and apply straight away www.york.gov.uk/COVID19BusinessGrants. Council staff are once again ready to put in a huge effort to get this money into businesses bank accounts as quickly as possible
“While we have shaped the Additional Restricted Grants to help catch some of the businesses that have missed out on government support, we’re continuing to call on the Government to deliver more.
“As always, I would urge businesses who have fallen through the cracks, to please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk and thanks to all the businesses who have already got in touch with the team who are looking at ways to provide help,
“There is also a lot more local support for businesses beyond these grants. Please get in touch with Make it York, York BID or the Federation of Small Businesses as soon as possible to find out more.”
To get notification when grant applications open, and up to date info on other business support, sign up for our regular bulletins here https://www.york.gov.uk/form/EmailUpdates
Let’s look after each other
After the city woke up this morning in very high restrictions the council is reiterating that support is available for residents and businesses and asking people to look after each other.
From this morning York is under very high restrictions which mean:
We cannot mix with other households indoors
We can only meet people outdoors in open public spaces in groups of up to six (that means we can no longer meet in private gardens)
Reduce your number of journeys, avoid travel outside the area unless needed
Work from home if possible
All hospitality is closed, except for takeaways and deliveries
Recently York has seen a sharp increase in the number of Coronavirus cases which is placing pressure on health services. The validated rate at 24 December stands at 240.2 cases per 100,000, above the regional average of 175.6. Cases are continuing to rise with the provisional rate for York standing at 312.4 per 100,000 at 28 December.
If you’re struggling to manage, or you don’t have any support, but need it because of COVID-19, our helpline is here to help you through this difficult time. Contact the Council by email: covid19help@york.gov.uk or telephone: 01904 551550.
During this period of very high restrictions residents are being asked to keep it safe, keep it local and support local businesses.
Keith Aspden, Leader of the Council, said:
These restrictions mean further changes to the way we live our lives and, undoubtedly, this will be difficult for many.
“The spirit of our wonderful city has been demonstrated throughout this pandemic and I know we will all do what we can to look after each other.
“Please check in on friends, family and neighbours in a Covid-secure way and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
“Please also remember to support our local businesses, who have done so much for our local communities throughout the year. Shops remain open and some bars and restaurants will be offering takeaway and delivery services.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said:
We have reached the end of an incredibly challenging year for the city. Whilst we are all glad to see the back of 2020, please be safe and see in the new year at home.
“We need to all take extra care as the virus is increasing across the city. These next few months will be difficult but with the vaccine rollout there is hope but we aren’t there yet. Remember that 1 in 3 people do not have symptoms of the virus but may still be infectious. So take steps to protect yourself and remember hands, face, space.
“Looking after our physical and mental health will be vital. Please continue to exercise outdoors but do so safely, following the new rules and keeping a safe distance from those we don’t live with.”
By working together we can save lives, please:
Meet others outside and in small numbers (the rule of six applies)
Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more with soap and water
Wear a face covering when in busy public spaces
Give people space – 2m is best
Self-isolate when asked to by test and trace or if you have symptoms
Get a symptom-free test if you are eligible (book online)
FOUR (4) additional hospital deaths announced today. Two occurred on Monday and two yesterday. That brings the total death toll at the York Hospital Trust, since 1st September, to 154.
The latest ONS figures reveal that, during the week ending on 18th December, a further 3 York residents died as a result of coronavirus. This brings the total death toll since the beginning of September to 40.
Of these 40 York residents, 19 deaths occurred in hospital*, 15 in care homes, 3 at a hospice and 3 at home.
*These numbers vary from those quoted for the York Hospital Trust as the later caters for patients from a wide part of Yorkshire.
The cumulative COVID death toll among York residents has now reached 211. The highest fatality rate occurred during the week ending 1st May 2020 (29 deaths).
ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY NINE (149) new positive test results were announced today.
The infection rate fell back slightly to 235.0 as a result of fewer tests being carried out on Christmas Day.
However, the rate is set to rise to at least 312.4 over the next couple of days
No major changes at neighbourhood level although these figures are also influenced by the low number of tests completed on Christmas Day
York in Tier 3
Something of a surprise that York has avoided Tier 4 restrictions given the sharply rising local infection rate
It looks like the budget for children’s specialist services at the York Council will be overspent by 25% during the current financial year.
Much of the deficit arises from increased fostering and adoptions although an extra £1.1 million has been spent on placing vulnerable children in accommodation outside the City.
The Looked After Children population had been stable, in the range 190-210 at any one time, for several years.
However, a reportbeing considered next week reveals a big increase in numbers over the last 2 years.
“In October 2018 there were only 4 individual children in care proceedings. As at the end of September 2020 there were 55 sets of proceedings on 93 individual children in place”.
The report goes on to say, “Safeguarding Interventions are predicted to overspend by approximately £1,139k, mainly due to increases in the Court and Child Protection Teams who are dealing with the increase in cases. Legal fees are predicted to overspend by approximately £220k. Children protection numbers, following a recalibration spike, have now returned to national average levels”.
The projected costs of the local Community Hubs, which were set up at the beginning of lockdown (and have transitioned into a new method of working), is £131,000. This will be funded from the Covid 19 emergency budget provided by the government.
It also looks like the home to school transport budget will also overspend by around £2 million.
“The main increase in numbers have been at post 16/19 where because of the city now being able to provide more specialist education provision for this group of students more locally, subsequently we have had to provide more transport to the likes of York College, Askham Bryan, Choose 2 and Blueberry Academy. The changes in legislation to allow Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) to ages 19-25, resulting in significantly more students accessing this option, has significantly increased our transport spend accordingly”.
The overall net overspend is expected to be £2.5 million after cost savings and a £1.1 million investment from COVID support funding are factored in.
TWO additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on 26th and the other on 27th December.
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE (123) additional positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 6890
The 127 positive result figure on Sunday was the highest recorded since 19th October.
The rate /100k population figure is now 240.3. It is expected to rise to at least 293.0 over the next few days.
The highest figure recorded this year was 444.9 on 16th October. If the present trend continues then that figure will be exceeded early next week.
Of the cases announced on the 24th December, 69 were aged under 60 while 11 were aged over 60.
While the rate of increase in infections leveled off in the run up to Christmas at regional and national level, the reverse was the case in York where case numbers continued to grow strongly (there was a similar surge in the adjacent area of Hambleton).
Residents will be expecting to hear an explanation for the divergence from the authorities.
For the first time, during the third wave of infections, the infection rate has exceeded 500 in two neighbourhoods (Bishopthorpe & Woodthorpe)
This is still well below the peak seen in Heslington in October which saw over 3000 cases /100k population.
However, several neighbourhoods are now seeing record high infection levels.
There has been a steep increase in Dunnington – the first time during the third wave that a neighbourhood on the east of the City has recorded such a high number (478.5)
