Two further deaths announced today at the York Hospital Trust. One occurred on Tuesday and one yesterday.
There have been TWO HUNDRED AND NINE new positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 8725.
244 cases were recorded on 4th January. That was a record high.
However there may be some very early indications emerging that the rate of increase in infection levels may be slowing.
The current infection rate is now 574.05
The current trend will see this increase to 626.28
There has been the first – very small – reduction in case numbers in the Woodthorpe/Acomb Park neighbourhood.
There has been a sharp rise in the neighbouring Westfield and Acomb areas.
The latest figures are up to the 3rd January. Tomorrow (Saturday)we should see what we hope will be the peak when the figures for the 4th January are published.
York Council commentary
The Council has updated it commentary on the pandemic
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 4.1.21 there had been 290 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 653 in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.
• As at 7.1.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 1,282.6 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,828 people). This is higher than the previous peak rate of 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.
Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)
• As at 7.1.21 York has had 8,522 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 4,046.2 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (4,437.7) and regional (4,983.2) averages.
• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the no. of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (4.1.21) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 30.12.20 to 5.1.21 in York is 595.9 (using data published on Gov.uk on 7.1.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 27.12.20 to 2.1.21 was 532.7. The national and regional averages at this date were 612.1 and 300.8 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 7.1.21).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 27.12.20 to 2.1.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 363.1. The national and regional averages were 412.6 and 216 respectively.
• As at 4.1.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 13.74%. The national and regional averages are 15.8% and 11.7% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 7 days by type of test is 1,287 positives out of 7,001 lab based (PCR) tests (18.4%) and 41 positives out of 2,261 rapid (lateral flow) tests (1.54%) Source: NHS Digital
• As at 5.1.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 16.5%. The national and regional averages were 17.8% and 12.8% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 6.8% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 18.6% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE
• As at 7.1.21 York University reported 39 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 7,464 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 6,556 of the cases have been completed (87.8%). 19,080 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 13,356 of these have been completed (70%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 1.1.21, 456 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 442 of the referrals (96.9%) have been actioned and 14 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 315 were successful and 113 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 7.1.21 there were 14 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).
• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 7.1.21 (1 home).
• In the 7 days up to 3.1.21 there were 104 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 40 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 6.1.21 there were 71 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 6.1.21 was 66
• As at 6.1.21 there were 6 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 1 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 5.1.21 were 5 and 1 respectively.
• As at 6.1.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 6 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
Recovery from Covid-19
• Between 13.4.20 and 20.12.20, 276 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 12 people were discharged in the most recent week.
R Number
• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 23.12.20 was estimated to be in the range 0.9 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (0.9 to 1.1) on 18.12.20.
Vaccinations
• Local data on the number of vaccinations completed is not currently available. At a national level, NHS England reported that between 8.12.20 and 3.1.20, 1,092,885 first dose and 19,981 second dose vaccinations had been administered.
Deaths
The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 25th December 2020 and registered up to 2nd January 2021, 218 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (109 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 12 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 103.5 which is lower than the national average of 130.56. There have been 46 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 12 weeks (Weeks 41 to 52).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). Between week 2 and week 52 there were a total of 142 ‘excess deaths’ in York compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 18 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 50 fewer deaths in weeks 22-52.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 4.1.21 (for deaths occurring up to 30.12.20), a cumulative total of 216 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 81.8, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 106 of the 216 were male (49.1%), less than the national average (55.3%). 83 people (38.4%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 25.39%). In addition 18 people (8.3%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
ONE additional death has been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. It occurred on 30th December.
The “positivity rate” (the proportion of P1 & P2 tests producing a positive result) has risen to 9.2%. That is now higher than the regional average
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY THREE (163) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total number of infections to 7404.
The infection rate is now 297.1 and is set to rise to at least 406.4 over the next few days.
With the increase showing no signs of slowing, it seems inevitable that the 2020 peak of 444.9 (16/10/20) infections /100k population will be exceeded before the end of next week.
The growth in case numbers is mainly in the under 60 age group.
There is a new, third wave, record high infection rate in the Woodthorpe/Acomb Park neighbourhood where the rate /100k population figure is now 749.3.
In total there were 627 cases in the City on 27th December. The post Christmas spike has yet to show in the neighbourhood figures.
Neighbourhood infection trends
Latest York Council commentary
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 28.12.20 there had been 191 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 653 in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.
• As at 30.12.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 553.2 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,572 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.
Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)
• As at 30.12.20 York has had 7,039 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 3,342.1 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national average (3,713.9).
• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the no. of new cases is worsening.
The latest rating for York (27.12.20) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 22.12.20 to 28.12.20 in York is 312.4 (using data published on Gov.uk on 30.12.20).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 19.12.20 to 25.12.20 was 235. The national and regional averages at this date were 374 and 175.6 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 30.12.20).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 19.12.20 to 25.12.20 for people aged 60+ in York was 123.1. The national and regional averages were 232 and 131.8 respectively.
• As at 28.12.20, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests) was 9.2%. The national and regional averages were 11.6% and 8.2% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 day is a 5.5% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 10.3% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests.
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 5,901 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 5,181 of the cases have been completed (87.8%). 15,936 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 10,397 of these have been completed (65.2%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 25.12.20, 396 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 390 of the referrals (98.5%) have been actioned and 6 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 280 were successful and 104 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 29.12.20 there were 5 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).
• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 24.12.20 (2 homes).
• In the 7 days up to 20.12.20 there were 23 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 16 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 22.12.20 there were 39 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 21.12.20 was 44.
• As at 22.12.20 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 1 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 21.12.20 were 5 and 0 respectively.
• As at 22.12.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
Recovery from Covid-19
• Between 13.4.20 and 20.12.20, 276 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 12 people were discharged in the most recent week.
R Number
• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 23.12.20 was estimated to be in the range 0.9 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (0.9 to 1.1) on 18.12.20.
Deaths
The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 18th December 2020 and registered up to 26th December 2020, 211 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (102 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 12 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 100.18 which is lower than the national average of 125.89. There have been 39 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 11 weeks (Weeks 41 to 51).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). Between week 2 and week 51 there were a total of 145 ‘excess deaths’ in York compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 18 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 47 fewer deaths in weeks 22-51.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 28.12.20 (for deaths occurring up to 23.12.20), a cumulative total of 207 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.2, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 102 of the 207 were male (49.3%), less than the national average (55.3%). 83 people (40.1%) died in nursing /care homes (the national average is 25.68%). In addition 18 people (8.7%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
By the 1st July the COVID infection rate in The City had dropped to 3.32 /100k head of population. It had peaked at 96.8 on 5th May. Case numbers were to remain low until September.
During the first wave of infections, 171 York residents had succumbed to the virus. Many had been care home occupants.
The government announced a £5 million budget for drainage and repair works on Tadcaster Road. Resurfacing of the road had just been completed……. Laptops were loaned to needy children allowing them to study at home……. The Council offered “two hours of free parking” in an attempt to get the City centre economy moving again. The concession didn’t apply to the main shopper car parks…… Playgrounds and libraries reopened in early July. …………..The Council had spent £354,326 on marketing and communications during the pandemic…….. Changes to footstreet hours were approved at a behind closed doors meeting – prompting further criticism about secrecy…………. It was revealed that the “Yorspace” housing commune had failed to complete the purchase of a plot allocated to them at Lowfields. By contrast adjacent sites reserved for “self builders” were being snapped up….The annual review of Councillor lodged issueswas published… York was touted as a new home for the House of Lords…… A controversial plan to have a “North Yorkshire” elected Mayor was announced. This prompted months of agonising about changes to Council boundaries… The Acomb Front Street marketreopened… There were continuing delays on building projects including the huge British Sugar site on Boroughbridge Road.… It was revealed that the York Council had spent £4.5 million the previous year in buying up commercial property in the City. The Councilsnet debtsclimbed to £289 million during the same period. An overspend of £1.8 million on the James House project was revealed …..The Council as forced to take emergency action to modify access arrangements onFossgate…. Revised plans for the front of the railway station were announced.
August
By 1st August the COVID infection rate in the City had fallen to 0.29. It was to be the lowest figure that the City would since the start of the pandemic.
A 3 bed semi at the Councils Lowfields development was priced at an eye watering £295,000…. York City centre was busy with visitors. Car parks like Castle and Marygate were full. By contrast the car park at the station was virtually empty….. Planning permission was granted for a proposal to build houses on the Bootham Crescent football ground. The opening date for the replacement stadium at Monks Cross had passed with a lot of work still outstanding. It was unclear when football matches would recommence…….. The York Central development secured £77.1 million in public funding…. One consequence of the pandemic had been a 51% increase in unemployment levels… a Public Right of Way was established across Acomb Moor. It was promptly blocked off by a farmer… The York Museums Trust needed a £1.95 million bail out. following its extended COVID closure….. The Council confirmed that it would spend £1.65 million buying 150 acres of land to establish a new forest near Knapton. Questions were raised about using high quality agricultural land for this purpose….. It was revealed that a large amount of space at West Officeshad been rented out by the Council. That retained for its own use had been little used during the pandemic with many officials working from home… It was proving to be difficult to get utility companies to remove graffiti from their cabinets… The promised replacement children games area in Kingsway West had not materialised. The old “MUGA” had been taken over as a builders compound. It was later revealed that talks to use a site at the Thanet Road Sports Area has stalled….. There were still too many long term empty Council houses in York. 1597 people were registered on the housing waiting list….
September
The Coronavirus infection rate in the City had risen to 2.86 by 1st September. The “second wave” was to continue rise during the month before peaking in October. Additional restrictions were introduced by the government on 22nd September. Mainly affected pubs and face covering requirements
Visitor numbers to the City had increased during August although they still fell short of the numbers seen in previous years….. Schools reopened…. The taxi shuttle service link from the disable parking spaces at Monk Bar car park into the City centre had not proved to be popular…..The Groves road closures went live on 2nd September. Reaction was mixed with some suggesting that an emergency vehicle route should have been sustained. ….. E-scooter hire arrived in York…. 29 Castlegate a former youth service building had remained empty for 4 years. There was no sign of the Council putting it on the market…
October
The Coronavirus infection rate sat at 129.62 on 1st October. It would continue to rise before peaking at 444.9 on 16th October. The rise coincided with the arrival of a large contingent of students in the City. The infection rate in Heslington was to reach 1720 on 15th October before falling away. Heslington and Tang Hall currently have the lowest case numbers in the City.
Work on refurbishing the Lincoln Court independent living units on Ascot Way was completed…… Consultation started on plans to upgrade the A1237 northern by pass... The condition of the cycle track network continued to decline…. £1.25 million was to be spent on public electric vehicle charging points in York…. Wrangles over York’s Local Plan continued (endlessly) . ….. A Council report revealed that the numbers cycling and using public transport to get around the City had both fallen…. The Peacocks store in Front Street Acomb was set to close. It joined many other retail and hospitality outlets forced out of businesses by the pandemic…. The details location of the new “Knapton Forest” was revealed, The Council remained tight lipped about a further area of woodland that it hoped to plant “near to the inner ring road”……COVID restrictions in York were increased to Tier 2 level on 17th October. Infection rates had already started to reduce……. The ruling coalition majority was reduced by one as Green Councillor Dave Taylor quit the Green Party. He had been criticised for comments made about the late Jack Charlton…….. There was an increase in the number of thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles in York… The Council announced that its new head of paid service (replacing the Chief Executive) would be Ian Floyd ……
November
Coronavirus infection rates had dropped from a high of 444.9 (recorded on 16th Oct) to 205.1 by 1st November. A national lockdown was to be introduced on 5th November when the rate stood at 191.8. It was to fall steadily during the lockdown period which ended on 2nd December. Eventually the rate bottomed out at 57.93 on 8th December. Since then it has risen sharply
By the beginning of November City streets were already looking empty…. A local contact tracing service was launched… Rain slowed some road resurfacing projects …. There was more criticism of social housing management standards in the City…. The York Museums Trust announced a 30% cut in staffing levels….. Work on the new Centre of Excellence for the Disabled was completed. Poor work on facilities in the surrounding area was criticised…… £658k of government funding for transport schemes was announced. A very mixed bag which included new cycle lanes on Acomb Road in Holgate and improvements for cyclists on the A1237 Ouse Bridge….. York Central was granted planning permission. Concerns about the accesses from Leeman Road and Wilton Rise were not addressed…. The Council reviewed its property portfolio. It decided to a[give a developer 12 weeks to complete the purchase of Oakhaven which had been empty for 4 years…. The Police announced their first “on line” digital event….A Council planning committee declined to approve plans for new flats and a multi story car park at the Castle/Piccadilly site …….. Fly tipping was a continuing problem in and near York…. A deal to lease space at the new Community Stadium for restaurant use fell though. It added £1.375 million to the taxpayers bill…More bad news for taxpayers as the costs of the Guildhall renovation project soared to £21.7 million…
December
The infection rate stood at 76.44 on 1st December. York entered Tier 2 restrictions the day after. Local MPs had pressed for a Tier 1 designation bowing to pressure from the hospitality sector. The subsequent rise in infection levels suggest that a Tier 3 designation would have been a safer option. York started the month with the lowest number of Coronavirus cases. It was to end the month with the highest infection rate in the region (406.4).
A homeless report said that the number of “rough sleepers” in the City was now very small…. A £3 billion price tag was placed on the Councils ambition to see the City become “carbon neutral” by 2030. …. The Make it York tourism organisation was heading for a £1 million loss. It would – like Welcome to Yorkshire – be bailed out by the Council … By 5th December streets in the York Centre were busier…. A new winter support grant was set up to help needy families… New lateral flowCOVID tests were available which provided very quick results. Students took the tests before returning home for the holidays… The Council launched an “on line” consultation on its budget choices. The choices were carefully limited to avoid any awkward results…… a new report highlighted growing problems with unemployment in the City. Young people living in the Westfield area were particularly hard hit…. a new COVID vaccination centre opened on Moor Lane near Tesco…. Completion of the Community Stadium complex was finally confirmed. Originally scheduled to be built in 2012, it was some 8 years later that it actually became available for use. Within days, the leisure and sports facilities there were to be closed again following the introduction of Tier 3 restrictions….. The year was to end with the first of the Coronavirus vaccine injections taking place in the City. Although a new more virulent strain of the virus had emerged, this was partly offset by news that a new vaccine was now available.
One additional death reported by the York Hospital Trust today
SEVENTY EIGHT additional positive test results announced today.
Age profile of cases
The latest infection figures show that 16.3% of positive test results in York related to people aged over 60. This is generally good news as fatalities for the disease are low for the younger age groups.
There were 13 positive test results recorded in the over 60 age group on the latest day (19th Dec) for which figures have been posted. As with the younger age group, infection rates have increased over the last few days.
It is too soon for the vaccination initiative to have had any effect on the numbers, but the expectation is that the over 60’s will become gradually more immune to the virus as the programme gathers pace.
The latest proportions (24/12/20) of positive test results that relate to over 60’s are
York – 16.3% (rolling 7 day average)
North Yorkshire – 21.3% (19/12/20)
Yorkshire – 20.8% (19/12/20)
England – 15.2% (19/12/20)
Council commentary
The York Council has updated itscommentary on the pandemic. It is reproduced below.
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 21.12.20 there had been 133 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 23.12.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 357.1 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,631 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.
Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)
• As at 23.12.20 York has had 6,345 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 3,012.6 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (3,267.5) and regional (4,379.1) 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 (20.12.20) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 15.12.20 to 21.12.20 in York is 163.8 (using data published on Gov.uk on 23.12.20).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 12.12.20 to 18.12.20 was 115.4. The national and regional averages at this date were 325.4 and 163.1 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 23.12.20).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 11.12.20 to 17.12.20 for people aged 60+ in York was 72.6. The national and regional averages were 186.4 and 137 respectively.
• As at 21.12.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 3.95%. The national and regional averages are 9.4% and 5.6% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 7 days by type of test is 137 positives from 2,662 lab based (PCR) tests (5.15%) and 11 positives from 1,083 rapid (lateral flow) tests (1.02%).
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 5,208 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 4,558 of the cases have been completed (87.5%). 14,240 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 8,932 of these have been completed (62.7%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 18.12.20, 373 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 372 of the referrals (99.7%) have been actioned and 1 is still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 267 were successful and 104 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 23.12.20 there were 7 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 23.12.20 (1 home).
• In the 7 days up to 20.12.20 there were 23 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 16 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 22.12.20 there were 39 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 21.12.20 was 44.
• As at 22.12.20 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 1 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 21.12.20 were 5 and 0 respectively.
• As at 22.12.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
Recovery from Covid-19
• Between 13.4.20 and 20.12.20, 276 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 12 people were discharged in the most recent week.
R Number
• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 18.12.20 was estimated to be in the range 0.9 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 0.9) on 11.12.20.
Deaths
The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 11th December 2020 and registered up to 19th December 2020, 208 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (99 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 12 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 98.76 which is lower than the national average of 121.04. There have been 36 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 10 weeks (Weeks 41 to 50).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). Between week 2 and week 50 there were a total of 143 ‘excess deaths’ in York compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 18 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 49 fewer deaths in weeks 22-50.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 21.12.20 (for deaths occurring up to 16.12.20), a cumulative total of 199 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.3, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 98 of the 199 were male (49.2%), less than the national average (55.4%). 83 people (41.7%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 25.94%). In addition 16 people (8.04%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
EIGHT (8) additional deaths at the York Hospital Trust announced today. One occurred on Friday, one on Saturday three on Sunday and three yesterday.
The cumulative total since the beginning of September is now 139.
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN (107) additional positive test results announced today. That is the largest total for over 2 months. It brings the cumulative total to 6166.
Rate /100k population rises to 103.5.
The situation is continuing to worsen.
The 63 infections found on Sunday was worst single day figure seen since 2nd November.
The picture at neighbourhood level reflects the general increase in infection rates.
No neighbourhood now has fewer than 3 cases.
Infection rates are growing quickly at national level.
They are fairly stable at regional level much of which has Tier 3 restrictions in place.
Rates at North Yorkshire and City level are growing at approximately the same rate.
Residents will be expecting an early statement from the health authorities.
Infection rates are rising as quickly as we saw in September and October. This led to the early imposition of increased restrictions.
It is still not at all clear which are the major sources of the infection.
The most likely transmission areas are inter household mixing (whether inside or outside) & leisure venues.
More information should by now be available from the contact tracing teams. We hope that the Council will share this information with residents.
Working on behalf of 11 GP Practices, Nimbuscare announced at the weekend that it has opened a COVID-19 vaccination site in York.
They have begun offering the COVID-19 vaccine to invited individuals..
Key things to know about the new site:
Those in the first priority groups will be offered the vaccine first. All those vaccinated will also need to come for a booster jab at a later date. People will be contacted when the time is right to come for their appointment. You will be contacted by letter, text message or phone call. Please don’t contact your local GP practice or hospital to ask about the vaccine and please do not come to the site without an appointment. Getting vaccinated means protecting yourself form the virus so you can be there for your family, friends and patients.
Seasonal surplus food distribution tomorrow (Wednesday)
More on fines for Tier 3 visitors
Shocking number of fines handed to tier 3 visitors ignoring restrictions and visiting York this weekend
City of York police have issued a shocking number of fines to tier 3 residents, who chose to flout regulations and visit the city this weekend.
Local policing teams made proactive visits with City of York Council covid support marshalls and enforcement officers to a number of licensed premises on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to ensure people were acting responsibly and being safe by sticking to the regulations around indoor gatherings and the rule of six outdoors.
However, officers encountered large numbers of visitors from tier 3 areas, who had chosen to ignore the warnings and put local residents at risk by flouting the regulations. Many were found to be from multiple households who were mixing indoors, clearly breaking the tier 3 restrictions which travel with them. When spoken to by officers, some did disperse and leave the area, but some groups were resistant to police advice, resulting in enforcement action being taken.
Over the weekend police have processed 61 tickets issued in York alone, with 55 being handed to tier 3 residents in breach of their tier regulations. However, officers have stated that there are over 100 more tickets in the pipeline, awaiting paperwork completion and processing.
Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading the North Yorkshire Police response to Covid-19 said:
“Looking at the numbers of fines handed out this weekend which are still awaiting processing, we believe that we have handed out over 160 tickets, with the vast majority being issued to tier 3 residents who visited York to mix and socialise indoors, which is in clear breach of their restrictions.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have been very clear about our approach and the action taken this weekend is evidence of it. We have stated our teams would be patrolling, speaking to the public and encouraging them to adhere to the rules. Where we encounter people who refuse to adhere to the regulations and believe their pint is more important than someone’s life, we will use our enforcement powers.
“Some people who were spoken to by officers did go home. However, our teams encountered large numbers of people who were not responsive to the advice, leaving us no option but to enforce through the use of fixed penalty notices.
“We will continue to patrol the city and the wider county and we will be visiting licensed premises and busy shopping areas. People very clearly know and understand the risks, they know that this virus is deadly, they will know about the identification of a new strain and know the serious steps the Government has taken in the South East, so there really is no excuse for acting so irresponsibly.
“If you choose to visit the city of York from tier 3 areas without a justifiable reason to have made your journey – with our extra patrols, chances are you will encounter one of our officers and you’ll be asked about the reason for your visit. It is our responsibility to ask those questions, to determine the truth and take the necessary action, in order to stop the spread and ultimately save lives.
“We remain undeterred from our objective to keep the people of North Yorkshire safe.”
Cllr Denise Craghill, executive member for safer communities at City of York Council said: “We want people to enjoy York safely and in line with Government rules. You should not travel across tier boundaries and in York, tier 2 restrictions must be followed: meet only your household or your bubble, or up to six people outside. Please remember to continue to wash your hands, wear a face covering and give each other 2 metres space.
“No one in the city wants to put loved ones at risk for the sake of a night out and undo the city’s hard work and sacrifice.”
No additional deaths were recorded by the York Hospital Trust today.
FORTY SEVEN (47) additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 6166
The rate /100k population has reached 93.6. Is likely to exceed 100 when tomorrow’s figures are confirmed.
The first wave peak was 96.9 on 5th May.
The second wave peaked at 441 on 15th October.
Infection rates are continuing to rise across most of the City. Only the Clifton North area has fewer than 3 cases
Visitors from Tier 3 areas fined
Supt Mike Walker has told a North Yorkshire resilience forum that 18 fines had been issued by North Yorkshire Police at the weekend to Tier 2 residents and 56 to visitors from Tier 3 areas. He said the big problem had primarily been people gathering indoors, in pubs and houses, where the virus could spread.
Hospitals
The number of Covid patients at York Hospital has risen by 11 in the past week. The hospital currently has 46 patients with the coronavirus, Harrogate Hospital has 14 – down from 21 – and Scarborough has 36, down by two.
THREE (3) additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Tuesday, two on Wednesday and one yesterday. The cumulative second wave hospital death toll has now reached 126.
FIFTEEN (15) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 6020
The rate /100k population figure has risen to 69.32. That is the highest level seen since 28th November.
It is expected to trend up to at least 83.0 during the next couple of days.
The neighbourhood Figures reveal that, for the first time since 21st November, no areas have fewer then 3 COVID cases.
Case rates are volatile at a local level and may reflect transient household infections
Daily case numbers have fluctuated since the end of lockdown 2 on 2nd December
York Council commentary on pandemic
The York Council has updated its “open data” commentary on the pandemic.
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 14.12.20 there had been 121 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 16.12.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 354.8 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,540 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.
Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)
• As at 17.12.20 York has had 6,005 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 2,851.1 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (2,957.2) and regional (4,246.6) 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 (14.12.20) is Amber.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 9.12.20 to 15.12.20 in York is 78.3 (using data published on Gov.uk on 17.12.20).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 6.12.20 to 12.12.20 was 63.6. The national and regional averages at this date were 206.6 and 151.1 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 17.12.20).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 6.12.20 to 12.12.20 for people aged 60+ in York was 52.4. The national and regional averages were 138.5 and 131.5 respectively.
• The positivity rate in York had fallen since a peak of almost 18% in mid-October down to less than 2% in early December. As at 14.12.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 2.87%. The national and regional averages are 8.1% and 6.5% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 7 days by type of test is 128 positives out of 3,021 lab based (PCR) tests (4.24%) and 0 positive out of 1,435 rapid (lateral flow) tests (0%).
• As at 17.12.20 York University reported 7 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 14.12.20 York St. John reported 1 individual within the University community who was 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 4,866 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 4,298 of the cases have been completed (88.3%). 13,580 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 8,339 of these have been completed (61.4%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 11.12.20, 361 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 360 of the referrals (99.7%) have been actioned and 1 is still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 263 (73.1%) were successful and 97 (26.9%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 16.12.20 there were 2 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 16.12.20 (1 home – not an elderly person’s setting).
• In the 7 days up to 13.12.20 there were 11 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 9 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 16.12.20 there were 41 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 15.12.20 was 34.
• As at 16.12.20 there were 3 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 15.12.20 were 3 and 0 respectively.
• As at 16.12.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
Recovery from Covid-19
• Between 13.4.20 and 13.12.20, 264 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 7 people were discharged in the most recent week.
R Number
• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 11.12.20 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 0.9. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 0.9) on 4.12.20.
Deaths
The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 4th December 2020 and registered up to 12th December 2020, 205 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (99 in hospital, 89 in care homes, 12 at home and 5 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 97.33 which is lower than the national average of 116.54. There have been 33 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 9 weeks (Weeks 41 to 49).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). Between week 2 and week 49 there were a total of 138 ‘excess deaths’ in York compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 19 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 53 fewer deaths in weeks 22-49.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 14.12.20 (for deaths occurring up to 9.12.20), a cumulative total of 198 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.4, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 97 of the 198 were male (49%), less than the national average (55.4%). 83 people (41.9%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 26.53%). In addition 16 people (8.08%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
Test numbers and positivity
The government have published updated figures which show the number of COVID tests carried out in York. During the week ending 9th December 6674 P1/P2 test were carried out. 3380 lateral flow tests were conducted. The percentage testing positive was 2.17%.
This is the lowest level seen since September.
However these test were conducted before the recent surge in case numbers which became apparent from 10th December. Next weeks figures may therefore be viewed with some anxiety
NB. Local public health officials are blaming personal interactions, rather than communal activities like shopping, for the most recent increase in case numbers in the City
TWO more York Hospital Trust deaths announced today. One occurred on Wednesday and one on Thursday. The cumulative second wave death toll at the York and Scarborough hospitals has now reached 112.
TWENTY SEVEN (27) additional positive test results were announced today bringing the cumulative total to 5858.
The case rate /100k population has increased to 65.5.
Although infection rates are rising again, cases aren’t concentrated in particular neighbourhoods. (In October, Heslington was by far the worst hit area).
Now only two neighbourhoods have more than 10 cases. The highest case rate can now be found in Acomb (124.2). However this is still well below regional and national averages.
Booking open for York’s targeted symptom-free covid testing
Covid testing for people who are symptom-free is now available in York, as part of the city’s bid to further drive down the spread of the virus.
Booking for the free rapid symptom-free tests is now open for individuals who come into contact with lots of other people as part of their work.
At a meeting of York’s Outbreak Management Board, partners from across the city agreed to make targeted tests initially available to residents who work in the retail, hospitality or transport sector (including taxi drivers).
The Council will be looking to further roll out enhanced symptom-free testing in the coming months, extending it to other groups, such as those who have contact with vulnerable people through work, a voluntary role or unpaid caring role.
Around one in three people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it. The rapid-turnaround lateral flow tests, which provide results within 30 minutes, will be used to proactively test asymptomatic individuals. This will further support the local effort to drive down the city’s infection rate, as those who test positive and their contacts will be asked to self-isolate.
Tests for people working in the retail, hospitality or transport sectors, and who are free of Coronavirus symptoms, will be available to book online by visiting the council website.
Individuals who can’t access booking online can call 01904 551 559 to arrange an appointment. The booking line is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Anyone who has Coronavirus symptoms should not book a symptom free test. They should self-isolate at home, and book a covid test through the NHS website or calling 119.
The Council is jointly working with York St John University to use Foss Sports Hall on the university’s Lord Mayor’s Walk Campus for the symptom free testing. The facility was used for their successful testing programme before students returned home for the holiday period.
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council and Chair of the York Outbreak Management Advisory Board said:
We are hugely grateful to York St John University for allowing us to utilise their testing site for the next few weeks.
“We want to build on the successful targeted testing both universities carried out in recent weeks. This is another example of how York is coming together to fight the pandemic and ensure we are doing all we can to protect our city.
“I would urge those that are eligible to book their tests to help keep the people we love safe and the places we love open.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health said:
We are taking a targeted approach to testing to help protect the city and slow the spread of the virus.
“Identifying asymptomatic cases is another form of defence for the city against Coronavirus. The early identification of positive cases and subsequent self-isolation will help us slow the spread.
“We urge all those who are eligible to book regular tests to help in the city’s fight against Coronavirus. Anyone who has symptoms should continue to book their test online or call 119.
“Whilst this is another defence to help us slow the spread we can’t lower our guard and must all continue to do all we can to practice Hands, Face, Space to stay safe and protect those around us.”
Professor Karen Bryan, Vice Chancellor of York St John University said:
Our University community has found the testing process to be quick and easy. Symptom-free testing can offer peace of mind to those concerned about passing on the virus to others. We are delighted to offer our test site to City of York Council to make targeted testing more widely available to our local community.”
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.
“I’m delighted that the City of York Council and York St John University are working with us to pilot the latest technology in York and I look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour, both in helping target the virus locally, and helping find ways to roll this technology out further soon.”
More information about the tests and how to book one is available on the Council website.
Council commentary updated
The Council have updated their weekly “open data” commentary on the pandemic.
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 7.12.20 there had been 133 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 9.12.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 320.2 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,538 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.
Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)
• As at 10.12.20 York has had 5,831 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 2,768.5 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is above the national average (2,721.3) but below the regional average (4,093).
• 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 (7.12.20) is Green.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 2.12.20 to 8.12.20 in York is 57 (using data published on Gov.uk on 10.12.20).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 29.11.20 to 5.12.20 was 60.8. The national and regional averages at this date were 153 and 156.2 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 10.12.20).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 28.11.20 to 4.12.20 for people aged 60+ in York was 76.7. The national and regional averages were 113.2 and 141.9 respectively.
• The positivity rate in York has fallen since a peak of almost 18% in mid-October. As at 9.12.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 1.95%. The national and regional averages are 6.1% and 5.9% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 7 days by type of test is 124 positives out of 2.975 lab based (PCR) tests and 3 positives out of 3,537 rapid (lateral flow) tests.
• As at 10.12.20 York University reported 11 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 9.12.20 York St. John reported 1 individual within the University community who was 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 4,680 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 4,137 of the cases have been completed (88.4%). 13,212 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 7,992 of these have been completed (60.5%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 4.12.20, 339 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 339 of the referrals (100%) have been actioned. Of the referrals actioned, 247 (72.9%) were successful and 92 (27.1%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 10.12.20 there were 0 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 on 25.11.20 (1 home).
• In the 7 days up to 6.12.20 there were 10 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 7 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 9.12.20 there were 31 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 8.12.20 was 34.
• As at 9.12.20 there were 3 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 8.12.20 were 4 and 0 respectively.
• As at 9.12.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 1 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours
Recovery from Covid-19
• Between 13.4.20 and 6.12.20, 257 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 7 people were discharged in the most recent week.
R Number
• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 4.12.20 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 0.9. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 27.11.20.
Deaths
The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 27th November 2020 and registered up to 5th December 2020, 196 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (95 in hospital, 86 in care homes, 11 at home and 4 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 93.06 which is lower than the national average of 111.88. There have been 24 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 8 weeks (Weeks 41 to 48).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). Between week 2 and week 48 there were a total of 137 ‘excess deaths’ in York compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 18 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 55 fewer deaths in weeks 22-48.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 7.12.20 (for deaths occurring up to 2.12.20), a cumulative total of 193 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.5, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 96 of the 193 were male (49.7%), less than the national average (55.4%). 82 people (42.5%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 26.53%). In addition 16 people (8.29%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
Shop local and continue to protect your loved ones
City of York Council thank residents for continuing to follow guidelines, resulting in a steady decline in local COVID-19 cases.
Councillors are urging residents to continue in their efforts to stop the spread of the virus and support local businesses this festive weekend.
The latest figures for York, as of December 5, show 60.8 cases per 100,000 compared to a national average of 153 and a regional average of 156.2 per 100,000. For a daily update on the latest case data, residents can visit the council’s Facebookand Twitterpages or theOpen Data COVID-19 Daily Data Tracker.
Nationally, this week has marked the start of the biggest vaccination programme that the NHS has ever undertaken, and is a positive move towards overcoming the virus. However, to keep York’s local COVID-19 case rate low, residents are being urged to keep up their efforts and to remember the essential steps we must each take to keep our loved ones safe:
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Wear a face covering in busy public spaces.
Give people space and keep apart from people you don’t live with (2m is best).
If you have symptoms you should stay at home, only leaving to get a test.
Self-isolate when asked to by test and trace as well as if you have symptoms.
Meet those you do not live with outdoors but not in groups of more than six
Next week, on Wednesday 16 December, at 5:30pm, the Council will be hosting their next ‘Ask the Leaders’ Facebook Live Q&A session. The panel will be discussing the Coronavirus Vaccine, Christmas guidance and emotional wellbeing support.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:
“I’d like to once again thank all York residents and businesses who continue to work hard to help bring the city’s case rate down.
“As the vaccine roll-out commences, we cannot afford to be complacent and must continue in our efforts to keep our city and each other safe.
“In York we are lucky to have such an amazing variety of local independent businesses, who have all played a key role in our efforts against the virus. The best way we can say our thanks is by shopping local and supporting them this festive season.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health at City of York Council said:
“As our attention has been draw to the hope of the vaccine roll-out this past week, myself and York’s Public Health team look forward to helping colleagues in the NHS with the delivery of programme. In the meantime, Hands, face, space remains the best defence against the virus for York residents, and we must all make sure we continue to follow government guidance.
“Over the coming weeks it’s important we look after both our physical and emotional health. Simple steps can make a great difference and I encourage residents to look out for vulnerable friends and family this winter season. Winter health tips include:
Keep warm – The temperature in your home should be at least 18 degrees. If you need help with fuel bills, grants may be available.
Get a flu vaccine – Many people, including those aged over 65, are entitled to a free flu jab – your GP will contact you if you are eligible.
Eat a healthy diet and try to ensure you have regular meals and warm drinks throughout the day.
Keep well stocked up with prescription medicines, especially as the festive season approaches. Ask your pharmacist for advice if you aren’t sure what you need.
Check on elderly or medically vulnerable neighbours and relatives, particularly in icy weather. This can be done in a Covid-safe way, either by telephone or a socially distanced doorstep chat.”
If you’re struggling to manage, or you don’t have any support, but need it because of COVID-19, the council’s COVID-19 Helpline for York may be able to help you through this difficult time. Please call 01904 551550 or email COVID19help@york.gov.uk. Residents can also visitwww.york.gov.uk/Coronavirus to find out the most recent support and advice available for the area.
THREE (3) additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on 3rd, one on the 6th and one yesterday. Over 100 patients have now died as a result of coronavirus at the York and Scarborough hospitals since the start of the second wave of infections in September.
There have been 22 new positive test results announced today. This brings the total to 5796
The case rate /100k population figure has now reduced to 60.3. That is the lowest rate recorded since 25th September.
No York neighbourhoods are now above the national or regional infection rates.
The most recent validated figures confirm a moderate reduction in case rates in York. Numbers in North Yorkshire are stable and those at regional level continue to fall. There has been a small increase at national level.
University test results
Universities report to Outbreak Management Board 9th Dec 2020
As of Monday 7th December, St Johns wasreporting that they have “0 members of our University community self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test”.
York Universitysay, “As of the morning of Tuesday 8th December, we are aware of 9 individuals within our University community who are currently self-isolating because they have had a positive Covid-19 test”.
City centre visitors mostly from York
A report to a meeting taking place tomorrow looks at how the profile of visitors to the City has changed since the pandemic took hold.
The report also looks at spending habits and reveals – to no one’s great surprise – that on line shopping has boomed.
Outbreak Management Board
Tomorrow’s City of York Outbreak Management Advisory Board will be webcast live from 5:30 pm. The agenda is as follows (click individual items for background information)
Faces closure within weeks unless bail out agree by York Council
A report to a York Council meetings shows its “Make it York” subsidiary could post a £1.2 million loss during the present financial year.
It means that the Directors of the, wholly Council owned, tourist business could be forced to wind up the organisation within the next few weeks.
The Council is being asked to step in and provide a substantial financial subsidy. The proposals include plans to;
Waive the requirement for MIY to make a revenue return to the council in 20/21 in respect of trading activity across the city centre
Defer the first two quarters rent due from MIY in 20/21 for use of premises on Museum Street and Silver Street offices
A loan facility from the council of £300k to be accessed by MIY only if necessary
provide a letter of guarantee to MIY with access to a maximum of £1m over the next 2 years should it be required.
MIY normally produces a net income to the Council of around £35,000. The company is responsible for tourist information services in the City, runs the Shambles market, organises special events like the Christmas Fair (cancelled this year) and promotes the City as a business destination.
Private sector membership of the organisation has collapsed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic with the hospitality industry being one of the hardest hit. Redundancies at MIY are expected.
The immediate hit on the Councils budget will be the loss of income from the Shambles market. This will be in the order of £474,000. That figure may grow substantially if the organisations recovery plan is not successful during the next few years.
MIY is the second tourist organisation to seek taxpayers help. The Council agreed to provide a further £55,000 subsidy for Welcome to Yorkshire at its last meeting.
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