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Coronavirus York updates; 15th June 2021

Government advice

Although York is not yet classed as an area where the Delta strain of the virus is most prolific, here is some advice from the government.

The new COVID-19 variant (known as Delta) spreads more easily than the other variants that were previously most common. To help stop the spread, you should:

  • Get both doses of the vaccine when you are offered it, and encourage others to do so as well
  • Participate in surge testing in your local area, whether you are vaccinated or not
  • Self-isolate immediately if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste) or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19

You should also take particular caution when meeting anyone outside your household or support bubble. Wherever possible, you should try to:

  • Meet outside rather than inside where possible
  • Keep 2 metres apart from people that you do not live with (unless you have formed a support bubble with them), this includes friends and family you don’t live with
  • Minimise travel in and out of affected areas

The full government advice can be viewed by clicking here

York hospital patients and deaths

The York Hospital Trust has recorded its first COVID-19 death since 20th April. The fatality occurred on Friday. It brings the total number of deaths up to 593 since the start of the pandemic

The number of coronavirus patients being cared for by the Trust has increased to 6

The latest figures, covering the deaths’ of York residents, reveal that there was one fatality in a care home during the week ending 4th June.

The death brings the total toll among York residents, since the pandemic started, up to 379. This included (at 4th June) 221 hospital deaths, 128 in care homes, 22 at home and 8 in a hospice.

Test results

21 positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,649

The number of cases in the City has risen from 108 to 116

The rate /100k population has risen to 55.08. That is the highest rate recorded since 27th February 2021.

It is trending up to reach over 70+ before the end of the week

Neighbourhoods

Only 5 neighbourhoods now have fewer than 3 cases.

A big step up in case numbers is expected over next three days

Vaccinations

874 vaccinations were completed in the City yesterday (Monday)

Tests

  • 5319 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 10th June 2021
  • Of these, 2.0% were positive. That is an increase on the 1.9% found during the previous period.
  • In addition, 3044 “lateral flow” tests were also completed on 14th June.

York Council reacts to announcement about continuing restrictions

City of York Council have responded following the Prime Minister’s announcement relating to the delayed easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:

We know today’s news is frustrating for many who had high hopes for next week, however, there are still reasons to be optimistic. The vaccine rollout is continuing successfully and many of our local businesses have reopened safely giving us all the chance to once again enjoy so much that our city has to offer. Hopefully soon, with more people vaccinated, we will be able to take that next step safely.

“Throughout this pandemic, communities across York have come together and worked hard to look after each other. It has been a long and challenging period for us all, but I would encourage everyone to please keep going. Better times are ahead, as more of us get first and second doses of the vaccine.

“We are pleased though to see changes in the numbers allowed to attend weddings and civil partnership ceremonies, where social distancing measures allow. This will make a huge difference to many couples having their special day. Our Register Office will continue to support couples and will be contacting those who have booked ceremonies with us with further details. We will share more details when the guidance is published.

“We know this is difficult news for people and businesses who will be most directly impacted by this announcement. We will continue to support you, as we have done throughout the pandemic, and we will share more updates as guidance and information becomes available. Please continue to shop at local businesses who are working so hard to keep people safe.

“If you’re struggling to manage, or you don’t have any support, but need it because of COVID-19, please get in touch by emailing covid19help@york.gov.uk or calling telephone: 01904 551550. Businesses severely impacted by today’s announcement can get contact us by emailing the council’s Economic Growth team at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.”

Fiona Phillips, Assistant Director of Public Health said:

Whilst today’s news is disappointing, with increasing cases and hospital admissions across the country and the presence of the delta variant, it isn’t surprising.

“In recent days we have seen cases increase across York – it is vital that we all remain vigilant and keep each other safe.

“This has been a challenging time, but please keep going and check in on friends and family who may be struggling. Help is at hand should people need it and it is important we look after our mental health as well as physical health.

“Whilst the vaccine roll out is going very well, many in the city are yet to have the vaccine and get that protection. We know too with the delta variant how important a second dose is to boosting immunity so please when you get invited get both doses. Please help keep each other safe and the city open by continuing to:

  • wash your hands regularly
  • wear a face covering in busy public spaces and where asked
  • give people space
  • meet outside, or open windows letting fresh air indoors
  • get tested regularly; see more information about symptom-free testing
  • get the vaccine when you are eligible and get that second dose; See more information and book an appointment on the NHS website

“The vaccines are working and saving lives. This and the fact they are being administered in great numbers means that better times are ahead. The slowing of the roadmap gives the opportunity for more people to be protected in the hope we can have a great and safe summer.”

Coronavirus York updates; 19th May 2021

Deaths

There have been no further deaths at the York Hospital Trust. The cumulative death toll since the start of the pandemic remains at 591

Test results

The cumulative case number total is now 12,339 following further backdated changes. It is the same total as yesterday.

Case numbers in the City have fallen from 32 to 27

Rate /100k population falls to 12.82. It is expected to remain stable during the next few days.

The weekly rolling daily average case rate number is now consistently below 5.

Case rates are falling at all levels.

Neighbourhoods

There are only three neighbourhoods now with case numbers at 3 or above.

Vaccinations

Nimbuscare are saying, “Text messages are going out to some York people this week, inviting them come early to Askham Bar’s Red Tent for their second dose vaccinations.

They will get the chance to book into our special vaccination clinics this weekend which are running 6am til 11pm at Askham Bar Vaccination Centre.

Appointments are now open to book 17 hrs a day Friday to Sunday this weekend.

This means people aged over 50yrs, or in priority groups 1-9, can have their second dose at 8 weeks, according to the new JCVI advice.

Please note this is for people in cohorts 1-9 who have already received a first dose of the vaccine. Please wait to receive your text to invite you to book and don’t contact your GP surgery”.

Tests

  • 4523 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 14th May
  • Of these, 0.6% were positive. That is the same proportion as found during the previous period
  • In addition, 1815 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 18th May

Hospital

There has been no change in patient numbers at the hospital today

“More resident testing should help stop the virus spreading”

City of York Council’s contact tracers are out in communities offering symptom-free coronavirus tests in an effort to help case numbers remain low and to keep the city open. 

From Wednesday 19 May, council staff will be visiting communities in the city offering testing kits to residents and encouraging them to test themselves twice a week, to stop the virus from spreading. This work will support the Council’s efforts to increase the number of people being tested for COVID to identify symptom-free cases and stop the spread of the virus.

In the coming days Council’s Public Health team will be going door to door to offer testing kits to residents. This work will start on Wednesday 19 May. It is not as the result of increased cases in that area or the presence of a variant of concern. It is the start of additional efforts to get more people tested and increase testing accessibility. Staff will have Council ID cards for identification and will be handing out free tests so residents will not be asked to pay.

The first street will be:

  • Wolsley Street
  • Gordon Street
  • Willis Street
  • Wellington Street
  • Barbican Mews

These streets were not as the result of increased cases in that area or the presence of a variant of concern.

The Public Health Team will be:

  • offering testing kits at the NHS vaccination centre for York residents and their family for regular use
  • offering testing kits to employers in the city so that staff can get tested
  • continuing to offer in-person testing and collection service at the University of York, York St John University, York Leisure Centre at the York Stadium Leisure Complex, Acomb Explore and Foxwood Community Centre
  • offering in-person testing at St William’s College with residents, employees and visitors able to access this service

Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:

We have seen the rate of Covid cases rising in other areas of the country, so we are keen to take proactive and preventative action to keep cases low in York by trying new ways to encourage more residents to get tested.

“We are hugely grateful to the many York residents who are continuing to do their part and get tested regularly. We are urging more residents to join the city-wide effort and get tested regularly to protect each other and our city. Regular testing, as well as practicing Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air continue to be the best ways we can protect the progress our city has made in recent months.

“We know first-hand how quickly this virus can spread, so the more testing we do to identify cases the more people we can protect. If cases continue to remain low the better our chances of moving to the next step of the lockdown easing roadmap.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, City of York Council said:

In recent months we have been putting a lot of work into encouraging people to get tested, including opening up new testing sites across the city, with lots of tests being carried out every week.

“We are continuing to take a preventative approach. 1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus has no symptoms. As we are able to see more of our friends and family we want to give our city the best possible chance of keeping cases down by encouraging more people to get tested.

“Infection rates in York remain low currently but we can’t afford to be complacent. I would like to thank everyone in the city for their continued efforts. It is through this vigilance practicing Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air, getting tested regularly and getting the vaccine when called that we can continue to reopen our city and protect our recovery from the pandemic.”

Coronavirus York updates; 12th May 2021

Deaths

There have been no further deaths at the York Hospital Trust today

Test results

Eight additional positive test results have been recorded. That brings the cumulative total up to 12,329

The number of cases in the City has increased from 29 to 35,

The rate /100k population figure has increased to 16.62. It is expected to rise to over 18 before falling off again towards the weekend.

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

The government has confirmed that it will start to roll out vaccinations to 38 and 39 year old’s from tomorrow.

Tests

  • 4,052 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 7th May 2021
  • Of these, 0.6% were positive. That was lower than the 0.8% positives recorded on the previous day.
  • In addition 1739 “lateral flow” tests were conducted om 11th May.

Hospital

Outbreak Management Board meeting next week

City of York Outbreak Management Advisory Board – Wednesday, 19 May 2021 5.30 pm

Agenda

  1. Declarations of Interest
  2. Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 April 2021
  3. 3.Current Situation in York – Presentation
  4. York Outbreak Management Plan
  5. Update from Sub-Group: Universities and Higher Education Establishments
  6. Communications Update
  7. Items for Next Agenda
  8. Dates of Future Meetings
  9. Any Other Business

Proof of vaccination

Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status allows you to show others that you’ve had a full course of the COVID-19 vaccine when travelling abroad to some countries or territories. A full course is currently 2 doses of any approved vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccination status is available to people who live in England.

You can get your vaccination status in digital or paper format.

The service will go live from Monday 17 May.

How to access your COVID-19 vaccination status
Through the NHS App

You can access your COVID-19 vaccination status through the free NHS App from 17 May. You can access the app through mobile devices such as a smartphone or tablet. Proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status will be shown within the NHS App. We recommend that you register with the app before booking international travel.

By calling 119

If you do not have access to a smartphone and know that the country you are travelling to requires COVID-19 vaccination status, you can call the NHS helpline on 119 (from 17 May) and ask for a letter to be posted to you. This must be at least 5 working days after you’ve completed your course of the vaccine. We expect the letter to take up to 5 working days to reach you.

The letter will be sent automatically to the address registered with your GP. The 119 call handler you speak to will not be able to see your address to check this with you. If you’ve recently moved house, make sure you’ve given your new address to your GP practice before calling 119.

Do not contact your GP surgery about your COVID-19 vaccination status. GPs cannot provide letters showing your COVID-19 vaccination status.

Using the NHS App

To use the NHS App, you must be:

If you’re aged 13 to 15, you’ll need to contact your GP surgery to request access to GP online services before you can use the app.

Find out more about the NHS App (click)

We recommend that you register with the NHS App:

  • before booking your international travel
  • at least 2 weeks before your departure date and once you’ve had a full course of vaccinations, which is currently 2 doses of an approved vaccine

Coronavirus York updates; 24th April 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths announced today

Test results

13 additional positive test results announced today. That is the highest for some weeks. The 12 positive tests recorded on Thursday was the highest single day figure recorded for a month.

The cumulative total is now 12,223.

The number of cases has increased from 31 yesterday to 37 today

The rate /100k population figure has risen to 17.57.

Unfortunately we seem to be seeing an upward trajectory with a rate of over 22 likely to be seen over the next few days.

Neighbourhoods

There are now 5 neighbourhoods with above average infection rates. The biggest increase has been in the City Centre which currently has 7 cases.

Vaccinations

Tests

3,936 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 19th April

Of these, 0.7% were positive; the same proportion as the previous day.

In additional 1721 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted.

As York opens up, please stay safe says Council

This week represented a major step forward for York as shops, gyms, hairdressers and pub gardens opened their doors welcoming residents and visitors alike.

While infections rates remain low, the council is still asking all those enjoying our city to stay safe and help protect those around them.

You can play your part by:

  • Washing and sanitising your hands regularly
  • Wearing a face covering in busy public spaces, and respecting the measures put in place by businesses
  • Maintaining social distancing whenever possible
  • Following the rule of six for two households
  • Taking a COVID test twice a week. You can arrange to collect a testing kit or book an in-person appointment online. All Adults are now eligible for these tests symptom-free
  • Download the NHS COVID-19 app, available for both Android and iOS phones

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of York City Council said:

We are now nearly two weeks into the new measures and I want to thank everyone for their efforts to keep the city safe and ask people to keep going.

“The return of many retail, leisure and outdoor hospitality businesses has been an important step forward towards normal life, and we are thankful for the efforts of our local businesses and communities in helping to keep both residents and visitors to our city as safe as possible.

“Our efforts must continue if we are to retain the progress we’ve made together and move further along the roadmap. I would urge all those of secondary school age or older to continue to get tested twice a week while practising hands, face, space and to meet with those we don’t live with outside.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, City of York Council said:

“Businesses, communities and public institutions have done vital work in protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.

Infection rates across York are currently stable, but ensuring the continued recovery of our city will require us all to redouble our efforts and not rest on our laurels.

“Hands, face, space, fresh air remain vital in our fight against the virus. As is getting tested twice a week and answering the call for the vaccine when it arrives.”

Blue Badge holders asked for views on parking

City of York Council wants York’s Blue Badge Holders views on potential new parking in York city centre.

Front Street

Unfortunately the survey does not extend to suburban shopping areas like Acomb Front Street. One suggestion there is that the pedestrian area should be suspended on one day per week to allow access for Blue Badge holders.

The council says it is reviewing options to provide additional Disabled Parking locations at the edges of the pedestrianised ‘footstreets’ area. It is doing so before considering whether to make permanent the temporary changes to access arrangements introduced last year, potentially removing Blue Badge access exemptions on specific streets.

This would make the current temporary arrangements permanent, with no vehicles allowed to enter the footstreets area between 10:30am and 5pm (apart from emergency vehicles and a very limited number of service exemptions).

A separate consultation will take place over the decision. For now the council wants to understand how useful these potential additional Blue Badge parking locations next to the footstreets would be.

The new locations represent a mix of new parking bays, potential shared spaces and options to improve some double yellow line parking with dedicated bays.

The areas under consideration are: 

  • Junction of Blake Street and Duncombe Place – next to the Visit York building and Grays Solicitors,
  • Duncombe Place Horse and Carriage Bay – on the road leading to the Minster,
  • St Andrewgate – the road leading down the side of Barnitt’s onto King’s Square,
  • St Andrews Place, off St Andrewgate,
  • Deangate – between the Cross Keys and the Minster,
  • Stonebow – outside Calvert’s carpets,
  • St Denys Road – near St Denys’ Church,
  • Cumberland Street – by the York Opera House,
  • Lord Mayor’s Walk – alongside the wall near Monk Bar,
  • St Leonard’s Place – near the De Grey Rooms.

As part of the consultation, the council is also talking to other users of these spaces, including taxi associations, neighbouring businesses and residents.

Pay on Exit introduced in Marygate and Coppergate

From this week, Marygate and Coppergate Centre Car Parks (formally known as Piccadilly) now offer new ‘pay on exit’ car parking.

  • Not so long ago – no card payments!
  • Car parking space availability signs
  • Piccadilly car park
  • Barriers at Marygate car park have been unreliable

We think that this is a step forward but the top priority remains to improve digital signage and communications to prevent unnecessary trips by drivers seeking parking spaces. That is particularly important at these two car parks which are accessible only by awkward routes.

It is several years since the Council switched of some of its advance car parking space availability signs. A promise that available space information would be integrated into “Sat Nav” systems has not yet materialised., although this si common on electric vehicle charging platforms

The result is unnecessarily long journeys with all that entails in terms of extra pollution.

So now the City of York Council, in partnership with York BID, have introduced the new ‘pay on exit’ equipment, which has been upgraded to enable customers to pay for parking as they leave the car park, in a hope to improve the customer experience.

The new ticketless systems will enable residents and visitors to pay for parking as they leave, rather than in advance.

A successful ‘pay on exit’ trial was undertaken in Marygate car park back in 2016 and the new system has now been expanded to the Coppergate Centre car park too.

The new system uses ANPR cameras to provide ticketless parking at both car parks. ANPR cameras will read the car registration plate on entering the car park. When visitors leave, all they need to do is go to the payment machine and type in their car registration plate.

Blue badge holders are able to scan their barcode or QR code for free or discounted parking at the Coppergate Centre car park. At Marygate, where designated disabled parking bays are outside the car park and  occupied, blue badge holders wishing to park inside the car park are able to scan their barcode or QR code for free or discounted parking.  

ANPR cameras will read the car registration plate on leaving the car park and all visitors need to do is pay any required charge for their stay.

The ticketless parking system will recognise that payment has been made and the barrier will raise automatically to allow drivers to exit.

The introduction of ANPR systems mean car park scratch cards are no longer able to be used in the car parks.
If anyone holds a parking permit for a car park where ANPR ticketless parking is in place, they’ll still be able to use the car park as normal. To find out more on this visit the page on the council website.

It’s hoped that the ‘pay on exit’ system will be rolled out across other city car parks.

Please note: Marygate car park currently has reduced capacity during the important Environment Agency works taking place in the area, and larger vehicles will be operating/using the narrow access road.

The new pay on exit payment systems have been introduced as the new national restrictions change from 12 April to include:

  • Non-essential retail reopening
  • Outdoor hospitality is allowed
  • Personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons can resume
  • Libraries, community centres and indoor leisure facilities can reopen (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups)
  • The rule of six or two households still applies and we can only spend time with those we don’t live with outside.

Restrictions remain in place, which means you will still need to sanitise your hands, wear face coverings and keep socially distanced. 

The council is continuing to support local businesses and has prepared for the next stage of lockdown rule easing on 12 April. Extra measures introduced in the city will include:

  • The installation of temporary public toilets, additional litter bins and additional cleaning taking place in the city centre
  • extending the Covid Support Marshalls programme until the end of June
  • submitting planning applications required for temporary managed outdoor spaces to help people see friends and family safely
  • making it easier for people to get tested, offering a collect option at our testing sites and opening up symptom-free testing to all adults and children of secondary school age and above.

Coronavirus York updates; 10th April 2021

Deaths

No more COVID-19 hospital deaths have been announced today

Test results

6 additional positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total to 12,162.

We seem to be seeing a post Easter spike in positive test results. This will translate into a higher infection rate next week.

There is one fewer case in York today compared to yesterday.

The rate /100k population has fallen to 11.40. It is likely to fall to under 10 over the next couple of days before rising.

The infection rate in York remains well below the regional and national averages

Neighbourhoods

Updated figures

Vaccinations

Tests

3374 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 5th April

Of these, 0.6% were positive. This is the same rate as the previous period.

In addition 1487 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted.

Business grants

York Council update on payments of restart grants

Restart Grants will be paid into eligible non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation and leisure business bank accounts next week, following Government rules on fraud checks.

Eligible businesses that have already qualified for payments from other grant programmes do not need to reapply, and will automatically be paid if they are eligible.

Restart Grants will be paid during w/c 12 April, and land with businesses bank accounts within 3 working days.

New businesses that started trading between 5 January and 1 April may also qualify for Restart Grants. These Businesses only can apply online through the council website from Monday 12th April.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance said:

Our staff at City of York Council are once again working extremely hard to ensure that payments are made quickly to eligible businesses.

“We’re grateful for businesses patience, and hope the fast payments help them to bounce back from such a tough year.”

Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning said:

We’re working with partners across York to support a safe and successful reopening of the city.

“Fast payment of grants has been a key part of our ongoing job retention and business support work in the city. Alongside creating outdoor space and processing pavement café licenses, efficient grant support will ensure that local businesses are in the best position to reopen their doors once it is safe to do so.

“I’d like to thank all local businesses for their efforts in providing a safe and welcoming experience for customers, and wish them well as they reopen throughout the roadmap.

“I’d also like to thank all those residents who continue to support York’s local businesses and the jobs they provide by shopping local.”

The Restart Grant is a one-off grant and was announced as part of the Budget on 3 March 2021.
Further information on the Restart Grant scheme, including how to apply can be found online.

If your business still falls through the cracks of government schemes, please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.

Coronavirus York updates; 3rd April 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths announced today

Test Results

Six positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,211.

The number of cases in the City has fallen by 12 from 61 yesterday to 49 today.

The case rate /100k population figure has fallen to 23.27.

That is the lowest rate seen since 9th September 2020

Infection rates continue to fall across the region

Neighbourhoods

Only one neighbourhood (Holgate West) now has an infection rate above 50. It is also the only area with a rate above the national average.

Most neighbourhoods now have fewer than 3 cases

Vaccinations

Tests

4231 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 29th March 2021

Of these, 1.3% were positive. That is the lowest percentage seen for over two weeks.

1128 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 2nd April 2021

City quiet today

Not many people ventured into the City today on what is usually one of the busiest Saturdays in the year.

Most shops were closed of course, and the weather was cool

Those that did venture out, made their way to the areas near the Minster and the Museum Gardens. The latter was quite busy with some taking the Council’s advice to have a picnic.

  • Davygate
  • York Minster
  • Parliament Street
  • No alcohol warning
  • Museum Gardens
  • Wedding party
The real test will come on 12th April when shops, hairdressers and some hospitality will reopen.

LNER seems to have got the message that it needs to promote the empty spaces in its car parks.

The Council on the other hand still stubbornly cordons off a section of the busier Marygate car park in a futile attempt to promote “social distancing”,

New testing centre in Foxwood opens on 12th April

City of York Council is making it even easier for residents and workers in the city to get tested.

Workers in York and residents can benefit from a new testing site set to open soon, along with more opportunities for residents to collect home testing kits.

Foxwood Community centre is the latest symptom-free testing site in the city opening on Monday 12 April. It joins the existing sites at University of York, York St John University and the York Leisure Centre at the York Stadium Leisure Complex. Symptom free tests are available for anyone secondary school or college age and above. Symptom-free tests can be booked at any of York sites online or by calling 01904 551559. 

Each of these testing sites will now act as a collection point for home testing kits by appointment only. A slot can be booked online or by calling 01904 551559 and spaces are available from 7 April. Home tests should not be taken if you are experiencing symptoms and school and college pupils should continue to collect from their education settings.

Residents of any age who have Coronavirus symptoms can book a test online or by calling 119 and self-isolate until receiving results. The symptoms of Coronavirus are a continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of or change in the sense of taste or smell.

Councillor Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Social Care said:

We all have a part to play in stopping the spread of Coronavirus and helping us along the road back to normal. Getting tested regularly really does make a difference and protects those around you.

“The testing service is a huge city-wide effort and we are always looking at ways to make it easier for people to get tested. By opening more sites and introducing a collection service we hope this further aids our collective efforts to keep our city and each other safe.

“We are grateful to partners for their support as well as to residents who are getting tested regularly.”

Fiona Phillips, Assistant Director of Public Health said:

1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus have no symptoms. Having regular symptom-free tests helps us to identify those who could be spreading the virus unknowingly and protects people.

“We are hugely grateful to those taking regular tests and ask that more do as we continue to move along the roadmap.

“Even if you have had the vaccine we are asking you to get tested to stop you from giving the virus to others. These symptom-free tests are available to anyone secondary school age and above but anyone with symptoms of any age should self-isolate and book a test online or calling 119.

“We all have a part to play in the coming weeks and months. Getting tested regularly and practice hands, face, space will help us beat the virus.”

Why are symptom-free tests important and who should get one?

1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus has no symptoms so you could be spreading COVID to those you love without knowing it.

Getting tested, and self-isolating if necessary, stops the spread of the virus and will help us get back to seeing the people we love and going to the places we love.

We all still need to follow the rules and practice hands, face, space. Testing is another tool in our fight against the virus.

Symptom-free testing is now available to all adults and pupils from secondary school and college age and above.

I’ve had the vaccine, why should I get tested?

Whilst the vaccine reduces the risk of you having serious complications if you catch it, you could still spread Coronavirus to those around you, putting others at risk.

Not everyone has been vaccinated so getting tested regularly will help keep others safe and stop you from spreading the virus to those you love.

My test has come back negative, what can I do after this?

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
  • there’s the potential for the test result to be ‘false negative’ if you’re infected with COVID-19 but don’t yet have a high enough level of the virus to register on the Lateral Flow Device (LFD)
  • 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
My symptom-free test has come back positive, what should I do next?

If you receive a positive test result you must self-isolate for 10 days. In order to detect the maximum number of cases with variants, the government is reintroducing confirmatory PCR testing for positive LFD test results in England. Confirmatory tests are used to validate the result of the initial rapid test.
If you get a positive result on your first test you should not go for a second rapid results test – cancel your second test appointment by following the cancellation link in your booking confirmation email.

I have symptoms. Why can’t I use a home testing kit to check?

These tests are provided for those who are symptom-free to get regular tests. There are two testing sites in the city for people with symptoms of Coronavirus, please use them if you need it.

If you have symptoms, the probability of you having Covid is increased.  Given that a home test requires a confirmatory PCR anyway, this way will save you time and use the testing offer for those with symptoms.

My home test came back negative, why do I need to fill in the form?

Completing the form helps us to understand how many people are getting tested in the city and better understand the positivity rate (how much spread there is within a community).

Completing the form no matter the result provides us with valuable information about where we are as a city

Join the conversation about Acomb Front Street’s future

Businesses, residents and visitors are being asked what they love and what they’d like to change about Acomb’s Front Street.

The consultation is the much delayed opportunity to help with the regeneration of the Front Street area.

Fruit stall

The council committed to a £50,000 investment in Front Street, one of the city’s most important shopping areas, before the pandemic brought about even larger challenges to high streets across the UK.

Acomb’s Front Street plays a vital role in the community and the wider city, and is home to many established and well-loved local independent retailers and community spaces. It has a lower than national average proportion of empty units, with occupancy rates bucking the UK trend by increasing significantly in the last three years.

The council is now asking for views which will help to keep Front Street at the heart Acomb’s economy and community.

The Council says that last year “we postponed the survey because of Covid-19. Your views in the survey will be used to create a ‘brief’ of community ideas which we can check with local people before the council executive decides what improvements to make”.

500 residents have already had a new COVID-secure knock on their door from IdB, a market research company working with the council.  The council is working alongside IdB to ask for feedback and ideas from a diverse and representative cross section of Acomb residents. The surveys will be dropped with residents in a sterile bag, along with gloves, an antiviral wipe and a return bag. The market researcher will then return later that day to collect the questionnaire.

Residents can also get involved by:

Coronavirus York updates; 31st March 2021

Deaths

The ONS have updated their weekly monitor of the number of deaths among York residents from COVID-19.

During the week ending 19th March 2021 two residents lost their lives. Both were hospital patients.

There were no deaths in care homes.

No further deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today.

It is now two weeks since the last hospital fatality in York

Test results

Five additional positive test results have been announced today. That brings the total up to 12,198

Citywide case numbers have fallen from 67 to 63 today. There may be a small rise tomorrow before numbers are expected to fall to a 2021 low on Saturday

The infection rate per 100k population figure has fallen to 29.91 today. There now appears to be a real possibility – for the first time in 2 weeks – that a downward trend in infection rates will resume over the Easter period.

For the first time in over a week, infection rates have fallen today at City, county, regional and national levels.

Neighbourhoods

16 York neighbourhoods now each have fewer than 3 cases

There has been a modest increase in infection numbers in the Holgate and Westfield neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

As at 28 March, 91,467 people in York had received their first dose of the vaccine, an estimated 52.6% of the adult population.

9,222 people have received both doses of the vaccine, accounting for an estimated 5.3% of the adult population.

For the first time yesterday at a national level, more people received their second dose than received their first dose of vaccine.

Tests

4,399 people in York had PCR tests during the week ending 26th March 2021

Of these, 1.6% were positive. That is an improvement on yesterdays figure of 1.8%

858 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 30th March 2021

Hospitals

There has been a further drop in the number of patients being treated for COVID-19 by the York Hospital Trust

What to do over Easter

This is what the Council is recommending for the Easter holidays. The weather is expected to become cooler and most lockdown RESTRICTIONS ARE STILL IN PLACE

Find more ideas for things to do at home/virtually on the Shine website – https://www.yor-ok.org.uk/young-people/shine-new.htm

Council updates businesses on the restart grant payments

Restart Grants will start being paid to York businesses from w/c 12th April after the government confirmed it would transfer money to local authorities after the Easter weekend.

The council continues to prioritise paying government grants into the bank accounts of qualifying businesses as quickly as possible.

April sees the next phase of grant payments with restart grants being paid to non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation and leisure businesses that are liable for business rates. Businesses that have already qualified for payments from other grant programmes do not need to reapply, and will automatically be paid if they are eligible.

New businesses that started trading between 5 January and 1 April may qualify for restart grants. They can apply through the claim form on the council website, which will be available from Monday 12 April.

Eligible business who have not yet applied for Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) funding must do so before 31 March 2021. See details of available business grants and check if you’re eligible online. After this date businesses will not be able to apply for the ARG grant, but those who have already qualified will continue to receive payments from April onwards in line with roadmap periods.

All qualifying businesses liable for business rates will continue to benefit from business rates relief as previously announced in the March Budget.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance said:

Throughout the pandemic we have prioritised keeping businesses as up to date on the process as we can and in getting payments to them as quickly as possible.

“We are now over a year on since the first lockdown and it has been an incredibly challenging year for us all. We continue to be incredibly grateful to the business community for their understanding and support and to our council staff who are working tirelessly to get each payment into the bank accounts of businesses as soon as possible. We expect these payments to be made from 12 April but as ever will keep businesses updated.”

Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for the economy and strategic planning said:

Many businesses are seeking to re-open as safely as possible, and the council is committed to supporting local businesses through this process.

“The finance team is working hard to ensure that as soon as Government funding is received, payments are made to business’ accounts. We know that the quick payment of these grants is essential for eligible businesses. This is why I have recently written to the Secretary of State to urge for the current system to be streamlined to ensure businesses receive payments as quickly as possible.”

“We continue to update our website with the latest information and eligibility criteria for certain support online.

“Any businesses who have fallen through the cracks of government support please get in touch with us as soon as possible on email: economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.”

Shielding lifts after 1 April as infection rates fall

Clinically extremely vulnerable people in York are being reassured that help is still to hand as, from Thursday 1 April shielding will stop, as virus infection rates continue to fall.

Affected residents will be getting updated guidance from the Government asking them to take extra precautions to reduce their risk of infection from Covid-19. These set out practical steps to reduce the risk of catching the virus, including continuing to maintain strict social distancing and to keep overall social contacts at low levels, such as working from home where possible.

The move follows the first dose vaccination of more than 9 in 10 clinically extremely vulnerable people as well as a steady decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations for the last few weeks. People aged 16 or older who have been advised they are clinically extremely vulnerable and who haven’t had their first vaccination should book it via the NHS website. Please take up the second dose of the vaccine when it is offered to further increase your level of protection.

York’s community hubs and the network of food deliverers will continue to offer support. Anyone already registered for priority access to supermarket delivery slots will to be able to access them until 21 June 2021.

Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:

Shielding helps safeguard those who are the most clinically vulnerable in our communities. We recognise how difficult this period has been for so many and the impact it has had on people’s wellbeing.

“Being able to lift shielding is testament to the efforts of everyone in the city in stopping the spread of the virus. It means people can start thinking about easing up on the more rigid guidelines and begin going out more. To keep York open and the people we love safe, please continue to observe hands, face, space.

“We are still here to help. Our community hubs can support anyone who needs it, whether to talk to someone or to collect essentials. Please call 01904 551550 or email covid19help@york.gov.uk if you need support.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health at City of York Council, said:

Thank you to everyone who has shielded or has helped someone who is shielding: we know how challenging and worrying this period has been for individuals and families.

“Whilst this is another positive step in the road to normal we all still need to be careful. If you have been shielding, please continue to take extra precautions after 1 April to keep yourself as safe as possible.

“No vaccine is 100% effective. Even if you have had both doses, there is still no absolute guarantee that you will not become ill from Covid-19, so please remember hands, face, space.”