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Coronavirus York updates; 30th April 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths announced today

Test results

Ten additional positive test results were announced today. They bring the cumulative total up to 12,274

The number of cases in the City has increased from 45 yesterday to 49 today.

The rate /100k population figure has risen to 23.27. This is the highest rate seen since 28th March. It is expected to rise higher tomorrow.

Neighbourhoods

There are now ten York neighbourhoods which each have more than 3 cases.

Vaccinations

Over 40’s are now being invited to book a vaccination appointment

Tests

  • 4,438 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 25th April
  • Of these, 0.7% were positive. That is an increase from the previous days figure of 0.6%
  • In addition 2,977 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 29th April.

Hospitals

There has been a drop in COVID-19 patient numbers today at the York hospital

York Council commentary updated

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 30.04.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 26.4.21 there had been 43 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 29.4.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 23 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,981 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 29.4.21 York has had 12,264 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,823 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,852) and regional (7,147) averages. Cases identified through Lateral Flow Tests will be removed if they have a negative follow up PCR test within 72 hours so the cumulative total of cases can, on occasions, go down.

• 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 (26.4.21) is Red. 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 provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 21.4.21 to 27.4.21 in York is 21.8 (46 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 29.4.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 18.4.21 to 24.4.21 in York was 21.4 (45 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 24.5 and 45.9 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 29.4.21).

• York is currently ranked 68th 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 17.4.21.to 23.4.21 the number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 9 and rates varied from 0 to 61.9 per 100,000. 6 wards had zero cases.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 18.4.21 to 24.4.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 10.1 (5 cases). The national and regional averages were 9.5 and 13.2 respectively.

• As at 27.4.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 1.1%. The national and regional averages are 0.9% and 2.3% respectively.

• As at 27.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.13%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 27.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.2%. The national average is 0.5%.

• As at 23.4.21 York University reported 3 individuals within the University community who was currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.

• As at 26.4.21 York St. John reported 5 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 11,412 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,310 (90.3%) of the cases have been completed (compared with 86.6% nationally). 26,749 ‘contacts’ of these cases have been identified and 20,305 (75.9%) of these have been completed (compared with 81.2% nationally).

• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 23.4.21, 178 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 167 (93.8%) were successful and 11 (6.2%) 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 27.4.21 there were 0 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 26.4.21 there were 4 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 4 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 27.4.21 there were 6 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 27.4.21 there were 0 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.

• As at 27.4.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 27.4.21 there had been 0 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

R Number

• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 23.4.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 1.0) on 16.4.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 28.4.21 a total of 99,474 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 47.2% of the estimated total population of York and 57.2% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 28.4.21 a total of 42,170 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 20.0% of the estimated total population of York and 24.2% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

Deaths

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

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 15: 10.4.21 to 16.4.21) 2 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 12, 13 and 14 there had been 0, 2 and 0 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 16th April 2021 and registered up to 24th April 2021, 395 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 135 in care homes, 24 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 187.54 which is lower than the national average of 230.84

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 14.4.21), a cumulative total of 372 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.2, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (79.6% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.1% nationally). 178 of the 372 were male (47.8%), less than the national average (54.3%).

Coronavirus York updates; 23rd April 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths announced today

Test results

Six additional positive test results today. Total now 12,223.

One fewer case in York today. Brings total down to 31.

Rate /100k population now 14.72. Expected to increase over the weekend.

Neighbourhoods

Only 4 neighbourhoods have infection rates above 10 today. The rate in Westfield /Foxwood North has now fallen back below 3 cases.

Vaccinations

Tests

3932 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 18th April.

Of these, 0.7% were positive. That is the same proportion as the previous day.

2985 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 22nd April 2021.

Hospital

Council COVID-19 commentary

The York council has updated its “open data” briefing on the pandemic. It is reproduced below for convenience

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 23.04.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 19.4.21 there had been 58 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 22.4.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 19 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,146 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 22.4.21 York has had 12,217 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,801 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,828) and regional (7,103) averages. Cases identified through Lateral Flow Tests will be removed if they have a negative follow up PCR test within 72 hours so the cumulative total of cases can, on occasions, go down.

• 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 (19.4.21) is Amber. This is due to a higher than ‘expected’ number of cases on 1 occasion(s) in the most recent 14 day monitoring period. 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 provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.4.21 to 20.4.21 in York is 17.6 (37 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 22.4.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 11.4.21 to 17.4.21 in York was 15.2 (32 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 23.8 and 46.7 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 22.4.21).

• York is currently ranked 39th 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 10.4.21.to 16.4.21 the number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 6 and rates varied from 0 to 59.7 per 100,000. 10 wards had zero cases.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 11.4.21 to 17.4.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 2.0 (1 case). The national and regional averages were 10.0 and 14.8 respectively.

• As at 20.4.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 0.86%. The national and regional averages are 1.0% and 2.5% respectively.

• As at 20.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.12%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 20.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0%. The national average is 0.6%.

• As at 16.4.21 York University reported 1 individual within the University community who was currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.

• As at 5.4.21 York St. John reported 0 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 11,406 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,305 of the cases have been completed (90.3%). 26,705 ‘contacts’ of these cases have been identified and 20,263 of these have been completed (75.9%).

• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 16.4.21, 155 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 145 (93.5%) were successful and 10 (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 22.4.21 there were 0 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 19.4.21 there were 7 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 5 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 20.4.21 there were 4 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 20.4.21 there were 0 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.

• As at 20.4.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 20.4.21 there had been 0 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

• Between 5.4.21 and 11.4.21, 4 CYC residents were discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection.

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 16.4.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 9.4.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 21.4.21 a total of 95,215 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 45.2% of the estimated total population of York and 54.7% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 21.4.21 a total of 33,679 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 16% of the estimated total population of York and 19.4% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

Deaths

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

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 14: 3.4.21 to 9.4.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 11, 12 and 13 there had been 4, 0 and 2 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 9th April 2021 and registered up to 17th April 2021, 392 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (227 in hospital, 134 in care homes, 23 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 186.12 which is lower than the national average of 230.22

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 14.4.21), a cumulative total of 372 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.2, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (79.6% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.1% nationally). 178 of the 372 were male (47.8%), less than the national average (54.3%).

Coronavirus York updates; 17th April 2021

Deaths

Two additional deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred on Thursday.

Test results

Nine positive test results today as total reaches 12,185.

Not such good news as infection rate starts to climb again in the wake of Mondays easing of restrictions

The number of cases in the City has increased from 24 to 26 today

All but one of the positive test results were from people aged under 60.

The rate /100k population is now 12.35. It is set to climb higher tomorrow (Sunday)

Infection levels have also risen in North Yorkshire, in the region and at national level.

Neighbourhoods

There are now 3 neighbourhoods with infection rates above the national average

21, of the City’s 24, neighbourhoods have fewer than 3 cases in each

Vaccinations

Tests

3991 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 12th April 2021

Of these, 0.6% were positive. That is an increase on the previous days rate of 0.5%

1630 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 16th April 2021

York Council warning

Enjoy our city and stay safe

This Monday saw the opening of dozens of pub gardens, hairdressers, shops and gyms right across York.

As people go out and enjoy the sun, City of York council is still encouraging residents and visitors to stay safe and help protect those around them.

You can play your part by:

  • Keeping socially distanced, and following the rule of six or two households
  • Taking a Covid test twice a week, you can arrange to collect a testing kit or book an in-person test online. All adults are now eligible for these tests symptom-free
  • Wear a face covering in busy public spaces, or in retail areas
  • Wash and sanitise your hands regularly
  • If you have any litter, take it home with you or put it in the bin
  • Respect the measures that local businesses have put in place to reduce the spread of Covid, this includes using the NHS Covid-19 app where appropriate (available for iOS and Android phones)

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of York City Council said:

It’s wonderful to see the buzz return to our city’s streets as so many of our local shops and hospitality venues are able to open their doors again.

“York’s businesses and residents have gone to extraordinary efforts to help us take a step closer to life returning back to normal.

“I would urge residents to support local businesses and stay safe whilst enjoying all that our city has to offer. We must recognise the dangers of complacency and not rest on our laurels by continuing to be vigilant and by practicing hands, face, space. This way, we can help protect not only those around us, but also the progress we’ve made.”

Anita Dobson, Nurse Consultant in Public Health, said:

Even as cases fall and the rate of vaccination rises, it’s imperative that we recognise what has allowed us to get to this point.

“The work done by our communities, businesses and institutions is helping to protect the most vulnerable among us, but Covid-19 still poses a very real threat to public health.

“Maintaining hands, face, space and remembering to keep spaces well ventilated is of upmost importance. I would also urge all those of secondary school age and over to get a symptom free test, twice a week. You can do this at home or in-person, and you can get tests by visiting  the council website or by calling 01904 551559.

“Keeping case numbers down and minimising the spread of the virus is crucial to allowing our wonderful city to open up further. Shop local, stay safe, and keep York open.”

Coronavirus York updates; 16th April 2021

Deaths

There have been no additional hospital deaths announced today

Test results

Just two positive test results today, bringing the cumulative total up to 12,176

The number of cases in the City has increased by one to 24.

The infection rate /100k population figure is 10.92. It is expected to remain around that figure over the weekend before falling again early next week.

Neighbourhoods

Little change at neighbourhood or other levels today. We seem to be in a period of relative stability

Vaccinations

Little change in vaccination numbers by age group at neighbourhood level during the week ending 11th April. This was the period when alot of second doses were administered.

Over the last few days the vaccinators have moved on to immunise more of the under 50’s age group.

Tests

3856 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 11th April 2021

Of these, 0.5% were positive. This is the same proportion as the previous day.

2928 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 15th April.

Hospitals

Hospital patient numbers are continuing to decline

Council commentary

The York Council has updated its commentary on the pandemic.

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 16.04.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 12.4.21 there had been 47 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 14.4.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 38 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,137 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 15.4.21 York has had 12,174 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,780 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,802) and regional (7,056) averages. Cases identified through Lateral Flow Tests will be removed if they have a negative follow up PCR test within 72 hours so the cumulative total of cases can, on occasions, go down.

• 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 (12.4.21) is Red. This is due to a higher than ‘expected’ number of cases on 2 occasions in the most recent 14 day monitoring period. 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 provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.4.21 to 13.4.21 in York is 12.8 (using data published on Gov.uk on 15.4.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 4.4.21 to 10.4.21 was 10.9. The national and regional averages at this date were 28 and 61.2 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 15.4.21).

• York is currently ranked 12th 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 3.4.21.to 9.4.21, 1 ward (Fulford & Heslington) had seen a statistically significant fall in the rate compared with the 7 day period 27.3.21 to 2.4.21. 1 ward (Clifton) had seen a significant rise in the rate. The remaining wards have shown no significant change. The number of cases in each ward varies from 0 to 5 and rates vary from 0 to 49.8 per 100,000. 11 wards had zero cases in the latest 7 day period.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 4.4.21 to 10.4.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 2. The national and regional averages were 11.3 and 26.8 respectively.

• As at 13.4.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 0.79%. The national and regional averages are 1.3% and 3.1% respectively.

• As at 13.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.05%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 13.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.4%. The national average is 0.7%.

• As at 15.4.21 York University reported 1 individual within the University community who was currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.

• As at 5.4.21 York St. John reported 0 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 11,376 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,272 of the cases have been completed (90.3%). 26,541 ‘contacts’ of these cases have been identified and 20,152 of these have been completed (75.9%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 9.4.21, 120 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 111 (92.5%) were successful and 9 (7.5%) 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 13.4.21 there were 0 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 12.4.21 there was 1 child of primary or secondary school age who tested positive across 1 school.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 13.4.21 there were 9 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 13.4.21 there were 0 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.

• As at 13.4.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 13.4.21 there had been 1 confirmed patient discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

• Between 5.4.21 and 11.4.21, 4 CYC residents were discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection.

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 9.4.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 2.4.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 14.4.21 a total of 93,825 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 44.5% of the estimated total population of York and 53.9% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 14.4.21 a total of 25,365 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 12.0% of the estimated total population of York and 14.6% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

Deaths

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

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 13: 27.3.21 to 2.4.21) 2 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 10, 11 and 12 there had been 3, 4 and 0 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 2nd April 2021 and registered up to 10th April 2021, 390 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (227 in hospital, 134 in care homes, 21 at home and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 185.17 which is lower than the national average of 229.58

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 7.4.21), a cumulative total of 372 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.2, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (79.6% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.2% nationally). 178 of the 372 were male (47.8%), less than the national average (54.3%).

Coronavirus York updates; 2nd April 2021

Deaths

One death was announced by the York Hospital Trust today. It occurred on Wednesday and was the first Coronavirus related fatality since 17th March

Test Results

Four positive test results have been announced today. They bring the cumulative total up to 12,205

The number of cases in the City has fallen from 64 yesterday to 61 today

The rate /100k population has fallen to 28.96 today. It is likely to fall below 25.0 tomorrow and should remain there for the following few days at least.

There has been a fall in case numbers in North Yorkshire today and the small but steady decline at regional level is being sustained.

Neighbourhoods

Most neighbourhoods continue to have fewer than 3 cases.

Vaccinations

The vaccination programme is continuing over Easter. The Askham Bar site was busy earlier today

Tests

4406 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 28th March.

Of these, 1.7% were found to be positive. That is the same proportion as the previous day

2297 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 1st April

Council pandemic commentary

The Council has updated is commentary which can be found on open data. It is reproduced below for convenience

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Thursday 01.04.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 28.3.21 there had been 58 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 31.3.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 41.3 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,302 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 31.3.21 York has had 12,198 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,792 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,752) and regional (6,931) 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 (28.3.21) is Red. This is due to a higher than expected number of cases on two occasions: specimen date 22.3.21 (13 cases) and specimen date 25.3.21 (15 cases). 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 provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 23.3.21 to 29.3.21 in York is 23.3 (using data published on Gov.uk on 31.3.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 20.3.21 to 26.3.21 was 29.9 The national and regional averages at this date were 54.9 and 112.4 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 31.3.21).

• York is currently ranked 29th 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 19.3.21.to 25.3.21, 1 ward (Strensall) has seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 13.3.21 to 18.3.21. 1 ward (Westfield) has seen a significant rise in the rate. The remaining wards have shown no significant change. Ward rates currently vary from 0 to 78.1 per 100,000. 5 wards had zero cases in the latest period.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 20.3.21 to 26.3.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 24.2. The national and regional averages were 7.9 and 34.8 respectively.

• As at 29.3.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 0.71%. The national and regional averages are 2.3% and 4.7% respectively.

• As at 29.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.12%. The national and regional averages are 0.2% and 0.3% respectively.

• As at 29.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 2.1%. The national average is 0.9%.

• As at 31.3.21 York University 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 331 on the 19.10.20.

• As at 29.3.21 York St. John reported 3 individuals within the University community who was currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 11,321 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,220 of the cases have been completed (90.3%). 26,358 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 19,974 of these have been completed (75.8%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 26.3.21, 1,062 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 708 (66.7%) were successful and 354 (33.3%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 31.3.21 there were 0 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 29.3.21 there were 6 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive across 6 schools.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 30.3.21 there were 10 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 30.3.21 there were 3 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.

• As at 30.3.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 30.3.21 there had been 3 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

• Between 22.3.21 and 28.3.21, 12 CYC residents were discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection.

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 26.3.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 0.9) on 19.3.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 30.3.21 a total of 92,113 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 43.7% of the estimated total population of York and 52.9% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 30.3.21 a total of 9,857 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 4.7% of the estimated total population of York and 5.7% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

Deaths

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

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 11: 13.3.21 to 19.3.21) 2 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 8, 9 and 10 there had been 6, 6 and 3 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 19th March 2021 and registered up to 27th March 2021, 386 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (226 in hospital, 131 in care homes, 21 at home and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 183.3 which is lower than the national average of 227.7

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 17.3.21), a cumulative total of 369 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.3, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (79.9% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.2% nationally). 178 of the 369 were male (48.2%), less than the national average (54.3%).

Coronavirus York updates; 1st April 2021

Deaths

No further COVID-19 deaths at the York hospital were announced today

Test results

Three additional positive test results were announced today. They bring the cumulative case total to 12,201

The number of cases has increased from 63 to 64 today.

The infection rate per 100k population figure has edged up to 30.39 today. However it is now on course to fall below the 25.0 benchmark over the weekend.

Infection rates at all levels across the country have remained fairly stable today

Neighbourhoods

Little change today at neighbourhood level with most areas now having fewer than 3 cases.

We may next week – if the expected decline in case numbers continues – have to introduce exception reporting (listing only those neighbourhoods with over 3 cases). The government stats feed doesn’t list the case numbers by neighbourhood where they are below 3.

Vaccinations

Updated vaccination figures by neighbourhood have been published, They cover the period up to 28th March

+NB. Populations vary in different neighbourhoods

As at 30th March 52,9% (92,113) of the City’s adult population had received their first vaccination and a further 5.70% (9,857) had been given their second jab

Tests

4429 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 27th March 2021.

Of these, 1.7% were positive. That is slightly more than the 1.6% found the previous day.

In addition, 2866 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 31st March 2021

York Hospital Trust COVID-19 patient numbers

Lockdown eases with mixed results

Good weather over the last couple of days, coupled with an easing of lockdown restrictions, has encouraged people to get out and about.

The golf courses have been busy while beauty spots have also attracted crowds.

However, it has been a mixed picture with anti social behaviour an issue in some parts of the City, litter has accumulated on some parks and fly tipping remains a problem.

The authorities will need to be proactive in managing the next stage of the lockdown exit which is scheduled to take place from 12th April. Any spike in visitor numbers to York could be difficult to control and might prompt an increase in COVID-19 case numbers

Police Covid response:

Plea to be extremely careful this Easter – “We have come too far and made too many sacrifices for this effort to be wasted now”

Chief Inspector Charlotte Bloxham is the silver commander for North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic. These are her comments about the past week’s (22-28 March 2021) Covid-19 related issues, including details around Step 1 of the Government’s Road Map Out Of Lockdown…

From Monday 29 March, as part of the new health protection regulations known as the Steps Regulations, there is no longer any restriction on leaving home without a reasonable excuse. The “stay at home” rule has come to an end.

This means the police’s role in helping to tackle the public health crisis has become much more focused on the revised restrictions around indoor and outdoor gatherings.

For indoor gatherings, the regulations remain the same with only members of the same household allowed to be together, subject to some exceptions including support bubbles and providing care.

Our overriding message is that households still must not mix – there remains a high-risk of infection and we must do all we can to avoid community transmission of the virus.

Outdoor gatherings are governed by “the rule of six” or two households, and these can take place in public spaces and in private gardens with social distancing rules remaining in place.

There are a number of exceptions that we have to take into consideration, including the fact that two households may comfortably exceed six people, and that linked-households – for the purposes of providing care and support – only count as one household.

Clearly, the continued “4 Es” approach of the police – to engage with the public, explain the regulations, encourage compliance, and enforce as a last resort – is vital to help our officers and PCSOs determine whether or not there has been a breach of the regulations.

At this stage, restrictions on businesses remain the same. It is expected that these will begin to be relaxed from 12 April, subject to the Government’s conditions being met including the continued reduction in infections and the successful roll-out of the vaccination programme. North Yorkshire Police will continue to support our local authority, licensing and trading standards partners to ensure businesses comply with the regulations at each step.

International Travel Restrictions are also in place. This means holidaying abroad is not allowed until at least 17 May when it will be reviewed by the Government. An enhanced fixed penalty notice of £5,000 is linked to this breach.

Travel…

With regards to travelling within the country and county, people must minimize travel to reduce the risk of infection. This will be subject to change as part of the roadmap out of lockdown, but not until 12 April at the earliest.

The Government has not defined a distance that would constitute a breach of the regulations, so it is down to each and every person to make a judgement call about if a journey is absolutely necessary and the risks it poses in the context of the public health crisis that we are still facing.

From a policing point of view, we will keep using the “4 Es” approach to engage, explain the regulations, encourage compliance and enforce if there is blatant disregard to the regulations.

Easter holidays…

When it is safe to do so, we will welcome visitors to the county again. However, everyone can expect to see an increased policing presence as we work alongside our partners to help keep the virus at bay in the weeks and months ahead.

Our plea to everyone this Easter is to be extremely careful and to keep following the regulations until it is safe to resume a more normal way of living – we have come too far and made too many sacrifices for this effort to be wasted now.

Latest enforcement data

During the past seven days (22-28 March 2021) we have issued 170 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) – the previous week’s total was 149.

This takes the total to1,980 FPNs during the third lockdown, and3,876 FPNs since the first lockdown on March 2020.

  • 82 were issued to local people and 88 were issued to visitors
  • 80 issued for being outside place of living
  • 11 for outdoor gatherings
  • 76 for indoor gatherings
  • 3 for obstruct/contravene/fail to close business
  • 0 for gathering of more than 15

Broken down into districts, the number of FPNs issues are as follows:

Craven – 0

Hambleton – 20

Harrogate – 23

Richmond – 0

Ryedale – 1

Scarborough – 89

Selby – 3

York – 34

*No notable cases have been brought to our attention this week.

Coronavirus York updates; 27th March 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths today.

Last fatality occurred on 17th March.

Test results

According to the government’s web site the cumulative number of positive test results in the City remains at 12,176 today.

However, the profile of when the positive results were recorded has changed. They are recording a zero increase in cases today. The rejigging of the figures has resulted in 15 positive results being recorded on 25th March. If correct, this would be the highest single day figure recorded in the City since 9th March.

The number of cases in the City has increased from 65 to 68 (7 day moving average) That is the second day in a row that there has been an increase

The rate /100k population has increased to 32.29.

The revisions to the incidence of positive test results has also impacted elsewhere. There has been a big reduction in case numbers in North Yorkshire.

Case numbers at reginal level continue to increase.

The national rate is stable

Neighbourhoods

The increase in case number sin Holgate East has continued. There are now 11 cases there. That is up from 1 in less than a week.

Elsewhere infection numbers are fairly stable.

Vaccinations

Tests

4599 PCR tests were carried out in York duirng the week ending 22nd March 2021

1.5% of the tests were positive. That represents and increase over the previous days figure of 1.3%

1668 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 26th March

Hospitals

Latest capacity figures from York Hospital Trust

Council plans for reopening the “High Street”

original allocations

The Council has revealed more of its plans to fund the reopening of the City centre to visitors. An initial programme had been discussed earlier in the month (click)

At a behind closed doors meeting, officials have now allocated funds to the following projects

  • The allocation of £45k to the BID to deliver College Green and general outdoor seating across the city centre
  • The allocation of £60k to Make It York to deliver Parliament Street seating area and £4.5k for the associated toilets
  •  The allocation of a single budget of up to £20k to allow Make It York and the BID to operate shared security and waste collections across all city centre wide projects
The College Green outdoor activity area is set to return

The plans singularly fail to address the issues faced by suburban shopping areas. Not for the first time, the Front Street area has been snubbed.

What’s on at Easter

Guide to some leisure options available this Easter holiday click

Grant support provided to more than 3,500 businesses

During the last quarter more than 3,500 companies received grant support from City of York Council.

As the nation marks one year of unprecedented changes for residents as well as businesses, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning has received an update on the economic support provided during the last quarter.

The focus for the council’s economic team has been quick and efficient payments of any business support grants for affected businesses, helping to protect jobs and secure the future for the diverse collection of independent businesses in the city.

City of York Council continue to provide grant support to more than 3,500 companies, accounting for more than half of the city’s businesses, which is a significantly higher proportion in comparison to other local councils. The Council’s focus has been getting support grants to those who are entitled to receive them quickly and efficiently, as well as focussing discretionary grants on the small and micro businesses that need them most. Funding provided through the 2020 microgrant scheme and the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) has helped over 1,200 businesses to adapt to challenges, and supported the diverse community of microbusiness in York. These businesses have been at the heart of the response in York, with payments received earlier than in other areas. 

The report considered by the Executive member shows how York continues to be the city with the lowest percentage increase in unemployment, with cities including Bradford, Hull and Birmingham having seen unemployment rise at nearly 3 times the rate that York has experienced.*

To further support job retention and creation in the city, the Council has endorsed proposals put forward by the city’s Skills and Employment Board to tackle the immediate impact of the pandemic.

One-year plan: Skills for Employment in York, sets out how the city needs to respond to the changing skills and training needs of the city post-pandemic. The aim is to ensure that residents and businesses have the necessary skills and training support to meet their needs, helping York’s economy to recover, and grow, over the coming years.

Coronavirus York updates 26th March 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths today. There have been no fatalities recorded by the York Hospital Trust for 8 days now.

Test results

Sixteen additional positive tests today. Brings the cumulative total to 12,176.

The number of cases has increased from 63 to 65 today

As forecast, the infection rate has increased today to 30.86. On current trends, it is expected to remain above 30 throughout next week.

The infection rate has increased at every level (City, county, region and national) today. The reasons for this setback are unclear.

Neighbourhoods

There has been an increase in case numbers in Holgate East.

Otherwise most other neighbourhoods are stable. Only 2 neighbourhoods now have infection rates above the national average.

Infection rates have risen in the neighbouring Selby and Harrogate areas.

Vaccinations

Tests

4600 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 21st March

Of these, 1.3% were positive. That is a lower rate than the 1.4% recorded the previous day

2930 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 25th March

Council commentary

The York Council has updated its commentary on “open data” about the pandemic. It is reproduced below for ease of reference

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 26.03.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 22.3.21 there had been 56 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 25.3.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 164 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,428 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 25.3.21 York has had 12,160 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,774 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,713) and regional (6,850) 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 (22.3.21) is Amber.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 17.3.21 to 23.3.21 in York is 32.3 (using data published on Gov.uk on 25.3.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.3.21 to 20.3.21 was 29.9. The national and regional averages at this date were 55.5 and 109.1 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 25.3.21).

• York is currently ranked 33rd 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 13.3.21.to 19.3.21, 2 wards have seen a statistically significant fall in their rate compared with the 7 day period 6.3.21 to 12.3.21 (Huntington & New Earswick and Fishergate). The remaining wards have shown no significant change. Ward rates currently vary from 0 to 108.3 per 100,000. 6 wards had zero cases in the latest period.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.3.21 to 20.3.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 4.0. The national and regional averages were 21.1 and 34.7 respectively.

• As at 23.3.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 1.58%. The national and regional averages are 2.6% and 5.2% respectively.

• As at 23.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.10%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.3% respectively.

• As at 23.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 1.4%. The national average is 1.1%.

• As at 19.3.21 York University reported 6 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 15.3.21 York St. John reported 1 individual within the University community who was currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 11,301 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,191 of the cases have been completed (90.2%). 26,290 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 19,909 of these have been completed (75.7%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 19.3.21, 1,019 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 670 (65.8%) were successful and 349 (34.2%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 25.3.21 there was 1 care home in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 22.3.21 there were 16 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive across 11 schools.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 23.3.21 there were 14 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 23.3.21 there were 4 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.

• As at 23.3.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 23.3.21 there had been 1 confirmed patient discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

• Between 15.3.21 and 21.3.21, 8 CYC residents were discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection.

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 19.3.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 0.9. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 0.9) on 12.3.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 24.3.21 a total of 87,887 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 41.7% of the estimated total population of York and 50.5% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 24.3.21 a total of 7,441 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 3.5% of the estimated total population of York and 4.3% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

Deaths

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

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 10: 6.3.21 to 12.3.21) 3 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 7, 8 and 9 there had been 19, 6 and 6 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 12th March 2021 and registered up to 20th March 2021, 383 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (223 in hospital, 131 in care homes, 21 at home and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 181.5 which is lower than the national average of 226.1

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 10.3.21), a cumulative total of 367 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.3, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (80.1% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.3% nationally). 176 of the 367 were male (48.0%), less than the national average (54.3%).

Coronavirus updates; 22nd March 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths today.

Last death was on 17th March.

Fatality numbers are falling across the whole region.

Test results

There have been 12 new positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 12,128

The number of cases in the City has fallen by 3 from 68 yesterday to 65 today.

The rate /100k population has fallen to 30.86. It is expected to remain at around 30 for most of this week.

The rate at North Yorkshire level has fallen for the first time in several days.

The rate at regional level remains stubbornly high. It is over three times higher than the rate in York. The high number of cases in West Yorkshire casts a shadow over whether the promised easing of restriction in April will actually occur (unless stringent travel restrictions are maintained)

Neighbourhoods

Half of York’s neighbourhoods now have fewer than 3 cases in each.

No area has more than 8 cases. In January, one neighbourhood alone recorded over 144 cases.

Vaccinations

Tests

4310 PCR tests were carried out durng the week ending 17th March 2021

The positivity rate was 1.4% which is slightly higher than the previous days figure of 1.3%

In addition, 5701 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 21st March

Transport mode use

The government has issued some experimental figures which demonstrate the changing travel choices that people have made during the pandemic. One set of figures covers the north east of England

Not surprisingly car use continues to be the preferred choice for most people although vehicle numbers remain well below what was seen before the pandemic hit.

Pedestrian and cycling movements fell to a record low in February (possibly because of the weather) but are now trending upwards.

Again perhaps not surprisingly, van movements have been relatively stable,

Use left hand axis for cars. Right for other modes.

Council urges to businesses to apply for “financial lifeline” before deadline

City of York Council is reminding eligible business who have not yet applied for Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) funding to do so before the 31 March 2021.

To check if you are eligible visit: https://www.york.gov.uk/COVID19BusinessGrants

This additional funding has so far supported around 1,300 York businesses which have not been forced to close but have been severely impacted by restrictions.

As government support changes by level of restriction, different businesses qualify for ARG under November’s lockdown, the small number of days we spent under Tier 3 restrictions and now the third national lockdown.

As we move through the Government roadmap and businesses are able to reopen, ARG will be withdrawn on a sector by sector basis, following the published steps.

The scheme is available to:

  • businesses with permanent fixed premises in York, where trade is impacted by more than 75% due to lockdown, and who may or may not be liable for business rates in York (market stalls or pitches are not considered a fixed premises)
  • businesses where trade is usually conducted in York for 75% or more of the time, and where trade is severally impacted by the lockdown restrictions

The government sets national criteria for funds to be paid, our local offering uses those criteria. If eligible, businesses will receive different amounts depending on their circumstances.

Be aware that:

  • we’ll only consider paying grants to businesses where all of the eligibility criteria are met
  • grants to businesses will be treated as taxable income
  • for partnerships, each partner would need to make a separate application for the business to receive more than 1 grant

If eligible, the payment businesses receive depends on certain circumstances:

  • up to £1,334, per 28 days in Tier 3 or 4, for businesses with fixed commercial premises costs (rent payable to a landlord)
  • £500 per 28 day qualifying restriction period, for businesses without fixed premises costs*
  • £2,000 per 28 day qualifying restriction period, for businesses with a rateable value of more than £15,000, but less than £51,000
  • £3,000 per 28 day qualifying restriction period, for businesses with a rateable value greater than £51,000

* Examples include a mobile hairdressers (falling under leisure and beauty mandated to close), taxi drivers (leisure sector mandated to close) or commercial electricians (non-essential retail mandated to close), and market traders.

If your business still falls through the cracks of government schemes to please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk

Coronavirus York updates; 19th March 2021

Deaths

Two additional hospital deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Tuesday and one on Wednesday

Test Results

Five positive test results today bringing the cumulative total to 12,099.

The number of cases in the City has fallen by 8 from 89 to 81. Further reductions are in the pipeline

The rate /100k population figure has fallen to 38.46. This is the lowest seen in the City since 19th September 2021

The infection rate is clearly now following a different trajectory from that seen when restrictions were eased at the end of Lockdown 2. The real test will come on 12th April when a more general easing of restrictions are expected

Infection rates are continuing to rise at North Yorkshire and Yorkshire levels. They are stable at a national level.

Neighbourhoods

Good news today as, for the first time since last summer, no York neighbourhood has an infection rate above 100.

Vaccinations

Good progress with vaccinations

Tests

3977 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 14th March 2021

The positivity rate was 1.4% – the same as the previous day.

3100 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 18th March 2021

Hospitals

The number of COVID-19 patients being treated by the York Hospital Trust has fallen to 30. Four are in intensive care. 2069 patients have been treated for coronavirus since the start of the pandemic and subsequently discharged from hospital.

Council commentary

The York Council has updated its commentary on the pandemic

It is reproduced below

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 19.03.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 15.3.21 there had been 74 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 18.3.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 87.3 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,459 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 18.3.21 York has had 12,094 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,742 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,656) and regional (6,735) 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 (15.3.21) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 10.3.21 to 16.3.21 in York is 31.8 (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.3.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.3.21 to 13.3.21 was 42.3. The national and regional averages at this date were 58.3 and 107.6 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.3.21).

• York is currently ranked 61st 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 6.3.21.to 12.3.21, 1 ward in York (Micklegate) has seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 27.2.21 to 5.3.21. 2 wards (Dringhouses and Woodthorpe and Hull Road) have seen a significant rise in rates. For the remaining wards there has been no significant change in rates.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.3.21 to 13.3.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 6.1. The national and regional averages were 28.0 and 41.9 respectively.

• As at 15.3.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 1.28%. The national and regional averages are 2.6% and 5.1% respectively.

• As at 15.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.16%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 16.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.9%. The national average is 1.4%.

• As at 18.3.21 York University reported 10 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 15.3.21 York St. John reported 1 individual within the University community who was currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 11,229 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,126 of the cases have been completed (90.2%). 26,095 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 19,760 of these have been completed (75.7%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 12.3.21, 981 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 632 (64.4%) were successful and 349 (35.6%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 18.3.21 there was 1 care home in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 15.3.21 there were 22 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive across 10 schools.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 17.3.21 there were 17 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 17.3.21 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.

• As at 17.3.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 17.3.21 there had been 1 confirmed patient discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital

• Between 8.3.21 and 14.3.21, 9 CYC residents were discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection.

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 12.3.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 0.9. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 1.0) on 5.3.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 17.3.21 79,375 CYC residents had received the first dose and 5,724 had received both doses. 37.7% of the total estimated population of York (210,618*) had therefore received the first dose.

• As at 17.3.21 21.88M In people in England had received the first dose and 1.31M had received both doses. 38.9% of the total estimated population of England (56,286,961*) had therefore received the first dose.

*using Mid-Year 2019 population estimates

Deaths

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

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 9: 27.2.21 to 5.3.21) 4 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 6, 7 and 8 there had been 11, 19 and 6 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 5th March 2021 and registered up to 13th March 2021, 378 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (220 in hospital, 129 in care homes, 21 at home and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 179.5 which is lower than the national average of 223.5

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 10.3.21), a cumulative total of 365 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.3, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (80.3% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.4% nationally). 174 of the 365 were male (47.7%), less than the national average (54.3%).

Council plans to “safely reopen city”

The Council has issued the following statement in advance of a general reopening of facilities including retail on 12th April. More clarity is needed on the availability of testing services.

With infection rates in the rest of the region currently higher than in York, the Council must make representations about what – if any – recreational travel will be permitted.

There are similar questions to be answered by the Universities about their timetable for increased “on campus” learning.

“With the publication of the roadmap to recovery, the City of York Council has started planning to safely reopen the city.

In doing this, the Council will focus on prioritising the health and wellbeing of the residents of York, and supporting the economic recovery of the city.

Public Health guidance will play a key role in all decisions made for the future of the city and the council focus is on protecting residents against the immediate threat of coronavirus.

Learning from reopening activities that took place during summer 2020, when the city enjoyed a large number of visitors and relatively low number of cases, together with recognising challenges from Christmas and that reopening in 2021 is taking place in a different environment, where testing and vaccinations is more the norm.”

Keith Aspden, Leader of the Council, said:

We are working with businesses and organisations across the city to make sure that when the time comes, residents have the confidence to enjoy our city centre safely.

The health and wellbeing of residents and businesses is our immediate focus, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to our beautiful city once restrictions are lifted. We know that York has a lot to offer, and our amazing range of independent businesses are working hard to ensure that their customers can look forward to safe services at their next visit.”

Extra measures introduced in the city will include:

  • The installation of temporary public toilets in the city centre
  • Extending the Covid Support Marshalls programme until the end of June
  • Submitting planning applications required for temporary managed outdoor spaces

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said:

Whilst many people will be looking forward to the easing of restrictions we must all remember that COVID-19 remains a part of our lives. 

“We want to make sure that York is a safe city for all our residents to enjoy, and we need the support of residents and communities to make that happen. We are working closely with the Public Health England Behavioural science team to iteratively improve how we can keep residents, staff and visitors safe. 

“For now we must carry on with ‘hands, face, space’, comply with the COVID-Secure measures that remain in place, meet outdoors when we can and keep letting fresh air in. We should get tested when needed and get vaccinated when offered. If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar.”

To help businesses safely manage outside space and better understand how to keep their consumers and staff safe by prompting COVID-19 safe behaviours, the council are working with Public Health England’s behavioural insight team in the run up to reopening the city.

They will be hosting a free webinar on Thursday 25 March, where the Public Health team will answer questions from businesses. Tickets can be booked online.

Plans to meet York’s post-pandemic skills needs to be considered

Plans to address the skills and training needs of York residents and businesses as they recover from the covid-19 pandemic will be discussed next week at a Decision Session for the Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning (23 March).

Cllr Andrew Waller will be asked to endorse proposals put forward by the city’s Skills and Employment Board* to tackle the immediate impact of the pandemic.

One-year plan: Skills for Employment in York, sets out how the city needs to respond to the changing skills and training needs of the city post-pandemic. The aim is to ensure that residents and businesses have the necessary skills and training support to meet their needs, helping York’s economy to recover, and grow, over the coming years.
The plan builds on a wide range of skills support that has been developed since the early stages of the first lockdown. Skills and education partners across the city have been working together to help people through change; aligning, adapting and communicating the support available to both individuals and businesses.

Skills for Employment in York sets out five shared commitments:
•    York works – skills support for individuals
Supporting those entering, re-entering or displaced from the workforce to re-train or upskill and connect them with good jobs in sustainable and growth sectors.
•    Empowered employers – skills support for businesses
Supporting businesses of all sizes to access national, regional and local skills provision to help them plan, diversify and grow.
•    Pioneering provision – productive partnerships
Working in partnership to make the most of national, regional and local initiatives and adapt local skills provision in response to emerging needs.
•    Education to employment and self-employment – York’s pipeline
Supporting positive progressions for all by preparing those transitioning from education or re-entering the world of work for a culture of lifelong learning and entrepreneurship.  
•    York shares – communicating the offer
Developing a coherent and effective marketing and communications strategy to ensure information advice and guidance is provided at the point of need in a timely and effective way.

Cllr Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said: The economic impact of the pandemic is being felt across many sectors in the city, and some have been severely hit, leading to job losses.

“As York’s employment changes it is vital that support and training is available to help individuals who need it. This includes those joining the workforce from school or college, or who are older and have lost their job and are looking to find a new career. Businesses are looking to get ready for new opportunities, especially with cleaner greener jobs, and we need to make sure the local workforce has the skills needed for this.

“The one year plan is part of a wider ten year strategy which aims to ensure that York, its residents and businesses, are well placed to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
“I’d like to thank the city’s Skills and Employment Board for developing the one year plan, and their ongoing work on the ten year skills strategy. Their hard work engaging with businesses, council and skills providers underlines the commitment of partners across the city to supporting York’s future skills and training needs. “