Fatality numbers are falling across the whole region.
Test results
There have been 12 new positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 12,128
The number of cases in the City has fallen by 3 from 68 yesterday to 65 today.
The rate /100k population has fallen to 30.86. It is expected to remain at around 30 for most of this week.
The rate at North Yorkshire level has fallen for the first time in several days.
The rate at regional level remains stubbornly high. It is over three times higher than the rate in York. The high number of cases in West Yorkshire casts a shadow over whether the promised easing of restriction in April will actually occur (unless stringent travel restrictions are maintained)
Neighbourhoods
Half of York’s neighbourhoods now have fewer than 3 cases in each.
No area has more than 8 cases. In January, one neighbourhood alone recorded over 144 cases.
Vaccinations
Tests
4310 PCR tests were carried out durng the week ending 17th March 2021
The positivity rate was 1.4% which is slightly higher than the previous days figure of 1.3%
In addition, 5701 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 21st March
Transport mode use
The government has issued some experimental figures which demonstrate the changing travel choices that people have made during the pandemic. One set of figures covers the north east of England
Not surprisingly car use continues to be the preferred choice for most people although vehicle numbers remain well below what was seen before the pandemic hit.
Pedestrian and cycling movements fell to a record low in February (possibly because of the weather) but are now trending upwards.
Again perhaps not surprisingly, van movements have been relatively stable,
Use left hand axis for cars. Right for other modes.
Council urges to businesses to apply for “financial lifeline” before deadline
City of York Council is reminding eligible business who have not yet applied for Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) funding to do so before the 31 March 2021.
This additional funding has so far supported around 1,300 York businesses which have not been forced to close but have been severely impacted by restrictions.
As government support changes by level of restriction, different businesses qualify for ARG under November’s lockdown, the small number of days we spent under Tier 3 restrictions and now the third national lockdown.
As we move through the Government roadmap and businesses are able to reopen, ARG will be withdrawn on a sector by sector basis, following the published steps.
The scheme is available to:
businesses with permanent fixed premises in York, where trade is impacted by more than 75% due to lockdown, and who may or may not be liable for business rates in York (market stalls or pitches are not considered a fixed premises)
businesses where trade is usually conducted in York for 75% or more of the time, and where trade is severally impacted by the lockdown restrictions
The government sets national criteria for funds to be paid, our local offering uses those criteria. If eligible, businesses will receive different amounts depending on their circumstances.
Be aware that:
we’ll only consider paying grants to businesses where all of the eligibility criteria are met
grants to businesses will be treated as taxable income
for partnerships, each partner would need to make a separate application for the business to receive more than 1 grant
If eligible, the payment businesses receive depends on certain circumstances:
up to £1,334, per 28 days in Tier 3 or 4, for businesses with fixed commercial premises costs (rent payable to a landlord)
£500 per 28 day qualifying restriction period, for businesses without fixed premises costs*
£2,000 per 28 day qualifying restriction period, for businesses with a rateable value of more than £15,000, but less than £51,000
£3,000 per 28 day qualifying restriction period, for businesses with a rateable value greater than £51,000
* Examples include a mobile hairdressers (falling under leisure and beauty mandated to close), taxi drivers (leisure sector mandated to close) or commercial electricians (non-essential retail mandated to close), and market traders.
If your business still falls through the cracks of government schemes to please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk
The have been no more COVID-19 hospital deaths announced today.
Test results
Eight additional positive test results today. Brings cumulative total to 12,197
The number of cases drops by eleven from 81 to 70.
Rate /100k population has fallen to 33.24. A small further reduction is expected before the rate stabilises for a couple of days early next week.
Infection rates at county and regional level still increasing
Neighbourhoods
Only one neighbourhood now with more than 5 cases (Heworth South/The Groves). 20 areas now below national infection rate.
Vaccinations
A record number of vaccinations were completed yesterday. 50% of the adult population has now been immunised
Tests
3986 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 15th March 2021
Of these, 1.3% were positive. That is less than the 1.4% positivity rate recorded on the previous day
1768 “lateral flow” tests were also completed on the 19th March
“Stay safe and follow the guidance this weekend”
The York Council issued the following statement yesterday (Friday)
As the weekend begins, city leaders are thanking residents for their continued efforts to stop the spread of Coronavirus.
They are also asking everyone to continue to follow the current Public Health guidance and lockdown restrictions to keep our loved ones safe.
The latest figures for vaccination numbers, and case numbers, in York are:
As at 17.3.21, 79,375 CYC residents had received the first dose and 5,724 had received both doses.
The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.3.21 to 13.3.21 was 42.3. The national and regional averages at this date were 58.3 and 107.6 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.3.21).
With case numbers in the city decreasing, many residents will be looking forward to the planned changes in the roadmap plan, and the lifting of some of the current restrictions. To stop the spread of the virus, and keep the people of York safe, it is essential that the current guidance is followed.
These include:
Stay local and do not travel outside of your local area unless for essential reasons
Wash your hands, wear a face covering and maintain a 2m distance from others
You can enjoy your daily exercise as a household, but do not mix with people outside your support bubble
Residents looking for ways to enjoy the city safely with their household or alone with one person they do not live with, can visit the iTravel website and download a family-friendly illustrated map in the new Exploring York walking maps collection from their website.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:
It is encouraging to see the number of residents who have had their first dose of the vaccine.
“The Nimbuscare-led vaccination site has now administered over 100,000 jabs and I want to pay tribute to all the volunteers and staff who have made this possible. We are aware though that some people are yet to have their first jab and who are eligible. The Council and its partners are looking at ways we can help our communities to help those eligible to get the vaccine as soon as they can.”
“Whilst many of us are looking forward to a time where we can see our friends and families safely, it is more important than ever that we continue to follow the rules. As we get closer to potential milestones in the Government’s Roadmap, we must not be complacent and continue to follow public health guidance to stop the spread of the virus. If we continue to working together in this effort, we can expect to safely enjoy our city once again.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director for Public Health said:
We continue to be grateful for the efforts of everyone in stopping the spread of the virus. Our collective efforts are making a difference and saving lives, so let’s keep going.
“Thanks too must go to everyone having the vaccine and those making it possible. Each jab in the arm takes us closer to where we want to get to. We can’t change our behaviours just yet though. Whilst having the vaccine greatly reduces the risk of serious illness from Coronavirus, people can still catch and spread the virus. Hands, Face, Space remains vital as ever for us all.”
“We are still keen to see cases fall further, we cannot afford to be complacent yet so please keep going with Hands, Face, Space. Every time you wear a face covering or video call a friend or family member has an impact so thank you. I would strongly encourage anyone eligible to take up the offer of regular symptom-free testing, or carry out home testing, as an important way to stop the spread of the virus.”
No further hospital deaths have been reported today.
The rolling 7 day average number of deaths at the York Hospital Trust has fallen from a peak of 5.7, seen on 21st January 2021, to 0.4 today.
Test Results
Twenty one additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative case total in the City to 12,018.
The infection rate remains at 45.58. However, judged on the number of cases in the pipeline, there are concerns that the rate will now drift up and exceed 50 again over the weekend.
The number of cases in the City remains at 96 for the third day in a row. We are expecting to see an increase of 7 or 8 cases announced tomorrow.
It is too early for the school return to have caused the adverse trend, although the half term and improved weather last week may have been a factor.
So far, the spike in cases is not as severe as was seen when restrictions were eased in December.
Neighbourhoods
There are no significant changes in the distribution of cases to report today at neighbourhood level..
However, for the first time this year, the rate in Yorkshire overall has fallen below 100.
Tomorrows figures will tell us more about whether the proposed further easing of restrictions is likely to go ahead on 29th March
Tests
4175 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 5th March 2021
The proportion of positive results was 1.8%. That is an improvement on the previous days figure of 2.0%.
2897 “lateral flow” test were also conducted on 9th March.
Vaccinations
Nimbuscare, who are running the Askham Bar vaccination centre, have issued a plea for those who can walk or cycle to the site, to do so
“The Vaccination Centre will be at its absolute busiest over the next few weeks as we step up the NHS vaccination programme even further.
We’ll be carrying out second dose vaccinations, as well as inviting the next group of people – meaning there will be up to 3,000 people at the site each day.
If everyone arrives by car, this would take our car parking up to 97% capacity which is extremely busy.
Please come by bus, bike, or on foot, if you can.
Or you can be safely dropped off for your vaccination in the area close to the site and just enter via the pedestrian and cycle entrance. This is opposite the Tesco supermarket petrol station.
For more information about how to access the site and what to expect, go to this useful video.https://youtu.be/gBWczUx0I0U “
Care homes
Latest guidance shared with city care homes
The City of York Council has shared the latest Government advice with care homes on safely restarting visits while minimising transmission risks when family and friends spend time together.
From the pandemic’s outset, the council has been working closely with care homes and care providers in the city to support the safety of the residents and staff.
Now, as part of the Government’s Roadmap, updated guidance has been shared with care homes, which says:
The registered manager of each care home is responsible for setting the visiting policy and for considering the individual needs of each resident.
Each resident will be able to nominate a single named visitor who can come into the care home if they test negative on every visit, wear the right PPE and follow all infection control measures.
People may wish to hold hands, but bear in mind that any contact increases risk. Physical contact like hugging must not take place.
For some residents, a visit with a greater degree of personal care may be critical for their immediate health and wellbeing. The care home and the family can agree that an ‘essential care giver’ can provide this care.
They will be able to visit more often and have the same testing and PPE arrangements as care home staff.
Outdoor and screened visits are an option for more family members to be involved. Social distancing, PPE and good hand hygiene are still very important.
Visits in exceptional circumstances, such as end of life, should always be supported.
It is essential that visiting is supported by good infection control – this includes social distancing, PPE and hand hygiene while in and around the care home – including during the visit itself.
If there is a COVID-19 outbreak in the care home, unfortunately visiting will have to stop until the outbreak is over. This is to protect vulnerable residents, staff and visitors.
City of York Council is extending the opening hours of Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) from Monday 8 March.
This will bring forward the later opening hours, which were due to start in April – for strictly essential journeys only. The new opening times will be:
Mondays to Saturdays: 8.30am to 7pm
Sundays: 8.30am to 4pm
In recent weeks, there has been a huge demand for the HWRC site, with an increase of around 30 per cent in visits, which has resulted in queuing problems in the area.
The extended opening hours hopes to address this issue and in addition to this Yorwaste, who manage the sites, have made further adjustments to make on site bays clearer and have increased the number of garden waste and cardboard skips.
Traffic monitoring will be in place at sites and due to safety concerns regarding queueing outside of the sites, residents may be asked to leave and return at another time.
Kerbside garden waste collections will also resume from 29 March. Check your garden waste collection dates via our online waste collection calendar.
In addition to this, traders are permitted to use Harewood Whin to dispose of their waste too. For more information on this visit www.yorwaste.co.uk/commercial-waste/ . Commercial waste tipping times are will remain the same Monday to Friday, between 8.30am to 4.30pm, not at weekends.
City of York Council says it is preparing a strong response to a Government consultation, launched today, on the future of local government in York and North Yorkshire.
click image to complete government survey
The Council says, retaining City of York Council alongside a new unitary authority for the rest of North Yorkshire will pave the way to quicker devolution, additional investment into York and minimal disruption to Covid-19 recovery.
The consultation will consider two proposals to remove 2-tier local government in North Yorkshire:
The East/West model proposed by the six of the seven District Councils which removes all existing councils in North Yorkshire and York and merges them into two new unitary authorities;
The North Yorkshire proposal to create a single new unitary authority covering North Yorkshire County Council’s existing footprint, with York remaining as a unitary authority in its own right.
Unfortunately the on line survey form doesn’t make it easy to make out the case for “no change”.
However ,there is an “any other comments” section in which residents can say that they are opposed to handing over powers to a North Yorkshire elected Mayor.
The case can also be made there for no change at least until we are free of the repercussions of the pandemic.
Five deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. However there has been some “catching up” done, with 3 of the fatalities having occurred in January but only now being reported.
Two local hospital COVID-19 deaths occurred on Thursday
Test results
THIRTY TWO positive test results announced today. That is the largest single day figure for over a week. Brings the cumulative case total to 11,692
The rate /100k population has fallen to 74.07. That is the lowest figure seen since 14th December 2020.
A further fall is expected tomorrow, although the case number spike may then delay further improvements for a couple of days.
The spike in case numbers mainly comes from the results of tests carried out on Wednesday and Thursday. It mans that the daily average number of new cases may stall at around 20 for a short time. Something similar happened towards the end of Lockdown 2 (see below)
The authrities may be looking anxiously to see whether any increased social mixing over the half term has an effect on next weeks figures.
While national and City figures continue to show a gradual decline, regional figures are remaining stubbornly high.
Neighbourhoods
Only one neighbourhood (Holgate East) currently has a infection rate (marginally) above the English average.
Vaccinations
Tests
4536 PCR test were carried out during the week ending 15th February.
3.7% of the tests produced a positive result. That is the lowest positivity rate recorded since 12th December 2020
907 “lateral flow” test were conducted on 19th February
Council urges residents not to be complacent as rates fall
The York Council issued the following statement yesterday (Friday). Please note the figures quoted are no longer the latest available.
“As the number of Coronavirus cases across the city continues to fall, City of York Council is thanking residents and businesses for their continued efforts and asking them to keep going.
The latest local data:
The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.2.21 to 13.2.21 was 86.4. The national and regional averages at this date were 137.8 and 152 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.2.21)
As at 17.2.21 54,289 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,077 had received both doses.
With daylight lasting longer and the weather starting to warm up City of York Council is asking everyone to keep up their efforts and continue to follow the national restrictions to keep the people we love safe.
This includes not gathering in groups when exercising, as crowds give the virus the chance to spread.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:
Our collective efforts are making a difference and is saving lives, so thank you for all you are doing.
“We cannot afford to let our guard down and must keep going. We know this is incredibly challenging, so please continue to keep in touch with friends and family and look after each other. The Council’s helpline is there for anyone who needs it, get in touch on 01904 551550 or by emailing COVID19help@york.gov.uk.
“The success of the vaccine rollout offers us real hope that better times are around the corner. Until then let’s keep going and look after each other.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health at City of York Council said:
Whilst we have seen a significant fall in the rate of infection thanks to everyone’s efforts, case rates are still higher than we would like. The fewer cases we have means less pressure on our hospital and fewer families worried about what is happening to someone they love.
“The way we are all behaving is making a massive difference, so thank you. Keeping our distance, wearing a face covering and washing our hands regularly gives the virus less chance to spread.
“These restrictions are challenging for us all, please continue to look after yourself and each other. Exercise and fresh air can improve our physical and mental health, as can catching up with friends and family online.
Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic and chairs the multi-agency North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, urged people to avoid gathering in the public spaces in and around York. He said:
We’re still in a precarious position as the infection rate can fluctuate. We must continue to do all we can to abide by the health protection regulations which are designed to limit the spread of the virus.
“This is not the time to become complacent about the virus. We’ve got to keep going and make sure all the hard work and sacrifice has been for the worthwhile purpose – protecting our loved ones and returning to the lifestyle we have taken for granted in the past.
“As for the reckless minority who think the regulations do not apply to them, we will continue to actively target these blatant breaches, while providing a highly-visible and reassuring presence for the wider community who are doing the right thing and helping to tackle this public health crisis.”
Reporting suspected breaches of the health protection regulations
Incidents should primarily be reported via the home page of the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101.
Shielding update
Earlier this week, government research identified more individuals who may be at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell from coronavirus and are being asked to shield, which will affect a number of residents in the city. These individuals should soon be receiving a letter from the government and the council will be in touch too. Our COVID helpline remains open to help anyone who needs it, whether that is collecting food or prescriptions or someone to talk to. The helpline is contactable on 01904 551550 or by emailing COVID19help@york.gov.uk.
The latest update of data for York is available online. “
SIX additional hospital deaths have been announced today.
They bring the cumulative total number of fatalities at the York and Scarborough hospitals up to 283 since the start of the second wave of infections.
Test Results
FORTY SEVEN (47) additional positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative case total to 11,136.
Rate /100k population has now reduced to 205.12. Trending to fall below the 200 case benchmark tomorrow.
The case rate in York continues to reduce more quickly than is being seen in other parts of the country
Neighbourhoods
There are now three neighbourhoods with a case rate of below 100. They are Dunnington/Elvington/Wheldrake (6 cases), the City Centre (12 cases) and Poppleton/Rufforth/Askhams (5 cases).
Haxby remains the only area with a rate over 400 (400.4 with 23 cases).
Vaccinations
National
Nationwide 9,296,367 people have now received their first vaccinations. 494,209 have also received the second dose.
319,038 people were vaccinated yesterday 31st January (first dose) . This was lower than the rate achieved during the previous three days.
3156 people received the second dose.
Regional
Local
According to a post by Nimbuscare on social media
“Over 12,000 patients received their Covid vaccinations at the York’s National and Local Vaccination Centre between the 25th and 31st January.
In the over 80s group Humber, Coast and Vale (which includes the York area) had vaccinated 68% by 17th January and 87% by the 24th January.”
Testing
Number of tests
5,431 PCR (laboratory) tests were conducted in York during the week ending 27th January (the latest figure available).
Of these, 9% provided to be positive .
That is the lowest positivity rate found since 24th December 2020.
In addition, 1526 lateral flow tests were completed on 31st January. That brings the total number of such tests to 35,270.
Sites
A TEMPORARY Covid testing site will be set up next week in Haxby which has seen high infection rates in recent times.
The testing will be held by appointment only at the Ethel Ward Playing Fields in Calf Close, Haxby, from Monday until Sunday February 6, from 9am to 3pm.
Tests can be booked by going to www.nhs.uk/Coronavirus or by phoning 119 and selecting the option that you were asked to attend by your local council.
The facility is similar to the one operating on the Thanet Road rugby club car park tomorrow.
It also was set up when virus infection rates in Woodthorpe and Westfield were very high.
York Council staff absence
A York Council committee will be considering the levels of sick absence at the authority. next week.
“At the start of the pandemic staff absence increased significantly with a number of staff not available to work. This was directly linked to coronavirus where staff were displaying symptoms and self isolating and unable to work from home. The sickness absence rates across the council follows the national and local infection rate patterns, as can be seen, with a slight peak in wave 2 October time and then wave three being end of December into January 2021.
There is some confidence though that whilst rates have increased since end of December, they are not near the level we experienced in March / April. There are staff that are self isolating but are able to work fully from home and therefore those will not appear in the figures, also those staff who have tested positive for covid but are well enough to continue to work from home”.
Around 900 staff working in the social care sector are being vaccinated.
Schools
The same meeting will hear that there are pressures on some schools. All York schools are still open catering for the children of some critical workers.
The meeting will be told that the number of teaching staff absent since January 5th has fluctuated but has been between 95- 85, with the numbers absent due to being Covid positive being under 10 individual cases on any given date.
“The staffing levels in individual schools have not so far reached a level where schools have been unable to deliver on site provision or their remote learning offer”.
The impact on schools varies according to their size, staffing structure and the physical space within their buildings.
In particular, small primary schools are finding it more difficult to manage high numbers of children on site and to manage the remote learning offer.
During the first week in January, a small number of parents contacted the Council’s education team to highlight problems with accessing school places, each case was worked through and solutions found.
TWO additional hospital deaths announced today. Brings the cumulative death toll at the York Hospital Trust since 1st September to 199.
Test results
ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE new positive test results announced today. Cumulative total is now 9946.
Rate /100k population reduces to 580.7. That is the lowest rate seen in the City since 3rd January.
The infection rate is trending to go below 500 within the next two days.
Case numbers are reducing at all levels although York remains above the national, regional and county averages.
Hospitals
The latest available figures show that the York Hospital Trust was caring for 156 COVID patients on 12th January. Of these 6 were in mechanical ventilation beds.
Neighbourhoods
Further reduction in case numbers across the City. Down from1271 to 1223.
Infection rate now reducing in west York.
Vaccinations
Nationwide 3,559,179 people have received a doze of vaccine. The second dose total is 447,261
York Council commentary on COVID trends
The Council progress report on open data has been updated
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 11.1.21 there had been 317 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 653 in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.
• As at 13.1.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 958.5 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,772 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 14.1.21 York has had 9,722 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 4,615.9 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (5,035.5) and regional (5,284.7) averages.
• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the no. of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (11.1.21) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 6.1.21 to 12.1.21 in York is 541.26 (using data published on Gov.uk on 14.1.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.1.21 to 9.1.21 was 657.6. The national and regional averages at this date were 622.3 and 318.7 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 14.1.21).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.1.21 to 9.1.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 500.3. The national and regional averages were 465 and 240.7 respectively.
• As at 11.1.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 14.62%. The national and regional averages are 15.5% and 10.5% respectively.
• As at 11.1.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.7%. The national and regional averages are 1.7% and 0.9% respectively.
• As at 12.1.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 15.6%. The national and regional averages were 16.7% and 11.6% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 8.1% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 17.1% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE
• As at 14.1.21 York University reported 35 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.
• As at 12.1.21 York St. John reported 17 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 8,673 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 7,747 of the cases have been completed (89.3%). 21,364 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 15,398 of these have been completed (72.1%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 8.1.21, 597 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 574 of the referrals (96.1%) have been actioned and 23 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 399 were successful and 152 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 14.1.21 there were 15 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).
• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 13.1.21 (2 homes).
• In the 7 days up to 10.1.21 there were 95 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 38 different schools). NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 13.1.21 there were 121 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 12.1.21 was 116
• As at 13.1.21 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 11.1.21 were 5 and 0 respectively.
• As at 13.1.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 6 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
• As at 13.1.21 there had been 0 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours
R Number
• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 8.1.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.1 to 1.4. The previous estimate was (0.9 to 1.1) on 23.12.20.
Vaccinations
• In England between 8.12.20 and 13.1.20, 2,910,027 vaccinations had been administered (2,494,371 first dose and 415,656 second dose). Data at Regional level is available for the period 8.12.20 to 10.1.21 and 433,045 vaccinations were administered in this period in the North East and Yorkshire Region.
Deaths
The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it enables a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 1st January 2020 and registered up to 9th January 2021, 230 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (120 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 13 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 109.2 which is lower than the national average of 135.6. There have been 58 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 13 weeks (Weeks 41 to 53).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS): Between week 2 and week 53 there were a total of 165 ‘excess deaths’ in York in 2020 compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 18 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 27 fewer deaths in weeks 22-53.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 11.1.21 (for deaths occurring up to 6.1.21), a cumulative total of 225 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 81.96, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 109 of the 225 were male (48.4%), less than the national average (55.2%). 83 people (36.49%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 24.85%). In addition 19 people (8.3%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
Stay home and save lives this weekend
City of York Council would like to thank local residents, businesses and communities for doing their part to stop the spread of the virus in York.
The council is urging everyone to stay at home, where possible, to protect the NHS and save lives in our city.
With cases still high in the city, residents are being reminded to act as if they and others have the virus, in order to prevent further transmission from those who do not have symptoms.
This weekend, residents are advised to avoid congregating to chat in crowds or groups outdoors and to avoid queues where you can’t socially distance. Our best defence against COVID-19 is to minimise our contact with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. If you need to leave the home for essential reasons, please remember hands, face, space to protect yourself and those you love.
Avoiding unnecessary journeys doesn’t mean we can’t also support our hard working local businesses. Many businesses now offer delivery of food and goods, and a list can be found on the Live Well York website which residents are encouraged to share and print if neighbours can’t access it online at www.livewellyork.co.uk/fooddeliveries
About 1 in 3 people with coronavirus have no symptoms, and will be spreading the virus without realising. The Council has recently expanded its symptom-free testing offer to include anyone living or working in York who is unable to work from home during the lockdown and who come into contact with other people during the course of their work, including staff working in education and early years settings and those in factories or working in construction. Symptom-free testing continues to be offered to those who support the most vulnerable in the city, to school pupils who are eligible to attend school and to teachers who will be working in schools.
You should not book a rapid test if you have coronavirus symptoms, instead you should self-isolate and book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus , or calling 119.
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of the council, said;
“I would like to thank local residents and businesses for yet again rising to the challenge and demonstrating the strong community spirit in York.
“We must continue to work together the stop the spread of the virus, in order to keep the people we love safe and not overwhelm our NHS.
“With the new variant of COVID-19 now apparent in the majority of new positive cases in York, we must all remain vigilant. Our collective efforts of following public health guidance will help flatten the curve of cases in York.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said;
“In York, around 75% of all new positive cases of COVID-19 are of the new variant.
“What we know about this new variant is that it is thought to be around 70% more transmissible than what we were dealing with earlier last year. This means that everyone needs to practice extra caution with hygiene and ask themselves if their journey or interaction is absolutely essential, even if it is within the current rules.
“With news that more than one third of people aged 80 and over in England have received at least one dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine as of this week, we can remain hopeful that there is in an end in sight to the current restrictions. However, we still have a fair way to go to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and that case rates are at a much lower level – and this is down to our united efforts to carefully follow the current guidance and stay home.”
Be aware of Covid-related scams
People in York are being urged to guard themselves against a recent spate of scams relating to Covid-19.
Residents have reported receiving fake mobile texts, calls or emails offering vaccine appointments or claim to be about Test and Trace. In most cases the texts and emails contain a link that asks for payment or further personal details.
People in York and the region are being invited to be vaccinated when it’s their turn. They will be invited by the NHS, their local GP practice, or in York by Nimbuscare, a local consortium of 11 GP practices.
NHS vaccines and tests are free, so they will never ask for payment or for an individual’s bank details. Because they already hold individual’s personal details they won’t ask for them either.
Residents are being asked to remember these ways to protect themselves and other people from scams:
Be wary of people selling or offering:
Vaccines or ‘miracle cures’
People calling at your door offering to sell you and give you a vaccine
Shopping or medication collection services
Overpriced or fake goods
Offers to clean your home of coronavirus.
Don’t be rushed but check out what’s being offered:
If you’re unsure, ask family and friends before accepting offers of help
It’s OK to refuse or ignore approaches. If someone tries to pressure or rush you, they are unlikely to be genuine
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
Only buy goods or services from trusted sellers
Think carefully before parting with money or personal information
Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Chair of NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“COVID-19 vaccines are available only on the NHS for free.
“Our staff are currently working their way through vaccinating priority groups in York and the surrounding areas, and people are being invited directly by the local NHS when it’s their turn.
“Anyone asking you to pay for a vaccine is committing a crime. The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and we’ll never ask for payment or for your bank details.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member with responsibility for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:
“The NHS will contact you direct when it is your turn to be vaccinated.
“Preying on people’s worries about Covid-19 at this time is despicable. We understand that people want to do all they can to protect themselves and their loved ones, and we advise caution and checking before sharing any personal information or handing over money.
“If you think you have identified a scam or are suspicious about an approach, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133, or report scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.”
Thousands get symptom free testing in York
Public health leaders in York have thanked the thousands of people who have already accessed symptom-free covid tests in the city.
The latest data shows that 500 secondary school pupils are amongst those who have already taken the tests, who are also attending school.
The tests are one way of helping to reduce the spread of coronavirus, and they are available to anyone (living or working in York) who is unable to work from home and is still going to work. This includes staff working in education and early years, those in factories and construction and other essential sectors.
Testing continues to be offered to those who support the most vulnerable in the city, to secondary school pupils who are eligible to attend school and to teachers who will be working in schools.
The free testing is voluntary and tests are available at sites across the city, all of which have access to good transport links and parking.
Testing appointments are available over the next few days to those eligible and can be booked online.
The tests should be booked regularly (every week), with individuals being tested twice, three days apart.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council:
We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of residents who have booked a test and are continuing to get tested regularly.
“This is of course incredibly important in our efforts to reduce the spread of the virus and I am pleased that we have expanding our testing offer in the city.”
“Alongside testing, we must all continue to follow the latest national guidance in order to relieve pressure from our NHS and ultimately, protect our loved ones.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director for Public Health at City of York Council said:
With around one in three people with coronavirus not showing any symptoms, symptom free testing is a great way of helping to reduce the spread of the virus.
“Working together with partners across the city has enabled us to provide a number of testing sites across the city, so it’s convenient for residents to pop along to get their test. Spaces are available over the next few days and I’d urge anyone who is eligible to get a regular test to help keep people safe.”
Grant boost for York businesses as council deliver grants
York’s businesses will be among the first in the country to receive the latest lockdown grants as the amount of coronavirus business relief distributed by the council tops £140m.
York’s businesses will be among the first in the country to receive the latest lockdown grants as the amount of coronavirus business relief distributed by the council tops £140m.
The council has also published proposals which could extend grant support to even more York-businesses. Hundreds of York business can expect payments by next Wednesday (20 January) after the council issued another £14.5m of grants today, including one-off top-up payments of between £4000 and £9000 for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses.
This means that the council has processed all payments for businesses which it knows are eligible for Local or Lockdown Restrictions Grants until 15 February, the government’s first review date of the current lockdown. The council hopes to complete the Additional Restrictions Grant payments next week. This grant is designed to meet the needs of businesses not forced to close but severely impacted by the lockdown.
On Monday 18 January, the executive member for finance and performance, Cllr Nigel Ayre, and Executive member for economy, Cllr Andrew Waller, will consider proposals to extend support to even more businesses falling through the cracks of government schemes.
Changes include:
Offering grants to businesses which trade almost exclusively in York but are not residents of the area, including many York-licensed taxi drivers and market traders who missed out on previous grants
Giving the small number of B&Bs and hotels who legitimately pay council tax rather than business rates the same level of grant as other accommodation businesses
Giving businesses classed as essential but whose income has disappeared, such as food suppliers to hotels, the same level of grant as retail hotel and leisure businesses forced to close
Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance, said:
We promised York businesses that our team were once again ready to get grants paid faster than the rest of the country.
“Having received the government guidance and funding on Wednesday, the payments have been processed without the need to apply within 48 hours, and will be in business bank accounts by Wednesday. “I’d like to thank our payments team for their commitment to getting this money where it belongs, and our business partners across the city for helping us keep businesses informed and reassure them that the payments and support is on its way.
“While we’ve made the process as simple as possible by automatically paying businesses which have received grants, we know that there will be some who have never applied – I urge them to check the criteria and apply if you qualify on our website.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for economy and strategic planning, said:
Making sure grants get to businesses as quickly and simply as possible has been central to our pandemic response. This protects jobs, the supply chain and the city’s wider economy.
“We’ve also been listening to the city’s businesses and shaped grant schemes to support those which miss out. The Additional Restrictions Grant has helped hundreds of York businesses not forced to close but whose income is devastated by the restriction.
“The changes we’re considering on Monday could extend the support to many new businesses, and offer parity for many more.
“We also know this won’t cover all the need in the city, and we continue to demand more from central government on behalf of York’s business community. I would urge businesses who have fallen through the cracks, to please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk . Thanks to all those who already have – you have already helped us to convince government to improve the support, including extending grants to those in higher value premises.”
The decision session of the executive member for finance and performance takes place at 2pm on Monday. You can view the agenda and find details of how to live stream it here.
Two additional deaths were announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred on Tuesday. The cumulative total number of fatalities at the York and Scarborough hospitals since 1st September now stands at 196.
Test results
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY NINE additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 9722.
Rate /100k population falls to 657.42 and is expected to reduce to below 600 over the next couple of days.
The Council has said that 2.5% of asymptomatic people taking lateral flow tests in York had positive results.
This compares with 17.3% (latest 7 day rolling figure to 4th January) who took P1 & P2 tests.
The Thanet Road test site has been closed today because of the weather
It is scheduled to reopen on Saturday
Neighbourhoods
Caser numbers are now beginning to fall across most of the City.
They are also falling at county, regional and national levels.
Vaccinations
Not available at local level
Some regional figures were published today as below
Outbreak Management Board meeting
A recording of the meeting can be viewed by clicking below
It was claimed at the meeting that local authorities had not been advised by the government of;
the number and percentage of York residents who have been vaccinated locally &
the numbers and details of people who have not responded to an invitation to be vaccinated.
That seems to us to be a major system failing (given that progress numbers ARE aggregated and published at a national level.)
The meeting did hear that arrangements had been made to ensure that people who were unable to go “on line” to book jabs would still be able to arrange an appointment.
The meeting heard that 144 (2.5%), of the 5888 lateral flow tests carried out so far in the City, on asymptomatic residents, had produced a positive result.
This is the equivalent of an “R” value of 1.4 and could help to explain the rapid rise in cases over the last two weeks.
No information was provided on the percentage of positive test being recorded at the mobile test sites (Bishopthorpe, Thanet Road).
NB. The mobile test site uses the PCR laboratory based system which is generally regarded as being more accurate than the lateral flow option)
Acorn Rugby Club event
The media are reporting that some of those who attended an event at the Acorn Rugby Club before Christmas have contracted Coronavirus. To read the media report please click here
Please remember that the mobile testing centre on Thanet Road will remain open for another week. Book a test here www.nhs.uk/Coronavirus
Letter to parents from York Council
A letter to parents and carers with children at schools in York.
Dear parents/carers,
Following the announcement of the third national lockdown on 4 January, City of York Council has been working with the city’s schools to ensure that they are able to provide a vital service for critical workers and vulnerable children in the city whilst continuing to operate safely.
At a time when the rates of infection both nationally and locally are rising it is very important that we work together to protect frontline services. At the same time we need to continue to prevent the spread of the virus by keeping the number of household contacts to a minimum.
Last week, the Government followed up its initial guidance on who qualifies as a critical worker. The Government is now asking parents and carers who are critical workers to keep their children at home if possible and only use a school place if they have no other options available.
If you qualify as a critical worker but can manage to have your children at home we would urge you to do so. The fewer children we have in schools, the more it will help in our collective efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
Our schools have risk assessments in place which allow them to work safely and to minimise the risk of transmission of Covid19. For this to work as effectively as possible schools need to have the capacity to support home learning as well as having sufficient staff to supervise children on site. For these reasons they need to keep the numbers in school at a safe level.
We appreciate that this is a difficult time for parents and carers. We know that this situation is causing considerable disruption to your personal and working lives. Schools are also working extremely hard to ensure that places are available for frontline workers and for vulnerable children.
We would also, like you, much prefer to have children in school. However, in order to reduce the rates of infection, and following the latest Government advice, we would ask you to think carefully about your individual circumstances, particularly if you or your partner is able to work from home. If you can, it would be really helpful for the safe management of our schools and the suppression of the virus if you could make arrangements to keep your child at home. Where this proves impossible then we will work with parents and carers to find access to provision.
To help support families during the coronavirus pandemic, our educational psychology team has created a booklet with information about how parents can look after their own emotional health, and support their children, which you may find useful. You can find it on our website.
You can also keep up to date with the latest information about the coronavirus response in York:
We are incredibly grateful for all you have done already and on behalf of the city, thank you for all you are doing to reduce the spread of the virus.
Stay safe and best wishes
Councillor Keith Orrell Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education City of York Council
Amanda Hatton Corporate Director of People City of York Council
Fixed Penalty Notices issued from 6 January 2021
North Yorkshire Police have issued 107 FPNs for breaches of the Coronavirus regulations since the new national lockdown commenced on 6 January 2021.
Local Authority Area where Notice Issued
Total Notices Issued
Local Residents
Visitors
Male
Female
Being Outside Place of Living
Outdoor Gathering
Indoor Gathering
Obstruct / Contravene
Craven
19
1
18
16
3
19
Hambleton
4
4
4
4
Harrogate
10
10
9
1
10
Richmond
Ryedale
Scarborough
49
35
14
28
21
15
34
Selby
3
2
1
3
3
York
22
19
3
16
6
7
15
TOTALS
107
57
50
76
31
58
0
49
0
Speaking about the number of fines issued in the first week of the national lockdown, Superintendent Mike Walker, lead for the force’s Covid-19 response said:
“We have issued 107 fixed penalty notices since the national lockdown commenced on 6 January 2021, which is more than double the number we issued in the first week of the first national lockdown last year.
“Sadly we are seeing a minority of people flouting the rules and who are making unnecessary journeys into or across the county or who are gathering indoors and holding house parties.
“I cannot emphasis enough the risk this behaviour presents at this current time and I urge people to think about their actions and very carefully consider the decisions they make about leaving home. You should only leave home for essential reasons and if you do go out, you should stay local.
“Currently within North Yorkshire and the City of York we have some of the highest infection rates across the Yorkshire and Humber region. So it isn’t just about the risk of people bringing the virus in with them. It’s about the risk that you could pick up the virus here and take it home with you, spreading it wider to your family and loved ones.
“So please follow the rules – stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
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
