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Lincoln Court independent living apartments completed

A development of 35 apartments on Ascot Way has now officially been completed by the council. It offers older residents “high-quality apartments where they can live independently and well”.

Nominations invited for new Lincoln Court apartments

Opening Lincoln Court is the latest phase of City of York Council’s Older Persons Accommodation Programme and the apartments are available for new and returning tenants. The council will be operating a local lettings system which will enable tenants in the west of the city to downsize into these bright modern homes.

The £3.4 million project offers 15 new build and 20 completely refurbished one-bedroomed apartments.

All the generously-sized homes are available for social rent by eligible people aged 60 and over or who have a specific need for this type of accommodation. This is the council’s first independent living community extension designed specifically to meet the needs of wheelchair users.

The development has a large communal lounge, meeting rooms and a salon which people living in or outside the scheme can use, and it has a communal kitchen where residents can prepare meals and enjoy them in company if they choose. A new guest suite for visiting family and friends of tenants will help maintain family links. All of these facilities will be available along with a range of social activities once restrictions on their use and socialising in groups are lifted.

Facilities include two on-site laundries and a buggy store, there is a good choice of shops, cafes, health facilities and parks nearby. Lincoln Court’s newly landscaped gardens are next to the open spaces of historic Hob Moor nature reserve which is overlooked by the new balconies on the first and second floors.

The apartments can be bid for via North Yorkshire Home Choice at www.northyorkshirehomechoice.org.uk/.

You can find out more about independent living with City of York Council at www.york.gov.uk/IndependentLiving

Please contact one of our friendly advisers for more information by email at ILCextracare@york.gov.uk or phone at 01904 554095. 
 

Coronavirus York updates; 10th October 2020

Deaths and test results

80 (EIGHTY) additional positive test results have been announced bringing the total number of cases recorded in the City to 1964.

There have been no further hospital deaths.

A new peak of 232.18 cases per 100,000 head of population was recorded on Wednesday .

Heslington remains the neighbourhood with the largest number of cases during the last 7 days. Currently it has 75 positive test results. The next highest is neighbouring Tang Hall with 36 cases.

Click to see detail

Authorities appeal; “Keep the city safe and stop the spread”

Following an increase in cases of Coronavirus across the country, the Council are urging residents to play their part in stopping the spread of the virus.

As of today (9 October) the York 7 day rate for COVID-19 cases was at 203.69 per 100,000. The previous verified 7 day rate comes from 2 October and was 161 cases per 100,000. This compares to the national average of 109.3 and regional average of 190.1 for the same date.

Residents and visitors to the city are being urged to follow good public health measures and remember Hands, Face, Space at all times.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council and Chair of the Outbreak Management Advisory Board said:

“Through our collective effort we have been able to keep our city safe and open, however, as cases increase across the country, now more than ever we must focus on protecting our family, friends and neighbours from the virus. 

“We understand that this remains a difficult time for many people, but we must continue in these efforts to protect one another and keep the places we love in the city open. 

“Whilst we continue working with our excellent public health team and partners to help protect businesses and residents, it is now utterly crucial for us all to work together to help slow the spread of the virus. 

“York remains a safe and welcoming city to visit, with local businesses needing our support more than ever. Let’s continue supporting local businesses in a safe way following public health guidance, which remains our best defence against the virus. This way we can ensure our city can remain open, safe and welcoming.”

The council are working with North Yorkshire Police, public health experts, York BID and businesses to remind people to follow health guidance. Signage has been installed in prominent locations across the city to ensure the Hands, Face, Space message is promoted to everyone visiting the city centre.

York remains above the national average for footfall in the city, with visitors spend drawing close to pre-lockdown levels. Businesses across the city have been working with the Council and other partners to help keep visitors safe whilst they enjoy what the city has to offer.

To focus on reducing household transmission, the Council has launched a campaign encouraging residents to share their own ideas and tips they use to keep their home and family safe. So far these have included offering visitors kitchen roll to avoid sharing towels, and keeping a bottle of hand sanitiser ready at the door for visitors. 

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

“We are grateful to everyone that has been following the rules so far, and we know many residents have worked hard to stay safe. But with the number of cases increasing, if we want to keep our city open we all need to play our part. The message is clear, to stop the spread we all need to work together.

We know that the best ways to stop the spread are wearing a face covering, keeping a safe distance and limiting contact with others as much as possible. If people are experiencing symptoms it is essential that they stay at home and arrange to have a test. 

To halt the spread we need to remember to follow Hands, Face, Space and to: 

  • Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds or more with soap and water or use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not easily available
  • Wear a face covering in busy public spaces 
  • Keep a 2m distance from people outside your household and don’t gather in groups of more than six 
  • Self-isolate and stay at home if you have symptoms or if you are contacted by test and trace. If you have symptoms please ask for a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.”

Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading the COVID-19 response for North Yorkshire Police said:

“Last weekend North Yorkshire Police worked alongside our local authority partners to protect the public and this weekend is no different. We will be proactively policing the Covid regulations and despite demand returning to pre-lockdown levels, we are determined to keep people safe and suppress the spread of the virus. 

“However, our effort needs to be matched by the public who both live and visit North Yorkshire and the City of York. So far, the vast majority have demonstrated high levels of personal responsibility, for which we are immensely thankful.  We all know we must continue to stay alert and keep going for as long as it takes to beat this virus.  Just like you, I know we might have to live with its impacts for some time, but our collective determination to beat it will work.
 
“Extra officers will be patrolling across North Yorkshire and York this weekend, trying to keep everyone safe, but we need your help.  If anyone is seeing this weekend as a chance to throw caution to the wind and not follow the restrictions, which everyone should all know and understand, then my message is simple – the police will not tolerate anyone who willingly puts others at risk, by refusing to abide by the regulations. Anyone who acts in such a reckless and irresponsible manner should expect enforcement action to be taken against them.  
 
“So please enjoy what the county and city has to offer, but do so within the restrictions and work with us to keep North Yorkshire safe.”

Share your views on the York Outer Ring Road

City of York Council is asking residents, businesses and visitors for their views on the proposed upgrade of the York Outer Ring Road from A19 Shipton Road to the A1036 Little Hopgrove.

A1237 congestion

This follows the announcement last year that the Department for Transport has approved York’s £25m scheme to dual the Outer Ring Road from the A19 Shipton Road to the A1036 Little Hopgrove progressing to final business case stage.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority have also approved £38m to upgrade seven roundabouts along the ring road. Wetherby Road roundabout was the first to be upgraded and was completed in 2019.

Alongside the road and active travel upgrades there will also be an extensive landscape programme with the aim of retaining existing trees and hedgerows where we can. Where this is not possible a diverse range of trees and hedgerows will be planted to complement the local environment and integrate the new road into the existing landscape.

The council have written to over 17,000 residents and businesses close to the York Outer Ring Road. People can also share the views online at www.york.gov.uk/yorr. The consultation closes on Monday 16 November 2020.

Coronavirus York updates; 8th October 2020

Deaths and test results

Another death reported today at York hospital. This is the second in a week.

At the end of September there were 18 COVID patients being looked after by the Hospital Trust. The NHS do not published daily bulletins giving bed occupancy and discharge numbers at local authority level. We think that – – given the huge surge in local case numbers – they should now do so.

73 (SEVENTY THREE) additional positive test results have been announced today. This brings the total to 1838.

The cumulative 7 day average number of cases, per 100,000 population, peaked at 203.69 on Tuesday. This is significantly higher than the national average.

The worst affected neighbourhoods are currently Heslington, the City centre, the Groves and Tang Hall. All have large numbers of student occupied properties.

According to media reports, 135 people from the University of York have tested positive for Covid-19.

The number of students self-isolating has hit 1,000.

Volunteers are being recruited to help deliver food to the students stuck in uni accommodation. City of York Council has sent out an email to its team of volunteers asking for their help. It says: “The quantity of Covid-19 positive tests at the University of York has doubled. There are 1,000 students on campus socially isolating and the University of York needs support to ensure they can deliver food to them.”

Stricter rules for businesses

We know of, and are incredibly grateful for, the amount of work businesses are undertaking to ensure their premises are COVID secure for staff and customers.

The new measures from the government brought in this week also brought in increased punishment for businesses who aren’t COVID secure.

Businesses and organisations will face stricter rules to make their premises COVID Secure (from 28 September):

A wider range of leisure and entertainment venues, services provided in community centres, and close contact services will be subject to the COVID-19 Secure requirements in law and fines of up to £10,000 for repeated breaches.Employers must not knowingly require or encourage someone who is being required to self-isolate to come to work.Businesses must remind people to wear face coverings where mandated.

New guidance on £9 billion Job Retention Bonus

Further information has been published on how businesses can claim the government’s Job Retention Bonus, with millions set to benefit from the £9 billion package.

the Job Retention Bonus, worth up to £9 billion is set to support millions of employers who have kept on furloughed workersthe bonus will work alongside newly announced Job Support Scheme and could be worth more than 60% of average wages of workers who have been furloughed – and are kept on until the start of February 2021businesses can claim for the Bonus from 15 February until the end of March.

Read the full update at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-guidance-on-9-billion-job-retention-bonus-set-to-benefit-millions-of-businesses

Self-isolation support payments

Eligible employees who are required to self-isolate by the Government’s Test and Track scheme, will be eligible for one-off payments to support them through the 14-day quarantine period.

The new Test and Trace Support Payment scheme from the Government is for people on low incomes who are unable to work from home while they are self-isolating. Where earnings are affected by self-isolating, applicants may be entitled to some financial support; a one-off ‘Test and Trace Support Payment’ of £500. Anyone told to self-isolate by the NHS’s scheme must do so or face fines of up to £10,000, and the £500 payment must be returned.

The scheme will also apply to eligible self-employed people who can prove they are unable to work while self-isolating.

Information on how to apply for a self-isolation support payment from 9 October is at www.york.gov.uk/selfisolate

Applications for free peer-to-peer support programme are now open

Peer Networks is a free national peer-to-peer programme for SME leaders that want to grow and develop their organisation for future success.

The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub are working in partnership with the University of York to create diverse groups of individuals who can collaboratively work through common business issues. Through interactive action learning, participants will be able to discuss their challenges, gain and reflect on valuable feedback, and implement practical solutions to overcome them.

To be eligible, businesses need to have operated for over a year, have five or more employees and an annual turnover of at least £100,000. The scheme will close to applications on 26 October 2020 and places are limited.

Find out more at: https://www.ynygrowthhub.com/resources/peer-networks-programme

Prime Minister’s Announcement: Skills and Training

The Prime Minister has set out plans to transform the training and skills system to help the country recover from coronavirus. The plans include a Lifetime Skills Guarantee to give adults the chance to take free college courses valued by employers and new entitlement to flexible loans to allow courses to be taken in segments, boosting opportunities to retrain.

This included an expansion of the Department for Education’s online learning platform, The Skills Toolkit. There are now more than 70 courses in digital, numeracy and employability or work-readiness available online and free of charge.

We are encouraging more learners to sign up to The Skills Toolkit, in order to help them build up their skills, progress in work and boost their job prospects.

Sign up and find out more here https://bit.ly/SkillsToolkitNorth

Stay safe and up to date say York Council

As cases of Coronavirus continue to increase, City of York Council are encouraging residents and businesses to play their part to protect those we love and keep the places we enjoy open.

Stay up to date with York’s response to coronavirus through our upcoming Live Q&As, daily social media and latest government guidance updates.

As many volunteers have returned to work or education, we’re looking for 300 more to support York. We get a wide range of requests for volunteers to help with across the city.Sign up to volunteer so we can match you with suitable requests or needs.

Having friends or family to visit?

We’re asking residents to share their top tips for stopping the spread of Coronavirus when visitors come round. Whether it’s buying or making a fire pit so you can socialise outdoors, or putting kitchen roll in the bathroom so no one shares a hand towel – let us know how you keep people safe.

Current data shows us that social and household contacts and lack of social distancing is the main cause of spreading Coronavirus in York. It’s vital we don’t forget these stay-safe steps when visitors come to your home. Let’s protect those we love and remember ‘Hands, Face, Space’ whether you’re out and about or have visitors to your home.

Read the latest guidance on how to meet with others safely  on the gov.uk website.

You can download our Let’s be safe posters and share the helpful reminder of ‘Hands, Face, Space’ in your neighbourhood from the council website.

Going out to eat or drink?

Following Government guidance, hospitality businesses are now required to:

  • Close at 10pm  (not last orders)
  • Keep tables a safe distance apart or divided with protective screens
  • Refuse entry to groups of more than six
  • Require customer and staff to wear face covering, unless sat at their table
  • Either ask customers to scan the NHS QR code in their premises or record their contact details for the Track and Trace programme

Businesses in York have innovated and adapted to remain safe and welcoming for residents and visitors, but the threat of Coronavirus has not gone away and so we all need to continue to work together to protect our health, our economy and our city.

Read the latest government guidance introduced from 22 September on the gov.uk website.

Join our upcoming Live Q&As

Next week we have two Live Coronavirus Q&As where residents will be able to hear the latest city wide updates and ask their questions:

York Minster exhibition proving popular

Around 500 people a days are visiting a new exhibition at York Minster.

Running until 17 January 2021, the exhibition – The Heart of Yorkshire:  Creativity and Culture in York Minster’s Collections – takes place in the cathedral’s 13th century Chapter House and features around 50 items, including some rarely on public display.

Highlights include one of the oldest stained glass panels in Europe, ornate 13th century silver artefacts discovered in a former Archbishop’s grave and a copy of York’s first newspaper, printed in the city by an eminent female printer.

The exhibition also includes a copy of York’s first newspaper, the York Mercury, printed in the city by Grace White, who was one of three entrepreneurial female printers in the city operating in the 1600s and 1700s at a time when the industry was dominated by men.

Grace took over her husband’s printing press when she became a widow and ran the business between 1716 and 1721 leading the way with the creation of the local newspaper, with the city eventually boasting eight different titles.

Among the manuscripts on display in the exhibition is the Bolton Hours, a beautifully illuminated 15th century Book of Hours, the exquisite detail of which includes 47 full-page pictures of saints and biblical scenes, and six smaller miniatures.

The exhibition is open from during normal visiting times, currently Monday to Thursday 11am – 4.30pm, Friday and Saturday 10am – 4.30pm and Sunday 12.30pm – 2.30pm. Entry is included with a standard admission ticket and entry to the Minster is free for York residents with a valid proof of address.

Tickets click

NB. The organ is currently being reinstalled in the Minster. Next comes the not inconsiderable task of tuning the instrument! The internal scaffolding should be coming down shortly

Coronavirus York updates; 30th September 2020

Deaths and test results

It looks like York is heading for a new lockdown following the announcement today of 35 new positive test results. That brings the cumulative total number of cases to 1309.

The figures mean that we are now seeing over 50 cases per 100,000 head of population each week. This is the intervention level set by the government after which additional restrictions are implemented.

The most likely restrictions will be similar to those imposed in West Yorkshire. There, contact is banned between people from different households.

There have been no additional hospital deaths announced today

The worst affected neighbourhoods in York are Bishopthorpe/Copmanthorpe and Clifton Without/Skelton

Lots of questions to be answered

UPDATE; The urgent control board meeting has taken place it can be viewed on line via the Council web site (click below)

One or two pieces of new information did emerge at the meeting. There are now 10 beds occupied at the York hospital by COVID patients. This is still many fewer than the numbers seen in May but is gradually increasing.

Impact on hospital capacity

Although probably not a surprise to many, the demographics of the second wave suggest that it is under 30’s who are most affected

Age groups of recent positive tests
Although there have been many successful test and trace results in the City the authorities are clearly unhappy with the overall performance of the testing processes.

The meeting was told

  • The last national seven day rate showed that as of 27 September York has 46 cases per 100,000 population, which on average is 14 new cases every day. There is usually a time lag in what is reported nationally and we will soon show a rate of 52. The national and regional averages are 49.7 and 70.3 respectively.
  • The latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 3.61%. The national and regional averages are 3.8% and 4.6% respectively.
  • In the two weeks up until 21 September, almost every area in York had positive COVID cases reported.  No area has had over ten cases in the period of a week, which shows that transmission isn’t confined to particular parts of the city.

EARLIER The Councils COVID management board meets later today. Little update information  has been issued in advance of the meeting (click)

We know that the number of cases in the City is rising rapidly. Fatalities are also now occurring again. Such information is in the public domain courtesy only of central government web sites.

Analyses of the situation in York is anecdotal at the best

The Public Health Officer uses Facebook to say that most infections occur because of home visits by family and friends. Public contact is less of an issue apparently.

But no figures are offered to back up this assertion.

How many, when, where? All are key questions on the lips of residents.

We only know that there have been 2 recent COVID deaths in care homes. No further details have been provided

“Sources” at St Johns University say that over a dozen students have symptoms. York University says that case number are low. Both institutions say they have difficulty getting tests completed. So, do they really know the scale of their problems?

We now know that a drop in testing centre for York University students will open tomorrow in a segregated and managed area in the Wentworth Way car park. The facility will open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, on an appointment-only basis from tomorrow (Thursday). Tests can be booked using the NHS Covid-19 App, the NHS website or by telephoning 119.

The position for permanent York residents remains unclear.

We were promised another drop-in test centre. We do not know when, where or even if, it will open? Nor do we know what its capacity will  be.

Where are the weekly test and trace numbers for York? What is the backlog in requests for tests. How quickly are results produced?

The Council apparently has access to the data but doesn’t publish it on its “Open Data” web site. Officials say they have the go ahead for a local test and trace process.  That has been promised for 3 months now and seems to be no nearer to producing verifiable results at neighbourhood level.

Then there is hospital management.

They are not listed on the Outbreak board agenda to be reporting to today’s meeting. Yet the ability of the hospital to deal with the second wave of cases is a key concern for residents.  How many admissions? How many beds occupied? How many in ICU? How many discharges? What spare capacity is available?

Where is the independent challenge to the secrecy culture?

 The executive member, with responsibility for Health issues, has a subterranean profile. There is no campaign for openness from that quarter. The last decision session on health and social care was held on 13th February.

The last Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Scrutiny Committee meeting was held on 18th February. That is the body which should challenge and question on health concerns.

 A management meeting earlier this week promised that scrutiny committees would shortly start operating again. The health committee has a lot of ground to make up

The Health and Wellbeing Board last met on 30th July. It has no further meetings scheduled.

So, all York residents have available are the occasional anodyne “on line” Q & A session involving self styled  “leaders”.  Yesterday’s Facebook session was typical. It produced nothing new and was distracted by discussion of the so called “devolution” deals being offered to North Yorkshire.

It increasingly appears that the Councils aim is not to “inform” but to “direct”.

Anyone doubting that should look at the one presentation which has been released in advance of today’s meeting. The public relations plan (click) is all about what others should do. It fails to answer the obvious question.

What do residents want to know?

Monk Bar car park taxi shuttle service

The Council will continue the Monk Bar car park taxi shuttle service for the disabled until the new year. The decision was taken “behind closed doors” by a Council official.

Most of the spaces reserved for the disabled at Monk Bar car park have not been used

While the basic principle of the service has been broadly welcomed, critics have blasted the large number (40) of spaces coned off for the service.  This has put pressure on the rest of the car park. Anecdotally it appears that no more than seven spaces have been occupied by disabled drivers at any one time.

No analysis of the demand for space was published before the decision was made. Neither have any details of the number of passengers using the shuttle service been revealed.

The service is costing taxpayers £354 a day in subsidies.

Ambulances in bus lanes

In a less controversial decision, the Council has agreed that liveried ambulances may use bus lanes in future even if they not responding to an emergency call.

Coronavirus York updates; 28th September 2020

Deaths and test results

There have been EIGHT additional positive test results announced today bringing the cumulative total number of cases to 1254

There have been no additional hospital deaths

Worst affected neighbourhoods over the last 7 days have been Strensall, Bishopthorpe/Copmanthorpe and Rawcliffe/Clifton South

Picture is slightly better today but it is too soon to say whether the slowing in the rate of new cases identified will be sustained.

Council seeks more funding

With the Council continuing to face significant financial challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic, the council has submitted its submission to the Chancellor’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

The submission urges the Government to ‘Back York’ by seizing the opportunities that are unique to the city and drive recovery in the region.

As part of the submission to the Spending Review, the Council has called on the Government to provide additional funding for York, as part of the levelling-up agenda, as well as urge the Government to continue to work with the Council to relocate a Government department to York.

Since the pandemic was declared, City of York Council has prioritised resources to support the most vulnerable in the city, as well as additionally investing over £2 million to create local emergency funds to support the city’s businesses and residents facing financial hardship. However, whilst demand for services has increased, income has considerably fallen, leaving the Council, alongside other local authorities, with an estimated potential budget gap that could be as much as £20 million.

It is clear that to kick-start the economic recovery of the region, there are opportunities unique to York to build back better.  However, with significant financial challenges in Local Government, the Council cannot unlock these opportunities alone. With additional funding, City of York Council could:

  • Make £25 million available to further support local businesses in adapting to the crisis;
  • Enhance York’s world-renowned culture and heritage by making extra funding available to support local museums, libraries and more – in particular, providing urgent financial support to charitable services who have seen visitor income streams significantly reduced;
  • Scale up the support on offer to residents facing financial hardship, particularly through the use of the York Financial Assistance Scheme;
  • Provide much needed funding for small charities and voluntary sector; organisations who do not have the resources to fundraise themselves;
  • Speed up the delivery of critical regeneration projects and citywide infrastructure schemes, from York Central, to the dualling of York Outer Ring Road;
  • Provide certainty of funding within the Adult Social Care sector, which has been under considerable pressure before the pandemic began;
  • Improve support for York’s climate change ambitions (ranging across service areas), so that York continues to be a leader in climate action.

This submission sits alongside other submissions from organisations representing the wider region and local government, including from Yorkshire and the Humber local authorities, the Convention of the North, Transport for the North and the national Local Government Association (LGA).

Marygate changes – “on line” consultation starts but does anyone know?

The Council has started an “on line” consultation about the changes that they plan to make to the pedestrian/cycle route which links Scarborough Bridge to St Mary’s, Bootham and beyond.

Unfortunately very few people know about the plans or the consultation.

The background information glosses over the future of the Marygate car park.

The main area of concern relates to the possible permanent loss of parking spaces in the car park. The car park has been very popular with visitors and shoppers over recent months. It is vital for the City centre economy.

Unfortunately around 40 spaces at the car park have been unusable since the York Council coned them off in June.

Marygate car park full but empty spaces coned off by Council

The consultation document says “Marygate car park will be relined to enable a modest widening of Railway Walk”

It doesn’t say how many spaces will be lost.

There is no opportunity given on the survey to support or oppose individual sections of the proposal. Instead only narrative comments are invited.

It will be impossible to quantify these, so the final decision on the scheme will rest with one York Executive Councillor (Cllr D’Agorne)

Other aspects of the plans are likely to be less controversial.

These include

  • Construction of a shared-use, low gradient, ramp over the existing short flight of stairs from St. Mary’s to Marygate Lane to enable people travelling by bike or on foot, as well as people with mobility issues to use St. Mary’s as a preferred quiet route.
  • The improvements here will also include some resurfacing of the carriageway.
  • Introduce traffic signals at the junction of Bootham (A19)/St. Mary’s/The Drive to provide a controlled and safer crossing of and exit onto the A19 for people travelling by bike.
  • This will also benefit residents of St. Mary’s by giving them a controlled exit onto Bootham to overcome queues from inbound traffic
  • The existing nearby pedestrian crossing on Bootham will be upgraded and brought into the same control as the new signals. Three on-street car parking spaces on St. Mary’s to be removed closest to the junction to allow the stop-line to be set back into the street.

The consultation is being run by something called the “West Yorkshire Combined Authority ‘CityConnect‘

The budget for the plans is £250,000. It would come from the Department for Transport (DfT) ‘Transforming Cities Fund’,

Subject to approval, construction work on the schemes would likely start during the winter and completed by spring 2021

More details can be found by clicking here

The consultation survey (such as it is) can be accessed by clicking here

Coronavirus York updates; 22nd September 2020

Deaths and test results

Unfortunately we have seen 2 further care home deaths over the last few days. These were the first fatalities from Coronavirus in the City for several months.

There were no more hospital deaths in York but elsewhere in Yorkshire the number of fatalities has increased.

TWELVE additional positive test results were reported today bringing the total number of cases to 1147. NB. This cumulative figure has been amended by the government to exclude the first York (and British) case which was reported in January.

The worst affected neighbourhoods in York over the last 7 days have been Huntington, Fulford Rd/Clementhorpe & Wigginton.

New restrictions announced by government

  • Office workers should work from home again where possible – although those in “key public services and in all professions” where this is not possible, such as construction and retail, should continue to go in. Mr Johnson later said that people should keep going in if it is important for their job, mental health or wellbeing
  • From Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants must offer table service only and close at 10pm – but delivery services can remain open
  • The requirement to wear a face covering has been extended to staff in retail, people in taxis and everyone using hospitality services
  • Fines for not wearing a face covering will now double to £200 for a first offence
  • COVID-secure guidelines will become a legal obligation for retail, leisure and tourism firms, with those who do not comply running the risk of fines of £10,000 or closure
  • Only 15 people can now attend weddings, but 30 can still go to a funeral
  • The “rule of six” has been extended to indoor sports teams, such as five-a-side football games
  • The phased reopening of stadiums for sporting events from 1 October has been scrapped

All about QR codes

A new ‘QR code system’ for Test and Trace is set to be launched on Thursday, the government has confirmed.

From September 24, businesses must register for an official ‘NHS QR code’ and display the official ‘NHS QR code poster’ in a prominent position in their venue.

Visitors to pubs and restaurants will be asked to scan the pub or restaurant’s specific QR code on their mobile or tablet, in order to ‘check in’ to a venue and share their information – instead of writing their contact information on a form or giving their name and phone number to a member of staff.

Alternatively, people can download the “NHS COVID-19 app” which also allows users to ‘check in’ to venues – and receive official messages if there is a coronavirus outbreak at a venue they have visited.

What is a “QR” code?

QR in ‘QR code’ stands for “Quick Response”.

A QR code is a square-shaped Barcode-like image, that is machine-readable and can be scanned on mobile phones and tablets.

Typically, the person who scans a QR code is sent a ‘notification’ (hyperlink) to their phone or tablet inviting them to visit a website, for example to get more information about something mentioned on a poster, form or billboard.

For “Track and Trace,” the QR code will be used so people can give their contact information for the ‘Track and Trace’ government initiative, securely and efficiently.

QR code scanner
QR code scanner

How do I scan a QR code?

Whether you have an iPhone, an Android phone or a different device, e.g. an iPad or other tablet, scanning a QR code is simple.

You do not usually need a separate app – you can just use the camera on your phone or other device.

Open your camera on your device, hold it in front of the QR code as if you are going to take a photo, and just hold your phone still for a few seconds.

Your phone should scan the code and a little ‘notification’ box should appear.

Click on this box to be taken to a page to enter and confirm your details.

If this does not work, check you have clicked ‘enable QR code scanning’ in your phone/device settings.

Alternatively, if you have ‘SnapChat’, you should be able to scan the QR code through that, or you can download a QR scanner/code-reader from your phone or device’s app store.

How will the QR code system work?

According to the government, the QR code system will help NHS Test and Trace let people know if they have been exposed to Coronavirus.

People will scan the code on their smart-phone or other device when they are at a pub, restaurant or other similar business, and be asked to input their information for ‘Track and Trace’.

Alternatively, people can use the NHS COVID-19 app and QR code to ‘check in’ to a site.

An update on the government’s website says: “By maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors, and displaying an official NHS QR poster, [businesses] will help NHS Test and Trace to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to the virus.

“The NHS COVID-19 app has a feature that allows users to quickly and easily ‘check in’ to [a] venue by scanning the code. The information stays on the user’s phone.

“In England, [businesses] do not have to ask people who choose to ‘check in’ using the official NHS QR code to provide their contact details. If there is an outbreak associated with a venue, a message will be sent to the relevant app users with the necessary public health advice.”Fill in our short survey to let us know what you think about the latest Covid restrictions. https://data.reachplc.com/202573612855861

When should I scan the code?

You should scan the code when you are given/pointed to it, this may be when you enter a venue or when you place an order.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “Businesses should collect this [Track and Trace] information in a way that is manageable for their establishment.

“If not collected in advance, this information should be collected at the point that visitors enter the premises, or at the point of service if impractical to do so at the entrance.”

What happens if you do not have a smart-phone?

If you don’t have a smart-phone or other device that scans QR codes – don’t panic.

While it is mandatory that every business has a QR code for people to scan, the ‘paper record’ system will be permitted – providing it is kept out of public sight.

Coronavirus York updates; 18th September 2020

Deaths and test results

An additional SEVENTEEN positive test results were announced today bringing the total number of cases to 1102.

Around 11 new cases are being found each day. That compares to the highest, 7 day moving average, number of new cases in the first wave in May which was 29.

The worst affected neighbourhoods are currently Tang Hall, Haxby and the City Centre. A map showing the distribution of cases can be found by clicking here

There have been no more hospital deaths. The last Coronavirus related death in the City occurred in July.

Latest commentary from York Council on pandemic trends

Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)

• As at 17.9.20 York has had 1,085 cases, a rate of 515.2 per 100,000 of population. The rate in York is lower than national (584.9) and regional (757) 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 (14.9.20) is Red. The rating was triggered by a higher than ‘expected’ number of cases per 100 tests five times in the last 14 days. We know that in recent weeks the number of cases have been low in York which has an effect on the thresholds used to determine the RAG rating – a small change can mean the difference between a red, amber and green rating. The exceedance rating should not be considered in isolation but in context alongside other factors such as the recent total number of cases, COVID related deaths, outbreaks as well as changes in the local testing regime and local hotspot analysis.

• The latest weekly National Covid-19 Surveillance Report released on 11.9.20 and covering the week up to 6.9.20, showed that the 7 day rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population tested under Pillar 1 and 2 was 12.86 for York. York was ranked 47th out of 149 local authorities (with 1 being the lowest rate).

• The latest validated 7 day rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population for York is 30. This is for the 7 day period up to 11.9.20. This excludes cases with a sample date in the last few days due to partial data and lags in reporting. The rate in York is increasing but remains lower than national (34.1) and regional (49.1) averages.

• As at 14.9.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 3.15% (66 positives out of 2,097 tests). The national and regional averages are 2.1% and 3.2% respectively.

• As at 15.9.20 the latest 14 day positivity rates in York were 0.4% for Pillar 1; 4.5% for Pillar 2 and 3.1% overall. The national averages were 1.2%, 3.9% and 3.1% respectively.

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 September 2020 and registered up to 12th September 2020, 171 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (83 in hospital, 76 in care homes, 9 at home and 3 in a hospice. The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 81.19 which is lower than the national average of 88.43. The most recent death reported for a York resident was in week 31 (25 to 31 July).

• ‘Excess’ deaths (ONS). In week 36 (29 August to 4 Sept), 40 deaths occurred in York, which is 9 more than the average weekly number for 2014-18. Over the last 15 weeks the total number of deaths in York has been 36 fewer than the average for the equivalent weeks in 2014-18.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 14.9.20 (for deaths occurring up to 9.9.20), a cumulative total of 162 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 82.47, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is slightly older than the national average. 86 of the 162 were male (53.1%), slightly less than the national average (55%). 81 of the deaths occurred in hospital and 81 were community deaths (e.g. at home or in a care home or hospice). 70 people (43.2%) died in nursing /care homes (the national average is 29.53%). In addition 13 people (8%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.

Data on deaths occurring in hospital are shown below. Deaths are initially reported for York NHS Foundation Trust which includes Scarborough Hospital and the further breakdown by site can be delayed. From local registrar data, 58.5% of COVID-19 deaths occurring at York Hospital have been CYC residents. (NB NHS Trusts record deaths following a positive covid-19 test whereas ONS record deaths where covid-19 in mentioned on the death certificate so the totals are not the same).

• Deaths at York Hospital: As at 17.9.20, 134 deaths of people who had tested positive for COVID-19 and were being cared for at York Hospital have been reported. 214 deaths have been reported by the wider York NHS Trust

Disabled and less mobile residents invited to online workshop about city centre accessibility

City of York Council is inviting disabled and less mobile people across York to an online workshop on 23 September.

The council want residents to let them know how city centre changes made in response to coronavirus have affected accessibility.

Emergency measures were agreed by the council executive back in June 2020 to expand a number of city centre ‘footstreets’ to allow more space for social distancing and give business the opportunity to take advantage of pavement trading. 

These steps were taken to  support the council’s Economic Recovery – Transport and Place One Year Strategy, agreed upon by the Executive on 24 June 2020. The strategy aims to reassure and demonstrate to residents, visitors  and stakeholders that York is a safe, healthy and attractive place for everyone.

As a result of these changes, blue badge parking was relocated to a variety of locations around the edges of the city centre. In addition, a free taxi service has been available between Monk Bar car park and St Andrewgate to improve access to the city.

In light of these fast-paced changes, the council want to hear from all disabled and less mobile people in York, whether they use a blue badge or not, and any other residents who feel the footstreets extension has affected their ability to access the city centre.

You can join the conversation in a number of ways:

The council is trying to contact every disabled group in the city. If you are part of a group or network that would like to discuss the changes, please contact us on OurBigConversation@york.gov.uk

Rules – Testing and mitigating the transmission of Covid-19

You may be aware that the national Covid-19 testing programme is under pressure, with high demand impacting capacity.

It is important to get tested if you develop the main symptoms of Covid-19, which are a high temperature, a new and repetitive dry cough, or a change in sense of taste or smell. These are currently the main symptoms that would trigger the need for a test.

If you are otherwise unwell with different symptoms, you do not currently need to get a Covid-19 test. Getting a test when you do not have Covid-19 related symptoms will reduce the capacity of the system to test those who do have symptoms.

To access a test, you can either use the online testing booking portal: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test, or by calling 119.

Testing is one element of an infection prevention and control process. Whilst testing can be provide a reassurance and enable the contact tracing process to begin where this might be delayed, there are many other steps that can still be taken which are effective: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control/updates-to-the-infection-prevention-and-control-guidance-for-covid-19

The most effective action we can all take if we experience symptoms is to self-isolate and request a test. There may currently be delays or reduced access to testing appointments, if you experience difficulties accessing a test, please keep trying.

Self-isolating as a household when one household member has symptoms is necessary. Please familiarise yourself with the online guidance on self-isolation: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance, and on what the definition of a close contact is, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person

If you have any of the Covid-19 symptoms, you must self-isolate straight away for 10 days – or longer if you still have symptoms. If you live in the same household as someone with coronavirus symptoms, you must self-isolate straight away for 14 days. This is because of the incubation period for the virus and the amount of time in which you are at risk of infecting others if you do have the virus.

York Council reacts to increase in cases – Let’s keep safe

As numbers of confirmed Coronavirus cases increase locally and nationally, City of York Council is encouraging residents and businesses to continue their work in keeping each other safe.

Since the pandemic began, businesses and residents have gone to great efforts to protect each other.   Data from Google mobility showed that York residents stayed home more than anywhere else in the region during lockdown, whilst businesses across the city have adapted to delivering their services differently to keep people safe.

However, in line with the national trend, cases are increasing in the city.  Therefore, it is vital that people stay vigilant and practice good public health measures and remember: Hands. Face. Space.

Following an increase in cases across the country, Monday saw the introduction of the rule of six, meaning you must not meet in a group of more than 6, indoors or outdoors. Meeting in groups of more than six is now against the law and the police have the powers to enforce these legal limits, including to issue fines (fixed penalty notices) of £100, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £3,200.   

The rule of six means you can only meet with people outside of your household group in a group of no more than 6 people.  This applies whether you are meeting in your home, outside in the park or at a venue like a restaurant. 

Please remember that the principles remain, to stop the spread of the virus we all need to all remember:

  • Hands – Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds or more each time
  • Face – Wear a face covering in public spaces it isn’t easy to social distance in (plus be considerate of those who are exempt and share pictures of you wearing them on social media as part of the #WeveGotItCovered campaign!)
  • Space – Keep our distance – 2m is best
  • Test – Stay at home if you have symptoms and ask for a test.

The council is aware that due to testing capacity challenges nationally, some people here are struggling to access a test. For now, people with symptoms (a dry continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of or change in sense of taste and smell) are asked to self-isolate at home until they are able to get a test.  The Council continues to press the Government for more testing capacity locally, following letters to the Secretary of State.

Last night saw the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum outline work putting in place additional measures and declaring a major incident to slow the spread in some parts of the County following increasing cases in North Yorkshire. In York, we are asking residents and businesses to be vigilant and remember hands, face, space to keep you and your communities safe.