It’s D-Day for York on Thursday 19 April when Yorkshire in Bloom Judges – arrive for their spring visit to assess the city for the regional Yorkshire in Bloom competition – part of the Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom campaign.
The judges will tour the city to decide how York is doing this spring and whether it meets the Gold standard in terms of its floral displays, green spaces, the look of the local neighbourhoods and street environment, including community involvement.
They will visit a wider variety of sites across the city as well as the historic city centre, including Brunswick Organic Nursery, Bustardthorpe Allotments, Merchant Adventurers Garden, York St John University, Hazel Court Eco Depot, Glen Gardens, Dringhouses Primary School, Askham Bog to name but a few.
The judges will hear about all the work that is going on throughout the city and by local communities including schools, local residents and Edible York. They will already have had a flavour of this through York’s Britain in Bloom portfolio which will be posted on the York in Bloom website page – go to www.yorkinbloom.com and click on the Britain in Bloom link.
When last in power, Labour failed to even enter the “Bloom” contest.
Lets hope residents can make the difference this time against the background of cuts to the maintenance of the City’s parks and gardens
York Libraries have confirmed that this year’s Big City Read will be ‘Mystery in the Minster’ by Susanna Gregory, the latest novel in the bestselling Matthew Bartholomew crime series.
In her 17th Chronicle, Susanna brings Matthew to York to sort out a dispute over land. What starts as a legal wrangle ends in murder. From July to September 2012 York Libraries will be running a programme of events, walks, talks and workshops to tie in with the themes in the novel, including an author appearance from Susanna herself.
We recommend “Mystery in the Minster” as an excellent “who done it” set against a background of streets and institutions that many York residents will recognise.
Sunday 20 May – the brochure comes out
On Sunday 20 May the Library team will launch the Big City Read brochure at a special day at Explore York. They say “Come and pick up a brochure from us, have a chat to some of the Big City Read team, and be one of the first to book your tickets for the summer events”.
You could also join in one of the following events:
800 Years of ‘A City Making History’
1.30pm-2.30pm, in the Marriott Room at Explore York. Join Archivist Victoria Hoyle as she explores the forgotten corners of York’s civic archive. Find out about our treasure-trove of thousands of unique documents, each one telling a unique story. A sneak preview of our summer exhibition! Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment by contacting (01904) 552828 or exploreyork@york.gov.uk. If you can’t make this date, a similar talk will be taking place on Thursday 17 May.
Palaeography Tasters – How to read old handwriting
Handwriting has changed a lot over the last 800 years. Try your hand at deciphering the writing of a Tudor Mayor and a Georgian lady. Drop in any time on Sunday 20 May to have a go.
Other events begin in July when Susanna herself launches the Big City Read at 7pm on Wednesday 25 July at Explore York Library Learning Centre
City of York Council’s fostering team has joined forces with others across the Yorkshire and Humberside region to recruit new foster carers.
Councils across the region have teamed up to create a new ‘Foster4yourcouncil’ website, containing a host of information about fostering.
The site will be officially launched on Yorkshire Day – Sunday 1 August – to celebrate the work of foster carers across the region and the life changing impact they have on children’s lives. The partnership will also host online recruitment and celebration events.
Cllr Ian Cuthbertson, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:
Our foster carers are ordinary people doing the most extraordinary job. The stable and caring environment which they provide really does help to change the lives of local children and young people for the better.
“We hope to help raise the profile of foster carers and encourage others to come forward by joining forces with other councils across the region. Yorkshire Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the work of our carers and encourage others to join them.”
Foster parents across the area are backing the campaign and have spoken about how much fostering means to them.
Karen said:
I am always moved and amazed by the babies and children I have fostered: how they soon adapt, settle, learn to trust again and thrive within our family and friends.
“I can’t think of life before our foster girls came to live with us. They are our family now too and wouldn’t be without them.
“Although I love my role as a foster carer, I’m only as good as the team behind me and I couldn’t ask for any better support for us as a family than I have with the fostering team at City of York.”
Rachel said:
‘We love caring for young refugees – seeing them enjoy life, achieve and start to build hope for the future is fantastic after all that they’ve been through.
Each one of the young refugees we look after as foster carers teaches us something – we care for them and as they start to heal and achieve they encourage us.
Louise said:
Setting out on the journey of becoming foster carers can be a nervous time. However from starting the process with York we found it to be a very positive experience.
“Skills to Foster was a great insight into the laws, regulations, therapeutic parenting and safeguarding.
“We have had lots of support from both our Supervising Social Worker and the Children’s Social Worker. There are also foster carer support groups where you can meet other carers.”
Bernadette said:
“As foster carers we are asked not only to provide for the day-to-day needs of the child, but carry them through the turmoil that their short lives have handed them so far.
To see a child blossom and thrive is the greatest gift you can receive. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Do it!”
City of York Council is always looking for new foster carers to help support children and young people in the city who aren’t able to live with their own families. And fostering for City of York Council means that prospective foster carers can be sure they’ll be helping support local children.
102 positive test results today. They bring the total up to 17,242.
The rate of decline in case numbers is beginning to level off.
The number of cases in the City has fallen from 589 to 551.
The infection rate /100k population is now 261.60
Neighbourhoods
Vaccinations
712 vaccinations were completed yesterday (Thursday)
Tests
7233 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 25th July 2021
Of these, 8.3% were positive. This is lower than the positivity rate of 8.5% found during the previous period.
2030 “lateral flow” tests were also competed on 29th July 2021
Council commentary
The Councils commentary on their “open data” web site has been updated. It is reproduced below
The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 30.07.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 27.7.21 there had been 51 total covid telephony triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 192 in the 7 day period to 22.9.20.
• As at 29.7.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 1,546 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,684 people).
Diagnosed cases
• As at 28.7.21 York has had 17,140 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 8,138 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (8,998) and regional (9,803) 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 number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (26.7.21) is Green.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 21.7.21 to 27.7.21 in York is 236.5 (498 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 29.7.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 18.7.21 to 24.7.21 in York was 279.7 (589 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 375.2 and 451.3 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 29.7.21).
• York is currently ranked 17th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.
• For the 7 day period 18.7.21 to 24.7.21, the number of cases in each ward varied from 8 to 58 and rates varied from 153.1 to 411.6 per 100,000.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 18.7.21 to 24.7.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 64.6 (32 cases). The national and regional averages were 112.0 and 142.5 respectively. Case rates are currently highest in the following age ranges: 10-14 (619 per 100,000); 30-34 (410) and 35-39 (405).
• As at 28.7.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 10.72%. The national and regional averages are 12.2% and 14.8% respectively.
• As at 28.7.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.0%. The national and regional averages are 1.1% and 1.4% respectively.
• As at 27.7.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 1.2%. The national average is 2.1%.
• As at 23.7.21 York University reported 24 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 26.7.21 York St. John reported 3 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.
Contact Tracing
• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 23.7.21, 2,532 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 2,319 (91.6%) were successful and 213 (8.4%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible. (NB on the 10.3.21 the local CYC team became responsible for contacting all cases rather than just those that the national team could not contact).
Cases in Residential Care Settings
• As at 22.7.21 there were 6 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 of either a staff member or resident) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 22.7.21 (1 home).
Cases amongst School Aged Children
• In the 7 days up to 26.7.21 there were 130 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive.
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 27.7.21 there were 23 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General/Acute beds. The previous figure was 18 on 20.7.21. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.
• As at 27.7.21 there were 3 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures were 1 and 0 on 20.7.21. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.
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 23.7.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.2 to 1.5. The previous estimate was (1.2 to 1.6) on 16.7.21.
Variants of Concern
• In the latest month for which data is available, 456 cases in York (with a specimen date between 27th June 2021 and 26th July 2021) had been processed in a laboratory which is able to carry out the required sequencing in order to identify Variants of Concern (VOC) or Variants under Investigation (VUI). Of these, there had been 455 cases (genomically confirmed or provisional genotyping) of the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India.
Total Vaccinations
• As at 28.7.21 a total of 147,752 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 84.7% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York (ONS 2020)
• As at 28.7.21 a total of 113,021 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 64.8% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York (ONS 2020).
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 provides a breakdown by age and gender. For both data sources a death from Covid-19 is said to have occurred when Covid-19 has been recorded on the death certificate. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 28: 10.7.21 to 16.7.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. There has been one recorded covid death between week 18 and week 28.
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 16th July 2021 and registered up to 24th July 2021, 397 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 136 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.49 which is lower than the national average of 233.99
• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 40-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.4% were aged 75+ compared with 72.9% nationally). 47.9% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.
92 positive test results today. They bring the cumulative total up to 16,726.
Case numbers in the City fall by 39 from 1069 to 1030. The total is expected to fall below 1000 when results are updated tomorrow (Saturday)
The rate /100k population has fallen to 489.96. It is expected to fall further over the weekend.
There is more evidence today that case numbers may have peaked with the 7 day rolling average for the City now trending downwards.
Although there has been some speculation that the recent hot weather has meant that fewer people were meeting indoors, and hence that there were reduced infection opportunities, the same is also true of other parts of the country where infection levels continue to rise.
Neighbourhoods
Vaccinations
308 vaccinations were completed yesterday (Thursday)
Tests
8701 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 18th July 2021
Of these, 12.1% were positive. This is lower that the 12.6% positivity rate found during the previous period
In addition, 2564 “lateral flow” tests were completed on 22nd July.
Council commentary
The Council has updated its weekly “open data” commentary on the COVID-19 pandemic. It is reproduced here for ease of reference
he data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 23.07.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 20.7.21 there had been 55 total covid telephony triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 192 in the 7 day period to 22.9.20.
• As at 22.7.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 765 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,758 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 22.7.21 York has had 16,634 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 7,898 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (8,682) and regional (9,426) 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 number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (19.7.21) is Green.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.7.21 to 20.7.21 in York is 442.03 (931 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 22.7.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 11.7.21 to 17.7.21 in York was 507.6 (1,069 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 529.1 and 634.8 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 22.7.21).
• York is currently ranked 70th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.
• For the 7 day period 10.7.21 to 17.7.21, the number of cases in each ward varied from 14 to 96 and rates varied from 329.7 to 1,293.4 per 100,000.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 11.7.21 to 17.7.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 141.2 (70 cases). The national and regional averages were 111.6 and 138.4 respectively. Case rates are highest in the following age ranges: 15-19 (1,235 per 100,000); 20-24 (825); 10-14 (704) and 25-29 (688).
• As at 20.7.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 15.91%. The national and regional averages are 16.4% and 19.6% respectively.
• As at 20.7.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.23%. The national and regional averages are 1.6% and 2.0% respectively.
• As at 20.7.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 1.7%. The national average is 2.4%.
• As at 16.7.21 York University reported 37 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 19.7.21 York St. John reported 4 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.
Contact Tracing
• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 16.7.21, 2,059 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 1,899 (92.2%) were successful and 160 (7.8%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible. (NB on the 10.3.21 the local CYC team became responsible for contacting all cases rather than just those that the national team could not contact).
Cases in Residential Care Settings
• As at 22.7.21 there were 6 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 of either a staff member or resident) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 22.7.21 (1 home).
Cases amongst School Aged Children
• In the 7 days up to 19.7.21 there were 177 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 39 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 20.7.21 there were 18 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General/Acute beds. The previous figure was 15 on 13.7.21. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.
• As at 20.7.21 there was 1 confirmed Covid-19 patient and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures were 2 and 0 on 13.7.21. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.
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 16.7.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.2 to 1.6. The previous estimate was (1.3 to 1.6) on 9.7.21.
Variants of Concern
• In the latest month for which data is available, 702 cases in York (with a specimen date between 18th June 2021 and 17th July 2021) had been processed in a laboratory which is able to carry out the required sequencing in order to identify Variants of Concern (VOC) or Variants under Investigation (VUI). Of these, there had been 699 cases (genomically confirmed or provisional genotyping) of the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India.
Total Vaccinations
• As at 21.7.21 a total of 147,024 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 84.3% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York (ONS 2020)
• As at 21.7.21 a total of 109,639 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 62.9% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York (ONS 2020).
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 provides a breakdown by age and gender. For both data sources a death from Covid-19 is said to have occurred when Covid-19 has been recorded on the death certificate. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 27: 3.7.21 to 9.7.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. There has been one recorded covid death between week 18 and week 27.
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 9th July 2021 and registered up to 17th July 2021, 397 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 136 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.49 which is lower than the national average of 233.62
• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 40-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.4% were aged 75+ compared with 72.9% nationally). 47.9% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.
Equipment used to play overly loud music day and night has been seized following complaints, repeated warnings and formal notices to the owners.
Complaints about two separate households in two blocks of apartments in the Westfield Ward included the volume and frequency of music. People found their sleep was being affected by the noise, and working from home was made more difficult.
Officers remove seized equipment
Following advice, warnings and formal notices being issued to the people playing the music, City of York Council applied for warrants from York Magistrates Court. Visiting the flats last week, officers from City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police seized stereos, speakers, TVs and other items ahead of ASB Awareness Week (19-23July).
Working with the victims, council officers gathered evidence of the nuisance they suffered. Officers were told that the noise was so loud they were disturbed night and day unable to work from home during the pandemic, or watch TV in the evening or even sleep in their beds at night.
Noise recording equipment installed over five days provided evidence of nine incidents of serious noise nuisance going on for hours at a time, with the perpetrator listening to TV music channels at full blast.
Two additional COVID-19 deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred on Wednesday. They are the first fatalities notified since the 30th June.
Test results
135 positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total up to 15,856
The number of cases in the City has increased from 861 to 876
The rate /100k population is now 415.94. A further increase is expected when tomorrows figures are confirmed.
Neighbourhoods
The highest infection rate is currently in the Foxwood North/Westfield/Chapelfields neighbourhood.
Vaccinations
661 vaccinations were completed yesterday (Thursday)
Tests
8305 PCR tests were undertaken during the week ending 11th July 2021
Of these, 11.0% were positive. This is higher than the 10.6% positivity found during the previous period
In addition, 3464 “lateral flow” tests were undertaken on 14th July.
Council commentary
The York Council has updated its “open data” commentary on the pandemic
The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 16.07.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 13.7.21 there had been 51 total covid telephony triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 192 in the 7 day period to 22.9.20.
• As at 15.7.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 671 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,756 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 15.7.21 York has had 15,721 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 7,464 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (8,162) and regional (8,809) 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 number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (12.7.21) is Green.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.7.21 to 13.7.21 in York is 430.6 (907 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 15.7.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 4.7.21 to 10.7.21 in York was 408.8 (861 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 350.3 and 463.4 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 15.7.21).
• York is currently ranked 104th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.
• For the 7 day period 4.7.21.to 10.7.21, the number of cases in each ward varied from 14 to 72 and rates varied from 240.4 to 627.1 per 100,000.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 4.7.21 to 10.7.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 72.6 (36 cases). The national and regional averages were 70.6 and 95.8 respectively. Case rates are highest in the following age ranges: 15-19 (1,100 per 100,000); 20-24 (743); 10-14 (695) and 30-34 (626).
• As at 13.7.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 16.01%. The national and regional averages are 13.5% and 17.5% respectively.
• As at 13.7.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.38%. The national and regional averages are 1.3% and 1.8% respectively.
• As at 13.7.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 1.4%. The national average is 1.6%.
• As at 9.7.21 York University reported 110 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.
• As at 12.6.21 York St. John reported 2 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.
Contact Tracing
• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 9.7.21, 1,599 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 1,481 (92.6%) were successful and 118 (7.4%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible. (NB on the 10.3.21 the local CYC team became responsible for contacting all cases rather than just those that the national team could not contact).
Cases in Residential Care Settings
• As at 15.7.21 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 of either a staff member or resident) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 2.7.21 (1 home).
Cases amongst School Aged Children
• In the 7 days up to 12.7.21 there were 158 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 39 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 13.7.21 there were 15 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General/Acute beds. The previous figure was 15 on 7.7.21. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.
• As at 13.7.21 there were 2 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures were 1 and 0 on 7.7.21. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.
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 9.7.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.3 to 1.6. The previous estimate was (1.2 to 1.4) on 2.7.21.
Variants of Concern
• In the latest month for which data is available, 792 cases in York (with a specimen date between 11th June 2021 and 10th July 2021) had been processed in a laboratory which is able to carry out the required sequencing in order to identify Variants of Concern (VOC) or Variants under Investigation (VUI). Of these, there had been 786 cases (genomically confirmed or provisional genotyping) of the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India.
Total Vaccinations
• As at 14.7.21 a total of 146,162 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 83.8% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York (ONS 2020)
• As at 13.7.21 a total of 105,945 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 60.7% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York (ONS 2020).
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 provides a breakdown by age and gender. For both data sources a death from Covid-19 is said to have occurred when Covid-19 has been recorded on the death certificate. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 26: 26.6.21 to 2.7.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. There has been one recorded covid death between week 18 and week 26.
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 2nd July 2021 and registered up to 10th July 2021, 397 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 136 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.49 which is lower than the national average of 233.30
• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 40-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.4% were aged 75+ compared with 72.9% nationally). 47.9% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.
Freedom (to infect) Day?
This web site isn’t particularly impressed by the governments decision to end all legal restricitons on activities on Monday. We have the highest growth in infection levels in the world with growing numbers (nationally) being admitted to hospital. Death rates are also rising. The latest figures show that around 40% of those being admitted to hospital had been vaccinated.
The solution – to ensure maximum safety for the whole community – will have to be a local one. Much more is needed than the welcome – but inadequate – plea from political leaders that people be “kind” to each other.
There must be a determined, high profile, effort to get more people vaccinated. That probably means taking the vaccinators to the patients rather than the other way round. Councillors have a major community role to play in such a process.
A list of “drop in ” vaccination sites with opening hours should be maintained on a central web site and updated in real time. Any shortages (type of vaccine, staff) should be candidly reported
The Council should support the use of “vaccine passports”. Although not favoured by some on civil liberties grounds, the sheer scale of the present problem requires compromises.
Use of facemasks in public indoor areas should continue at least until case numbers reduce considerably.
Access to busy indoor venues should be restricted (by the owners) to those who are double dosed and can produce proof of a recent negative test. Those venues imposing such conditions should be publicised. We beleive that there are many potential customers who would be encouraged to patronise a venue if it continued to be “COVID secure”.
The local impact on the economy of workers self isolating following being “pinged” by the NHS App. should be reported regularly.
More information should be provided each day on where and when infection contacts have occurred.
The local authority must be pro-active and open in its plans for the new educational term. We cannot afford another spike in case numbers like the one that occurred last autumn.
128 positive test results today, Brings the cumulative total up to 14,913.
The number of cases in the City has reduced from 872 to 865
The rate /100k population falls to 410.71. The rate is on course to stablise at around 400 over the next few days.
Some of the slides used at a Council meeting which took place on Wednesday have now been published, They include some interesting information about the spread of infections. The following graph confirms that the majority of cases are connected with groups still in education.
Neighbourhoods
Infection rates continue to fall at Heslington/University. It no longer has the highest rate in the City. The highest infection rate can now be found in Tang Hall
Both Tang Hall and Fulford Road/Clementhorpe are now experiencing the highest number of COVID cases recorded since the pandemic began in early 2020
The Council have published information on how vaccination levels vary for different age groups/occupations
Figures released on Wednesday suggest that there is some SPARE CAPACITY in the vaccination programme
Vaccinations
1296 vaccinations were completed yesterday (Thursday)
Tests
8235 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 4th July 2021
Of these, 10.3% were positive. That represents a reduction on the 10.5% positivity found during the previous period.
2669 “lateral flow” tests were also completed on 8th July 2021
Council commentary updates
The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 09.07.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 6.7.21 there had been 71 total covid telephony triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 192 in the 7 day period to 22.9.20.
• As at 8.7.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 723 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,807 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 8.7.21 York has had 14,785 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 7,020 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (7,750) and regional (8,291) 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 number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (5.7.21) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 30.6.21 to 6.7.21 in York is 398.4 (839 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 8.7.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 27.6.21 to 3.7.21 in York was 414 (872 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 263.9 and 333.2 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 8.7.21).
• York is currently ranked 119th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.
• For the 7 day period 26.6.21.to 2.7.21, the number of cases in each ward varied from 3 to141 and rates varied from 72.3 to 929.7 per 100,000.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 27.6.21 to 3.7.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 62.5 (31 cases). The national and regional averages were 47.3 and 56.3 respectively.
• As at 6.7.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 13.67%. The national and regional averages are 10.2% and 13.5% respectively.
• As at 6.7.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.27%. The national and regional averages are 1.0% and 1.4% respectively.
• As at 6.7.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 1.0%. The national average is 1.1%.
• As at 2.7.21 York University reported 240 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 28.6.21 York St. John reported 4 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.
Contact Tracing
• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 2.7.21, 1,239 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 1,158 (93.5%) were successful and 81 (6.5%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible. (NB on the 10.3.21 the local CYC team became responsible for contacting all cases rather than just those that the national team could not contact).
Cases in Residential Care Settings
• As at 7.7.21 there were 3 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 of either a staff member or resident) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 2.7.21 (1 home).
Cases amongst School Aged Children
• In the 7 days up to 5.7.21 there were 107 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 34 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 7.7.21 there were 15 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General/Acute beds. The previous figure was 5 on 29.6.21. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.
• As at 7.7.21 there was 1 confirmed Covid-19 patient and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures were 1 and 0 on 29.6.21. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.
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 2.7.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.2 to 1.4. The previous estimate was (1.2 to 1.5) on 25.6.21.
Variants of Concern
• In the latest month for which data is available, 816 cases in York (with a specimen date between 5th June 2021 and 4th July 2021) had been processed in a laboratory which is able to carry out the required sequencing in order to identify Variants of Concern (VOC) or Variants under Investigation (VUI). Of these, there had been 802 cases (genomically confirmed or provisional genotyping) of the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India.
Total Vaccinations
• As at 7.7.21 a total of 143,963 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 82.5% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
• As at 7.7.21 a total of 100,904 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 57.9% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
• Source: PHE Covid-19 Situational Awareness Explorer
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 provides a breakdown by age and gender. For both data sources a death from Covid-19 is said to have occurred when Covid-19 has been recorded on the death certificate. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 25: 19.6.21 to 25.6.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. There has been one recorded covid death between week 18 and week 25.
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 18th June 2021 and registered up to 26th June 2021, 397 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 136 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.49 which is lower than the national average of 232.76
• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.6% were aged 75+ compared with 72.9% nationally). 47.7% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.
My top three goals for policing York & Selby District… and how we’re going to achieve them
Meet the new police commander of York & Selby District, Superintendent Mark Khan. As the most senior officer in the district, he makes big decisions that affect how policing is delivered for hundreds of thousands of people. He says:
Last week, I became commander of a district that includes one of the safest cities in England, which is also in the safest county in England. Those aren’t hollow claims, they are facts based on government analysis of a huge amount of crime data.
Facts like that can be very reassuring to people who live or work in this wonderful district. But they don’t mean everything is perfect. We deal with thousands of serious crimes a year in York and Selby. That means thousands of victims, thousands of lives affected by crime.
And they certainly don’t mean we should be complacent as a police force. I’ve been a police officer for almost 30 years – I know that the moment the police stop trying to improve and evolve would be the moment criminals gained the upper hand.
There’s always scope for progress, no matter how effectively things have been done in the past.
So I’m going to share my three top goals for policing the York & Selby District and explain how we’re going to achieve them.
Goal 1. Ensuring public spaces are kept safe for all, day and night
Public spaces are, by definition, for everyone to enjoy. If people who use a town or city centre, park or other communal areas feel intimidated or are at risk of crime, something is wrong. The lawless minority does not have a right to ruin public spaces for the law-abiding majority.
We’ve already made big strides in tackling this and there’s excellent work happening as we speak. We’re using dispersal orders to stamp out antisocial behaviour at key points right now – and we’re backing them up with a strong police presence so people feel safe, however they choose to use public spaces. I want to see that continue for as long as the need exists. Yes, there’s more work to do, and yes, we’ll do it.
As you read this, we’re also doing work with other organisations to prepare for the full reopening of the night-time economy after July 19 and planning how we police high footfall areas with maximum impact. The night-time economy is a big part of our district’s economy and people are welcome to come here to enjoy their leisure time. Millions of people manage to do that legally, safely and respectfully every year. We won’t tolerate those who don’t.
Goal 2. Tackling the harm drugs and alcohol do to our communities
Communities are damaged by crime. Crime is often fuelled by drug or alcohol misuse. So I want to ensure we get to the root cause of this issue. I want to build on the good work with partners like local authorities, the local hospitality sector and the wider community that has seen scores of troublemakers banned from pubs and bars and the tiny minority of rogue businesses that perpetuate this trouble held to account.
But illegal drugs present different challenges. We know that early intervention – getting people the support they need before addiction really takes over – works wonders. I’m keen to see us develop that approach further, to prevent the cycle between drugs and crime taking hold in the first place especially among young people.
Most of the drugs in our district are brought in from other areas. This is often done by ‘county lines’ gangs which also import violence, exploitation, misery and fear. Our excellent Expedite team has led our force’s response to this – hundreds of drug dealers are in prison as a result. We will police York and Selby in a way that makes it a totally hostile environment to everyone involved in this repugnant trade, from low-level street dealers to organised crime ringleaders. I know we will have the full support of our communities.
Goal 3. Keeping our roads, and everyone who uses them, safe
One of the ways we can keep drug gangs and other criminals out of our communities is to intercept them before they even reach their destination. We have skilled teams like our Operational Support Unit and Roads Policing Group who specialise in this. And we’ll be sharing some of their skills with officers from our local policing teams.
But road policing is much more than ridding our routes of criminals. Last year, almost 40 people died on North Yorkshire’s roads and more than 250 were seriously injured. One in six of those serious injuries happened in our district.
Virtually all were due to driver or rider error. It’s a heartbreaking figure but we know we can do something about it. We’ll be bringing more targeted road safety education and enforcement operations to York & Selby District – initiatives like Operation Boundary, which focuses a high volume of police units on key routes and pays particular attention to vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists. And we’ll use the skills, resources and expertise of the York & North Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership to do everything in our power to reduce those harrowing statistics.
Let me be very clear – these are by no means our only priorities and we won’t fixate on these at the expense of the many other issues we deal with.
But I’m fully aware they’re big challenges. We’re setting the bar high.
These sort of goals need a clear plan. So we’re going to focus on maintaining high investigative standards to ensure we put together robust cases that bring people to justice.
What’s more, we’re not just going to respond to crime. We’re going to respond and then aim to fix the problem, to prevent us dealing with the same issues over and over again. Prevention and early intervention is key.
And to solve problems we need to share skills. We’ll share them with other organisations and ensure we recruit and retain people who understand the issues we’re trying to address, represent the communities we serve and have the skills and determination to make positive changes.
I know that’s been a long read, but it’s important we share our ideas and ambitions for York & Selby District with you.
Without public support it would be impossible for us to police. And without the information supplied by the public we’d be working in the dark.
So if you have concerns or information about any offences in York & Selby District, from antisocial behaviour to drink driving to drug dealing, share it with us by calling 101 and selecting option 1. Every report is taken seriously and it helps us build our policing response around the issues affecting our communities.
Together we can make one of the safest places in England an even safer place to live, work and visit. And that’s an exceptional goal we can all share.
One additional death reported today. It occurred on Wednesday and is the first hospital fatality since 11th June 2021
There have been no changes in patient numbers
Test Results
98 positive test results announced today. That is the lowest for a few days. Brings cumulative total up to 14.034.
The number of cases in the City has increased from 623 to 688.
The rate /100k population is 326.67. It is trending to reach 392.2.3.
Neighbourhoods
Fulford, Heslington and the University continues to be the neighbourhood with the highest infection rate.
Vaccinations
1124 vaccinations were completed on Thursday
Tests
7184 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 27th June 2021.
Of these, 9.5% were positive. That represents an increase on the 8.7% positivity found during the previous period.
2786 “lateral flow” tests were also competed on 1st July.
Council commentary
The York Council has updated its “open data” commentary. It is reproduced below.
The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 02.07.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 26.6.21 there had been 107 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 1.7.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 554 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,773 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 1.7.21 York has had 13,936 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 6,617 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (7,456) and regional (7,904) 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 number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (28.6.21) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 23.6.21 to 29.6.21 in York is 379.4 (799 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 1.7.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 20.6.21 to 26.6.21 in York was 295.8 (623 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 160.2 and 197.6 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 1.7.21).
• York is currently ranked 127th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.
• For the 7 day period 19.6.21.to 25.6.21, the number of cases in each ward varied from 4 to 116 and rates varied from 96.4 to 764.9 per 100,000.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 20.6.21 to 26.6.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 22.2 (11 cases). The national and regional averages were 25.6 and 32.0 respectively.
• As at 29.6.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 13.89%. The national and regional averages are 7.7% and 9.8% respectively.
• As at 29.6.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.39%. The national and regional averages are 0.7% and 1.1% respectively.
• As at 29.6.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.9%. The national average is 0.9%.
• As at 25.6.21 York University reported 258 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 28.6.21 York St. John reported 12 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.
Contact Tracing
• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 25.6.21, 715 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 676 (94.5%) were successful and 39 (5.5%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible. (NB on the 10.3.21 the local CYC team became responsible for contacting all cases rather than just those that the national team could not contact).
Cases in Residential Care Settings
• As at 30.6.21 there were 3 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 of either a staff member or resident) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 24.6.21 (1 home).
Cases amongst School Aged Children
• In the 7 days up to 28.6.21 there were 34 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 16 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 29.6.21 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General/Acute beds. The previous figure was 6 on 22.6.21. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.
• As at 29.6.21 there was 1 confirmed Covid-19 patient and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures were 0 and 0 on 22.6.21. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.
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 25.6.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.2 to 1.5. The previous estimate was (1.0 to 1.3) on 18.6.21.
Variants of Concern
• In the latest month for which data is available, 708 cases in York (with a specimen date between 30th May 2021 and 29th June 2021) had been processed in a laboratory which is able to carry out the required sequencing in order to identify Variants of Concern (VOC) or Variants under Investigation (VUI). Of these, there had been 690 cases (genomically confirmed or provisional genotyping) of the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India.
Total Vaccinations
• As at 30.6.21 a total of 139,514 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 80% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
• As at 30.6.21 a total of 95,625 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 54.8% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
• Source: PHE Covid-19 Situational Awareness Explorer
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 provides a breakdown by age and gender. For both data sources a death from Covid-19 is said to have occurred when Covid-19 has been recorded on the death certificate. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 24: 12.6.21 to 18.6.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents.
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 18th June 2021 and registered up to 26th June 2021, 397 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 136 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.49 which is lower than the national average of 232.76
• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.6% were aged 75+ compared with 72.9% nationally). 47.7% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.
