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Coronavirus York updates; 16th January 2021

Deaths

TWO additional hospital deaths announced today. Brings the cumulative death toll at the York Hospital Trust since 1st September to 199.

Test results

ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE new positive test results announced today. Cumulative total is now 9946.

Rate /100k population reduces to 580.7. That is the lowest rate seen in the City since 3rd January.

The infection rate is trending to go below 500 within the next two days.

Case numbers are reducing at all levels although York remains above the national, regional and county averages.

Hospitals

The latest available figures show that the York Hospital Trust was caring for 156 COVID patients on 12th January. Of these 6 were in mechanical ventilation beds.

Neighbourhoods

Further reduction in case numbers across the City. Down from1271 to 1223.

Infection rate now reducing in west York.

Vaccinations

Nationwide 3,559,179 people have received a doze of vaccine. The second dose total is 447,261

York Council commentary on COVID trends

The Council progress report on open data has been updated

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 11.1.21 there had been 317 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 653 in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.

• As at 13.1.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 958.5 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,772 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 14.1.21 York has had 9,722 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 4,615.9 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (5,035.5) and regional (5,284.7) averages.

• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the no. of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (11.1.21) is Red.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 6.1.21 to 12.1.21 in York is 541.26 (using data published on Gov.uk on 14.1.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.1.21 to 9.1.21 was 657.6. The national and regional averages at this date were 622.3 and 318.7 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 14.1.21).

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.1.21 to 9.1.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 500.3. The national and regional averages were 465 and 240.7 respectively.

• As at 11.1.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 14.62%. The national and regional averages are 15.5% and 10.5% respectively.

• As at 11.1.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.7%. The national and regional averages are 1.7% and 0.9% respectively.

• As at 12.1.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 15.6%. The national and regional averages were 16.7% and 11.6% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 8.1% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 17.1% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE

• As at 14.1.21 York University reported 35 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.

• As at 12.1.21 York St. John reported 17 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 8,673 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 7,747 of the cases have been completed (89.3%). 21,364 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 15,398 of these have been completed (72.1%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 8.1.21, 597 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 574 of the referrals (96.1%) have been actioned and 23 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 399 were successful and 152 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Settings / Schools

• As at 14.1.21 there were 15 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 13.1.21 (2 homes).

• In the 7 days up to 10.1.21 there were 95 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 38 different schools). NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 13.1.21 there were 121 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 12.1.21 was 116

• As at 13.1.21 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 11.1.21 were 5 and 0 respectively.

• As at 13.1.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 6 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 13.1.21 there had been 0 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours

R Number

• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 8.1.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.1 to 1.4. The previous estimate was (0.9 to 1.1) on 23.12.20.

Vaccinations

• In England between 8.12.20 and 13.1.20, 2,910,027 vaccinations had been administered (2,494,371 first dose and 415,656 second dose). Data at Regional level is available for the period 8.12.20 to 10.1.21 and 433,045 vaccinations were administered in this period in the North East and Yorkshire Region.

Deaths

The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it enables a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 1st January 2020 and registered up to 9th January 2021, 230 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (120 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 13 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 109.2 which is lower than the national average of 135.6. There have been 58 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 13 weeks (Weeks 41 to 53).

• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS): Between week 2 and week 53 there were a total of 165 ‘excess deaths’ in York in 2020 compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 18 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 27 fewer deaths in weeks 22-53.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 11.1.21 (for deaths occurring up to 6.1.21), a cumulative total of 225 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 81.96, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 109 of the 225 were male (48.4%), less than the national average (55.2%). 83 people (36.49%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 24.85%). In addition 19 people (8.3%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.

Stay home and save lives this weekend

City of York Council would like to thank local residents, businesses and communities for doing their part to stop the spread of the virus in York.

The council is urging everyone to stay at home, where possible, to protect the NHS and save lives in our city.

With cases still high in the city, residents are being reminded to act as if they and others have the virus, in order to prevent further transmission from those who do not have symptoms.

This weekend, residents are advised to avoid congregating to chat in crowds or groups outdoors and to avoid queues where you can’t socially distance. Our best defence against COVID-19 is to minimise our contact with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. If you need to leave the home for essential reasons, please remember hands, face, space to protect yourself and those you love.

Avoiding unnecessary journeys doesn’t mean we can’t also support our hard working local businesses. Many businesses now offer delivery of food and goods, and a list can be found on the Live Well York website which residents are encouraged to share and print if neighbours can’t access it online at www.livewellyork.co.uk/fooddeliveries

About 1 in 3 people with coronavirus have no symptoms, and will be spreading the virus without realising. The Council has recently expanded its symptom-free testing offer to include anyone living or working in York who is unable to work from home during the lockdown and who come into contact with other people during the course of their work, including staff working in education and early years settings and those in factories or working in construction. Symptom-free testing continues to be offered to those who support the most vulnerable in the city, to school pupils who are eligible to attend school and to teachers who will be working in schools.

Find out if you are eligible and book a test at https://www.york.gov.uk/SymptomFreeCOVIDTest

You should not book a rapid test if you have coronavirus symptoms, instead you should self-isolate and book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus , or calling 119.

Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of the council, said;

“I would like to thank local residents and businesses for yet again rising to the challenge and demonstrating the strong community spirit in York.

“We must continue to work together the stop the spread of the virus, in order to keep the people we love safe and not overwhelm our NHS.

“With the new variant of COVID-19 now apparent in the majority of new positive cases in York, we must all remain vigilant. Our collective efforts of following public health guidance will help flatten the curve of cases in York.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said;

“In York, around 75% of all new positive cases of COVID-19 are of the new variant.

“What we know about this new variant is that it is thought to be around 70% more transmissible than what we were dealing with earlier last year. This means that everyone needs to practice extra caution with hygiene and ask themselves if their journey or interaction is absolutely essential, even if it is within the current rules.

“With news that more than one third of people aged 80 and over in England have received at least one dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine as of this week, we can remain hopeful that there is in an end in sight to the current restrictions. However, we still have a fair way to go to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and that case rates are at a much lower level – and this is down to our united efforts to carefully follow the current guidance and stay home.”

Be aware of Covid-related scams

People in York are being urged to guard themselves against a recent spate of scams relating to Covid-19.

Residents have reported receiving fake mobile texts, calls or emails offering vaccine appointments or claim to be about Test and Trace. In most cases the texts and emails contain a link that asks for payment or further personal details.

People in York and the region are being invited to be vaccinated when it’s their turn. They will be invited by the NHS, their local GP practice, or in York by Nimbuscare, a local consortium of 11 GP practices.

NHS vaccines and tests are free, so they will never ask for payment or for an individual’s bank details. Because they already hold individual’s personal details they won’t ask for them either.

Residents are being asked to remember these ways to protect themselves and other people from scams:

Be wary of people selling or offering:

  • Vaccines or ‘miracle cures’
  • People calling at your door offering to sell you and give you a vaccine
  • Shopping or medication collection services
  • Overpriced or fake goods
  • Offers to clean your home of coronavirus.

Don’t be rushed but check out what’s being offered:

  • If you’re unsure, ask family and friends before accepting offers of help
  • It’s OK to refuse or ignore approaches. If someone tries to pressure or rush you, they are unlikely to be genuine
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
  • Only buy goods or services from trusted sellers
  • Think carefully before parting with money or personal information

Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Chair of NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“COVID-19 vaccines are available only on the NHS for free.

“Our staff are currently working their way through vaccinating priority groups in York and the surrounding areas, and people are being invited directly by the local NHS when it’s their turn.

“Anyone asking you to pay for a vaccine is committing a crime. The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and we’ll never ask for payment or for your bank details.”

Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member with responsibility for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:

“The NHS will contact you direct when it is your turn to be vaccinated.

“Preying on people’s worries about Covid-19 at this time is despicable. We understand that people want to do all they can to protect themselves and their loved ones, and we advise caution and checking before sharing any personal information or handing over money.

“If you think you have identified a scam or are suspicious about an approach, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133, or report scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.”

Thousands get symptom free testing in York

Public health leaders in York have thanked the thousands of people who have already accessed symptom-free covid tests in the city.

The latest data shows that 500 secondary school pupils are amongst those who have already taken the tests, who are also attending school.

The tests are one way of helping to reduce the spread of coronavirus, and they are available to anyone (living or working in York) who is unable to work from home and is still going to work.  This includes staff working in education and early years, those in factories and construction and other essential sectors.

Testing continues to be offered to those who support the most vulnerable in the city, to secondary school pupils who are eligible to attend school and to teachers who will be working in schools.

The free testing is voluntary and tests are available at sites across the city, all of which have access to good transport links and parking.

Testing appointments are available over the next few days to those eligible and can be booked online.

The tests should be booked regularly (every week), with individuals being tested twice, three days apart.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council:

We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of residents who have booked a test and are continuing to get tested regularly.

“This is of course incredibly important in our efforts to reduce the spread of the virus and I am pleased that we have expanding our testing offer in the city.”

“Alongside testing, we must all continue to follow the latest national guidance in order to relieve pressure from our NHS and ultimately,  protect our loved ones.”

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

With around one in three people with coronavirus not showing any symptoms, symptom free testing is a great way of helping to reduce the spread of the virus.

“Working together with partners across the city has enabled us to provide a number of testing sites across the city, so it’s convenient for residents to pop along to get their test. Spaces are available over the next few days and I’d urge anyone who is eligible to get a regular test to help keep people safe.”

Grant boost for York businesses as council deliver grants

York’s businesses will be among the first in the country to receive the latest lockdown grants as the amount of coronavirus business relief distributed by the council tops £140m.

York’s businesses will be among the first in the country to receive the latest lockdown grants as the amount of coronavirus business relief distributed by the council tops £140m.

The council has also published proposals which could extend grant support to even more York-businesses. 
Hundreds of York business can expect payments by next Wednesday (20 January) after the council issued another £14.5m of grants today, including one-off top-up payments of between £4000 and £9000 for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses.

This means that the council has processed all payments for businesses which it knows are eligible for Local or Lockdown Restrictions Grants until 15 February, the government’s first review date of the current lockdown.
The council hopes to complete the Additional Restrictions Grant payments next week. This grant is designed to meet the needs of businesses not forced to close but severely impacted by the lockdown.

On Monday 18 January, the executive member for finance and performance, Cllr Nigel Ayre, and Executive member for economy, Cllr Andrew Waller, will consider proposals to extend support to even more businesses falling through the cracks of government schemes.

Changes include:

  • Offering grants to businesses which trade almost exclusively in York but are not residents of the area, including many York-licensed taxi drivers and market traders who missed out on previous grants
  • Giving the small number of B&Bs and hotels who legitimately pay council tax rather than business rates the same level of grant as other accommodation businesses
  • Giving businesses classed as essential but whose income has disappeared, such as food suppliers to hotels, the same level of grant as retail hotel and leisure businesses forced to close

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

We promised York businesses that our team were once again ready to get grants paid faster than the rest of the country. 

“Having received the government guidance and funding on Wednesday, the payments have been processed without the need to apply within 48 hours, and will be in business bank accounts by Wednesday.
“I’d like to thank our payments team for their commitment to getting this money where it belongs, and our business partners across the city for helping us keep businesses informed and reassure them that the payments and support is on its way.

“While we’ve made the process as simple as possible by automatically paying businesses which have received grants, we know that there will be some who have never applied – I urge them to check the criteria and apply if you qualify on our website.”

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

Making sure grants get to businesses as quickly and simply as possible has been central to our pandemic response. This protects jobs, the supply chain and the city’s wider economy.

“We’ve also been listening to the city’s businesses and shaped grant schemes to support those which miss out. The Additional Restrictions Grant has helped hundreds of York businesses not forced to close but whose income is devastated by the restriction.

“The changes we’re considering on Monday could extend the support to many new businesses, and offer parity for many more.

“We also know this won’t cover all the need in the city, and we continue to demand more from central government on behalf of York’s business community. I would urge businesses who have fallen through the cracks, to please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk . Thanks to all those who already have – you have already helped us to convince government to improve the support, including extending grants to those in higher value premises.”

The decision session of the executive member for finance and performance takes place at 2pm on Monday. You can view the agenda and find details of how to live stream it here.

Coronavirus York updates; 15th January 2021

Deaths

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. 

Help and Advice

Coronavirus York updates; 14th January 2021

Deaths

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

The COVID-19 vaccine roll-out is based on decades of experience of delivering large-scale vaccination programmes. We will prioritise those who need it most.

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;

  1. the number and percentage of York residents who have been vaccinated locally &
  2. 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 IssuedTotal Notices IssuedLocal ResidentsVisitorsMaleFemaleBeing Outside Place of LivingOutdoor GatheringIndoor GatheringObstruct / Contravene
Craven1911816319
Hambleton4444
Harrogate10109110
Richmond
Ryedale
Scarborough49351428211534
Selby32133
York22193166715
TOTALS10757507631580490

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.”

COVID-19 VACCINE FACT CHECK The COVID-19 vaccine will always be available free of charge. The NHS will never ask you to share bank details to confirm your identity.

Coronavirus York updates; 13th January 2021

Deaths

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.

COVID testing site on Thanet Road

Details here https://www.facebook.com/FoxwoodResidentsAssociation/posts/4347088398651076

York Wheels Community Transport

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.

  1. 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)
  2. 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.

Coronavirus York updates; 11th January 2021.

Deaths

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.uk or 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.

“e-bikes” to be added to York e-scooter trial?

See the source image

The trial of e-scooters has been operating in York since the 12th October.

According to a Council report, “the e-scooters are being introduced in a phased approach, gradually increasing the service area and number of e-scooters available.

This has split the city broadly into 5 sectors. Currently e-scooters are available in Sector 1 and 2, which includes e-scooter provision at the University of York, York Hospital, York St John’s University, and city centre locations.

 In the first six weeks of the trial, 10 parking locations were available for scooters with 116 e-scooters available for hire.

Over the first six weeks of the trial, 3,822 trips were taken, with a total of 25,012km travelled on e-scooters. During this period, no incidences (collisions) were reported”.

The report says, “other local authority areas participating in the trial have noted an increase in use of private e-scooters which remain illegal to ride on the public highway. Whilst their use has not been as prevalent in York, as the trial continues we may see a similar increase in use of private e scooters”.

The organisers of the scheme (TIER)  now want to expand the scooter numbers to 700 and add in some electric bikes.

 The rental of e-bikes would follow the same model as for e-scooters, with riders unlocking and paying for usage via a mobile phone app.  In line with government regulation, the maximum speed-assist of the e-bikes would be 15.5mph, with the power not exceeding 250 watts. Geo-fencing technology would be used to ensure a user cannot end their trip outside of designated parking locations and will continue the hire cost if left outside of these locations.

Pricing for e-bikes would be at the same cost as e-scooters, with £1 to unlock and £0.15 per minute to ride. (Thus a 20 minute ride from Acomb to the City centre would cost more than the equivalent bus fare)

Communal use transport, of course,  presents its own issues during the pandemic.

The proposal is to expand use as follows;

Sector 3 to include Clifton and Rawcliffe in January;

· Sector 4 to include Southbank and Heworth in February;

· Sector 5 to expand to the rest of the city from March 2021.

A meeting next week will decide whether to agree to expand the number of e-scooters available to 700. It is unclear how many e-bikes might be deployed.

There have been many previous attempts made to establish casual bike hire services in York. None have been successful, possibly because of the compact nature of the City which makes walking a viable option for many “journeys”.

Coronavirus York updates; 9th January 2021

Deaths and test results

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  

Coronavirus York updates; 7th January 2021

Deaths and test results

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 tests carried 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 Flow method 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.”

For more information on our discretionary scheme, please go to www.york.gov.uk/selfisolate or email self-isolationsupport@york.gov.uk.

Other support available includes:

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.

Thanet Road testing site today

Click here to book

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 at www.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.

To view regular gritting updates follow – follow @YorkGritter on Twitter for updates.

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

For more information, support and advice visit www.york.gov.uk/coronavirus

York symptom-free testing offer

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 visit www.york.gov.uk/SymptomFreeCOVIDTest. Telephone support is available Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 5.00pm on 01904 551559

Coronavirus York updates; 5th January 2021

Deaths and test results

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.
  • 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

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

National restrictions: www.gov.uk/Coronavirus

Council COVID support: www.york.gov.uk/Coronavirus

That was the year that was – 2020

April – June

The quarter stared with a full scale lockdown in place. Infection rates were to peak in May.

The Government and Council responded with a range of support packages.

Many, including emergency funding and local community hubs, were welcomed.

Food supplies were secured and local supermarkets rose to the challenge of lockdown. An increasing number o small independents started to offer doorstep deliveries.
The refuse collection service was sustained despite problems with staff sickness and increasingly unreliable vehicles. The Council was forced to suspend green waste collections
Roads were deserted, bus service frequencies were reduced
The Council offered free car parking for key workers
The Council issued a list of key services and their availability
The Council updated its weed treatment programme
Plans for a new building to house the York Bridge Club were approved. They will move at a site at the Acomb Cricket ground.
By Mid April queues at supermarkets had reduced.
Mourners were allowed to return too the York Crematorium
Bad news for the local economy as consumer spending crashed
Pollution levels in the City reached a – modern time – low. This improvement was to continue for the rest of the year
The Council announced its 20/21 road resurfacing programme. Many areas were disappointed to find that they had missed out.
The Council announced a £23.65 million budget deficit.
Temporary homeless accommodation
The James House homeless accommodation building was finally opened. It was over 12 months behind schedule
The City decided to press ahead with its plan to invest £700,000 in new visitor signposts
Despite the efforts of Council staff fly tipping became an increasing problem during the summer months.
The City lost one of its “nicest people”. RIP former Councillor David Horwell
24/7 checks revealed that there was a high compliance with speed limits in the York area. Speed camera vans still managed to catch 135 motorists exceeding the imit. Most were using the A64
The Councils decision to make Bishopthorpe Road, near the shops, one way proved to be unpopular. Roadworks on the alternative Blossom Street loop made matters worse
A Planning Inspector refused an application to build on land near Askham Bogs. There had been concerns that the wildlife sanctuary could be jeopardised by the proposals
The lockdown restrictions began to be eased from the middle of May. Pike Hills Golf Court reopened
A COVID testing centre was set up at the Poppleton Park and Ride site. It emerged that Coronavirus test results were not being shared with local authorities. The whole test and trace system lost credibility but it was to be several months before local authorities took up some of the responsibility for contact tracing. Even today, little information is published on the source of infections.
West York was snubbed by the Council when a list of cycling and walking improvements was published. The budget was £1/2 million
Work started on resurfacing Tadcaster Road and St Helen’s Road (not for the first time). Two weeks after the work was completed, at a cost at a cost to local taxpayers of £500,000, the government was to announce funding, for a drainage scheme, which will involve digging up Tadcaster Road again.
Another consultation started on “reopening” Haxby Railway Station. It was the fourth such consultation in the last 25 years.
Spring saw the usual problems emerging. Hedges and trees overgrew several foot and cycle paths. It took a long time to get them trimmed back. Potholes, not filled in after winter frost damage, added to hazards for cyclists in particular.
Councillors wrote the media to say that there would be over 700 deaths in the City by Autumn. In reality the total death toll among York residents , to 18th December, has been 211.

On 23rd May the Council confirmed that the current Lord Mayor would continue in office for an additional 12 months.

The Council decide to reduce the size of he Marygate car park by up to 100 spaces. This was to accommodate a socially distanced cycle route. The alternative, of cyclists using the car park service road, was not evaluated.
A more urgently needed improvement for cyclists were repairs to the York Selby cycle track. Parts had become dangerous fallowing damage by tree roots.
Minster FM – Apps on Google Play
York was set to lose one of its local radio stations. Minster FM had built up a good relationship with the local community and would be missed.
Electric Vans Archives - Electric vehicle news by Fuel Included
The Council – belatedly- ordered 12 new refuse collection trucks. The older vehicles were already proving to be unreliable. No explanation for the delay in ordering replacements was given
First buses announced a new App which gave real time details of the spare capacity available on each bus.
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Deans Park reopened on 1st June. There was pressure for the Museums Gardens also to reopen.
File:Blake Street, York - geograph.org.uk - 1059330.jpg ...
The Council decided to extend the footstreets to include places like Blake Street, Lendal and Kings Square.
The York Minster school announced its closure. Pupils would later be accommodated at St Peters.
There were increasing concerns about the number of empty Council houses in the City
The number of positive test results for COVID in the City continued to decline, bringing hopes of a more “normal” summer.
On 13th June, that Council announced that road closures in The Groves would start in 2/3 weeks. The scheme was criticised as no safety audit had been completed.
York Minster reopened its doors on 15th June
The Council announced its post COVID travel plan. Free parking for key workers was discontinued
Socially distanced shopping was restarted in June
Pressure to reopen the Museum Gardens increased. It was to reopen on 25th June
Plans to erect a 20 metre high telecoms mast on Bellhouse Way attracted opposition. It was later refused planning permission being branded as overbearing in a residential area