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Coronavirus York updates; 18th March 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths announced today

Test Results

Thirteen new positive test results have been recorded today bringing the cumulative total to 12,094.

The number of cases in the City has fallen by 11 from 100 yesterday to 89 today.

The rate /100k population figure has fallen to 42.26. This the lowest figure that we have since 21st September 2020. The rate is expected to fall again tomorrow when it may dip below 40.

Case rates in York have now fallen below those that can be found in North Yorkshire again. Rates at regional and national level are stable

Neighbourhoods

Only one neighbourhood now has an infection rate of over 100 (Strensall)

9 neighbourhoods now have fewer than 3 cases in each. This includes Westfield/Chapelfields/ Foxwood North which has recorded its lowest rate since last summer.

Vaccinations

95% of over 60’s living in York have now been vaccinated. There is little difference in rates at neighbourhood level with the lowest being 80% at Heslington. Fulford and the University (which also now has a very low infection rate).

We understand that the Council will be stepping up its attempts to contact those who have not responded to offers of immunisation jabs.

The inoculators are making good progress with the 50 age groups and seem to be on course to meet their Easter target of offering vaccinations to all over 50’s living in York.

It is thought that vaccination rates for under 50’s may be slower during April as a result of drug shortages.

Hospitals

The number of COVID-19 cases being treated by the York Hospital Trust has fallen to 34. Five are now being treated in intensive care. At its peak, the Trust was treating 242 patients. 2065 patients have been treated and discharged since the start of the pandemic

Tests

4021 PCR test were carried out in York during the week ending 13th March 2021

Of these 1.4% were positive. This represents an improvement on the 1.5% which were positive on the previous day.

4947 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 17th March

Police Coronavirus response: No time to let-up as we head towards Easter holidays

Superintendent Mike Walker (pictured below) is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic and he chairs the multi-agency North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum. These are his comments about the past week’s (8-14 March 2021) Covid-19-related issues and the policing arrangements for Easter time…

“Together with our partner agencies and the people of York and North Yorkshire, it is imperative that we maintain the collective effort to reduce the infection rate as low as possible while the vaccination programme is rolled-out across the population.

“We can all see that better times are on the horizon, that’s why we must keep going and not allow all the hard work and sacrifice to be undone through complacency.

“We all must keep adhering to the health protection regulations around travel and gatherings, maintaining social distance, wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport, and keeping our hands as clean as possible.

“From a policing point of view, we will continue to play our part in tackling the public health crisis as we head towards the Easter holidays.

“Each district is on with preparing patrol plans to ensure there are sufficient resources to provide reassurance and continue our ‘4 Es’ approach – to engage with the public, explain the regulations, encourage compliance, and enforce if there is no other way of dealing with breaches.

“The patrol plans will obviously reflect any changes in legislation post 29 March as part of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

“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.

“Also, we expect normal policing demand to increase as the regulations are further relaxed, therefore North Yorkshire Police will utilise the Government’s surge funding provided to ensure we can respond to the public as they would expect.”

Latest enforcement data

During the past seven days (8-14 March 2021) we have issued 102 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) – the previous week’s total was 210.

This takes the total to 1,662 FPNs during the third lockdown, and 3,555 FPNs since the first lockdown on March 2020.

54 were issued to local people and 48 were issued to visitors
40 issued for being outside place of living
10 for outdoor gatherings
29 for indoor gatherings
2 for obstruct/contravene/fail to close business
20 for gathering of more than 15

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

Craven – 3
Hambleton – 15
Harrogate – 12
Richmond – 2
Ryedale – 5
Scarborough – 50
Selby – 7
York – 8

Notable recent breaches

Scarborough was again the location for the most indoor gatherings with 18 FPNs issued. There were also two separate indoor gatherings in the town over the weekend consisting of more than 15 people – this resulted in 20 FPNs being issued. One occurred at a flat on Pavilion Square following a report of a party at 10.45pm on Saturday (13 March).

Just after 5pm on Saturday, an online report was made to the police that a group of men from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, were drinking together in a hot tub at a lodge in the York area. When officers arrived they initially claimed they were work colleagues staying together in digs, but this proved not to be the case and the five men were issued with FPNs.

At 4.50am on Monday (15 March), a VW Polo car was stopped by officers as it was travelling east on the A64 at Bilbrough. The four occupants from Leeds, two men and two women aged in their late teens and early 20s, states that they were going somewhere to watch the sun rise. They each headed home with FPNs for being outside their place of living.

Also, for being outside their place of living, two men from Hessle, Hull, were issued with FPNs when police spotted their car at the St James Retail Park at Knaresborough at 12.45am on Monday (15 March). They said they were out for a drive to get a McDonald’s meal.

Coronavirus York updates; 17th March 2021

Deaths

There has been one hospital COVID death has been announced today.

It occurred yesterday and is the first recorded since 7th March.

Hospital deaths from COVID are falling across the country as the vaccination programme reduces risks

Test results

Ten additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total up to 12.081

The number of cases in the City has fallen by five from 105 to 100.

The rate /100k population has fallen again and is now 47.48. There is a good chance that, when tomorrows figures are confirmed, we will see a record 2021 low infection rate.

While the infection rate in York is now falling again, it is continuing to creep up at county (North Yorkshire) and regional (Yorkshire) levels. It is stable at national (England) level.

Neighbourhoods

Eighteen of York’s 24 neighbourhoods now have infection rates below the national average

Tests

4019 PCR test were conducted in the City during the week ending 12th March 2021

Of these, 1.5% were positive. That is an improvement on the previous days figure of 1.7%

2134 “lateral flow” test were also carried out on 16th March

Council plans

The Council have provided more information on their plans for lateral flow testing over the next few weeks.

With the return of all pupils to school and college, from 8th March the Government introduced Community Collect for school bubbles. This means that anyone with a child at school can access lateral flow tests for the rest of the family (adults) via community collect. In York, this means collection of test kits in the afternoon from the Poppleton Bar drive through site, or the Wentworth Way walk-in site. There is also an option for people to have kits posted to them if they are unable to travel to the collection point.

In future the Council propose to adopt a “dual approach whereby our test centres can offer tests for those that want it, as well as provide community collect for people choosing this route. The test centres can also offer a demonstration of testing, or the ability to answer questions from people wishing to do home testing but requiring more guidance“.

It remains unclear how workers in the retail and hospitality sector will be tested prior to and during the more general lifting of trading restrictions which is expected to occur from 12th April.

There is no update report from local Universities provided for today’s outbreak board meeting (see below). Information is provided on testing at York College and Askham Bryan agricultural college

Vaccinations

Over 100,000 doses of vaccine have now been administered at the Askham Bar centre

As at 14.3.21, 74,887 CYC residents had received the first dose and 3,550 had received both doses

Outbreak Management Board meeting today

Click item for background report

No.	Item
1.	Declarations of Interest
2.	Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 February 2021 PDF 613 KB
3.	Update from the PHE Behavioural Insights Team
4.	Communications and Engagement Update PDF 3 MB
5.	Current situation in York PDF 431 KB View item 5. as HTML 14 KB
6.	Update on the Covid-19 Vaccination PDF 399 KB View item 6. as HTML 7 KB
7.	Lateral Flow Testing Strategy for York PDF 133 KB View item 7. as HTML 17 KB
8.	Verbal Update: Refresh of the Outbreak Control Plan
9.	Update from Sub-Group: Universities and Higher Education Establishments PDF 399 KB View item 9. as HTML 11 KB
10.	Items for the Next Agenda
11.	Dates of Future Meetings
12.	Any Other Business

Council to contact trace all positive cases in York

City of York Council will now do all local contact tracing of residents who have tested positive for Coronavirus, working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace.

The council has been working with the national test and trace system so that the council to take over the service fully. The agreement means York’s local public health team will now get in touch to offer advice and local support via contact tracing for all York residents who test positive for Coronavirus. Close contacts will then be followed up by the national system.

Over the past five months, York has been running its own local contact tracing system, in order to contact those people in the city that the national service could not. This work has meant in York 90.2% of Coronavirus cases are contacted, and it is hoped that this success can be built on moving forward.

Previously the national test and trace system tried to call in the first 24 hours and if they were unsuccessful, they would then pass the details to local contact tracers to support.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:

Today’s announcement follows the hard work of our public health team to speak to and support residents who have tested positive in the city, following lobbying efforts from the city’s Outbreak Management Advisory Board.

“People who are contacted will be advised to isolate, and then one of our public health team members will be in contact to discuss support available to them, as well as the details of their close contacts, so this can then be followed up by national test and trace service.

“Our local contact tracing service has already had great success in the city, so it is welcome that we can now get going with contacting all positive cases to check they are ok, offer support and ultimately, help stop the spread of the virus.”

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

This is exciting news and will mean our highly skilled team can speak to all positive cases and provide the necessary help, whilst identifying close contacts. It also means we can contact people quickly after the test result.

“The service runs seven days a week, with residents being contacted using a local (01904) phone number. Text messages will also be sent to people with mobile phones telling them to expect a call. If this is still unsuccessful, then a home visit will be made, and if no-one is at home, a letter with details of how to contact the team will be delivered to those advised to isolate, following Covid-19 guidelines.

“Please pick up the phone if we get in touch. Our tracers prioritise people’s wellbeing and ensuring they can access any necessary local support. We are hugely grateful to everyone following the guidance and self-isolating when necessary. It does make a difference and save lives and why it is so important to let them know about the local support available as well as identify close contacts to stop the virus from spreading.”

Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said:

I congratulate City of York Council for participating in this pilot to further support the collective effort to tackle the spread of the virus and break chains of transmission.

“Our partnership with local authorities has now seen us reach more people than ever before and supporting them to self-isolate, many of whom might otherwise have unknowingly spread the virus to their loved ones.

“Local authorities’ unique knowledge of their communities is invaluable as we work together to stop the spread of the virus, and with the support of the national tracing service their involvement will continue to strengthen our contact tracing work. As we come out of lockdown, the role of tracing and the support for people to self-isolate is ever more important and I am very proud of everything that we are achieving together.”

Coronavirus York updates; 12th March 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths today. The last fatality announced by the York Hospital Trust occurred on 7th March.

Test Results

Eight new positive test results announced today. That is the lowest single day announcement for 6 months.

The number of infections (7 day moving average) has increased by 7; up from 103 yesterday to 110 today

The rate /100k population has increased (as forecast) to 52.23 today. It is expected to remain stable at around that figure for the next 3 days at least.

Although it is disappointing that there has been no sustained reduction in case numbers this week, we have so far avoided the steep increase in infection levels seen when Lockdown 2 ended in December.

Neighbourhoods

Something of a surge today in case numbers in Strensall (+4). That area has tended to be quite volatile

There has been little change in infection rates at county, regional or national level today

Vaccinations

Vaccinations by neighbourhood

Tests

4207 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 7th March 2021.

The proportion that were positive was 1.9%. That represents a small increase on the 1.8% recorded the previous day.

3259 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 11th March

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 12.03.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 8.3.21 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 11.3.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 85.5 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,502 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 11.3.21 York has had 12,029 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,711 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,598) and regional (6,624) 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 (8.3.21) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.3.21 to 9.3.21 in York is 52.7 (using data published on Gov.uk on 11.3.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 28.2.21 to 6.3.21 was 48.9. The national and regional averages at this date were 60.3 and 100 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 11.3.21).

• York is currently ranked 63rd 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 27.2.21.to 5.3.21, 2 wards in York (Dringhouses & Woodthorpe and Hull Road) have seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 20.2.21 to 26.2.21. For the remaining wards there has been no statistically significant change in rates. No wards have seen a significant rise in rates.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 28.2.21 to 6.3.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 22.2. The national and regional averages were 35.2 and 52.9 respectively.

• As at 8.3.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 1.82%. The national and regional averages are 2.7% and 4.7% respectively.

• As at 8.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.22%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 9.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 1.2%. The national average is 1.8%.

• As at 11.3.21 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 1.3.21 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 11,166 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,064 of the cases have been completed (90.1%). 25,923 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 19,627 of these have been completed (75.7%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 5.3.21, 953 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 611 (64.1%) were successful and 342 (35.9%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 11.3.21 there were 2 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

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

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 8.3.21 there were 34 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive. Widespread testing of secondary school aged children took place prior to the return to school on March 8th. The majority of children who tested positive were of secondary school age and were picked up as asymptomatic cases through this testing programme.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 10.3.21 there were 26 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 10.3.21 there were 7 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 10.3.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 10.3.21 there had been 3 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital

• Between 1.3.21 and 7.3.21, 16 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 5.3.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 0.9) on 26.2.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 10.3.21 70,334 CYC residents had received the first dose and 3,402 had received both doses. 33.4% of the total estimated population of York (210,618*) had therefore received the first dose.

• As at 10.3.21 19.58M In people in England had received the first dose and 0.93M had received both doses. 34.8% 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 8: 19.2.21 to 26.2.21) 6 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (3 in hospital, 2 in a care home and 1 in a hospice). In weeks 5, 6 and 7 there had been 18, 11 and 19 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 26th February 2021 and registered up to 6th March 2021, 374 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (218 in hospital, 128 in care homes, 20 at home and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 177.6 which is lower than the national average of 220.0

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 3.3.21), a cumulative total of 360 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 73.5% nationally). 171 of the 360 were male (47.5%), less than the national average (54.3%).

Police enforcement action

North Yorkshire Police have issued their latest COVID-19 enforcement figures. In York the breeches mainly related to indoor gatherings and unauthorised visitors to the City.

Coronavirus updates York: 11th March 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths announced today. There have been no deaths recorded by the York Hospital Trust during the last 3 days.

Test results

Eleven positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total cases numbers to 12,029

The number of cases in the City has increased by 7 from the 96 recorded yesterday to todays figure of 103.

As forecast, the case rate /100k population figure has started to creep up. It is 48.91 today and could go as high as 53 by Sunday.

The spike in numbers is not as pronounced as was seen when lockdown 2 ended in December.

Vaccinations

Tests

4184 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 6th March

Of these 1.8% were positive. That is the same proportion as the previous day

3512 “lateral flow” test were also conducted

Hospitals

41 COVID-19 patients are being cared for by the York Hospital Trust (9/3/21)

Eight are in intensive care

Neighbourhoods

The largest increase in case numbers at neighbourhood level has occurred in New Earswick. The area has gone from having one of the lowest infection rates in the City, to having the highest, in only 3 days

For the first time since last summer, the Fulford/Heslington/University neighbourhood has recorded fewer than 3 cases.

It isn’t just York that is seeing a spike in case numbers. The Yorkshire region has crept back above the 100 case rate threshold. Case numbers in North Yorkshire continue to fall.

York reopening plans

The York Council will discuss next week how the City can be safely “reopened” when lockdown restrictions are further eased.

Currently it is hoped that some relaxations will take place on 29th March when the “rule of 6” or two households outdoors will be allowed, (there will be no household mixing indoors), some outdoor sport and leisure facilities will reopen, organised outdoor sport will be allowed (children and adults) and outdoor parent & child groups (up to 15 parents) may meet (Travel will be “minimised” and there will be no holidays)

Of more impact for the City economy will be the plans for 12th April (earliest) when changes could include;

Indoor leisure (including gyms) open for use individually or within household groups.
Rule of 6 or two households outdoors. No household mixing indoors.
Outdoor attractions such as zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas.
Libraries and community centres.
Personal care premises (e.g. hairdressers).
All retail.
Outdoor hospitality.
All children’s activities, indoor parent & child groups (up to 15 parents).
Domestic overnight stays (household only).
Self-contained accommodation (household only).
Funerals (30), wakes, weddings and receptions (15).

Travel will continue to be “minimised” and there will be no international holidays

In response to the changes outlined in phase two above, the Council is proposing

To provide temporary public toilets in the city centre during the initial stages of lockdown easing should they be required.
Extend the Covid Marshalls until the end of June “to facilitate the Covid-safe management of the city”
Deferral of increased fees for cremations and funeral service recording.

The report goes on to say,

At this stage, it is not recommended that the council commits additional
resource to promoting additional visitors to the city. Given the likelihood of varying rates of infection as a result of wider derestriction, the overarching principle has to be the safety of York’s residents and visitors.

A detailed list of the proposed actions can be read by clicking here

There is a proposal for more “managed open spaces” in the City which include additional seating on Parliament Street together with more “street food”. This could be extended (in May) to the Eye of York, College Green, the Minster school grounds and Tower Gardens.

Coronavirus York updates; 10th March 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths have been reported today.

The rolling 7 day average number of deaths at the York Hospital Trust has fallen from a peak of 5.7, seen on 21st January 2021, to 0.4 today.

Test Results

Twenty one additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative case total in the City to 12,018.

The infection rate remains at 45.58. However, judged on the number of cases in the pipeline, there are concerns that the rate will now drift up and exceed 50 again over the weekend.

The number of cases in the City remains at 96 for the third day in a row. We are expecting to see an increase of 7 or 8 cases announced tomorrow.

It is too early for the school return to have caused the adverse trend, although the half term and improved weather last week may have been a factor.

So far, the spike in cases is not as severe as was seen when restrictions were eased in December.

Neighbourhoods

There are no significant changes in the distribution of cases to report today at neighbourhood level..

However, for the first time this year, the rate in Yorkshire overall has fallen below 100.

Tomorrows figures will tell us more about whether the proposed further easing of restrictions is likely to go ahead on 29th March

Tests

4175 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 5th March 2021

The proportion of positive results was 1.8%. That is an improvement on the previous days figure of 2.0%.

2897 “lateral flow” test were also conducted on 9th March.

Vaccinations

Nimbuscare, who are running the Askham Bar vaccination centre, have issued a plea for those who can walk or cycle to the site, to do so

“The Vaccination Centre will be at its absolute busiest over the next few weeks as we step up the NHS vaccination programme even further.

We’ll be carrying out second dose vaccinations, as well as inviting the next group of people – meaning there will be up to 3,000 people at the site each day.

If everyone arrives by car, this would take our car parking up to 97% capacity which is extremely busy.

Please come by bus, bike, or on foot, if you can.

Or you can be safely dropped off for your vaccination in the area close to the site and just enter via the pedestrian and cycle entrance. This is opposite the Tesco supermarket petrol station.

For more information about how to access the site and what to expect, go to this useful video.https://youtu.be/gBWczUx0I0U “

Care homes

Latest guidance shared with city care homes

The City of York Council has shared the latest Government advice with care homes on safely restarting visits while minimising transmission risks when family and friends spend time together.

From the pandemic’s outset, the council has been working closely with care homes and care providers in the city to support the safety of the residents and staff.

Now, as part of the Government’s Roadmap, updated guidance has been shared with care homes, which says:

The registered manager of each care home is responsible for setting the visiting policy and for considering the individual needs of each resident.
Each resident will be able to nominate a single named visitor who can come into the care home if they test negative on every visit, wear the right PPE and follow all infection control measures.
People may wish to hold hands, but bear in mind that any contact increases risk. Physical contact like hugging must not take place.
For some residents, a visit with a greater degree of personal care may be critical for their immediate health and wellbeing. The care home and the family can agree that an ‘essential care giver’ can provide this care.
They will be able to visit more often and have the same testing and PPE arrangements as care home staff.
Outdoor and screened visits are an option for more family members to be involved. Social distancing, PPE and good hand hygiene are still very important.
Visits in exceptional circumstances, such as end of life, should always be supported.
It is essential that visiting is supported by good infection control – this includes social distancing, PPE and hand hygiene while in and around the care home – including during the visit itself.
If there is a COVID-19 outbreak in the care home, unfortunately visiting will have to stop until the outbreak is over. This is to protect vulnerable residents, staff and visitors.

Coronavirus York updates; 6th March 2021

Deaths

No additional hospital deaths announced today

Test results

Twelve additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 11,942.

As forecast, the rate /100k population figure has edged up to 55.08 today. This is still the second lowest infection rate recorded since last September.

The rate is expected to fall to around 50 tomorrow.

Todays total (116) represents an increase of four cases from yesterdays figure (112)

The current weekly case rate number is better than was seen at the end of the second wave in December. The second wave trough was 17.43 (8/12/20). The current equivalent figure is 16.57.

Neighbourhoods

Ten neighbourhoods now have fewer than 3 cases in each

The largest day on day increase in case numbers was in the Clifton Without and Skelton neighbourhood.

There has been a big reduction in cases in North Yorkshire which now has a rate below 50 for the first time this year..

Vaccinations

People aged 56 and over can now book for their first jab. The Askham Bar vaccination centre expects to increase activity next week following an additional supply of vaccines.

All over 50’s will be vaccinated by the middle of April.

Tests

4209 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 1st March 2021.

Of these, 2.7% were positive. That was a slight increase on the previous day (2.6%)

3027 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 5th March

Tests are available at the Thanet Road Rugby Club car park site on each Monday and Tuesday during March between 9am & 3pm.

Please book a test by visiting: www.nhs.uk/Coronavirus or calling 119 and selecting the option that you were asked to attend by your local council.

Coronavirus York updates; 5th March 2021

Deaths

Two additional hospital deaths have been announced today. One occurred on Monday and one on Wednesday

Test Results

Thirteen additional positive test results were announced today. Brings cumulative total to 11,930

The number of cases in the City has fallen from 123 yesterday to 112 today.

The rate per /100k population has fallen to 53.18. That is the lowest rate recorded since 24th September 2020

After a small hiccup tomorrow, the rate is expected to fall to below 50 next week.

Neighbourhoods

All but two neighbourhoods now have below average infection rates.

Vaccinations

Tests

4325 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 28th February

Of these, 2.6% were positive. That is an improvement on the 2.8% recorded the previous day

3426 “lateral flow” test were also conducted on 4th March

Hospitals

There are currently 54 COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust. 7 are in intensive care.

Since the start of the pandemic 2024 patients have been discharged

Council commentary

The York Councils “open data” commentary on the pandemic is reproduced below

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 05.03.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 1.3.21 there had been 68 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 3.3.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 193.2 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,476 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 4.3.21 York has had 11,917 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,658 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,537) and regional (6,521) averages.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 24.2.21 to 2.3.21 in York is 48.9 (using data published on Gov.uk on 4.3.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 21.2.21 to 27.2.21 was 58.4. The national and regional averages at this date were 86.4 and 122 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 4.3.21).

• York is currently ranked 43rd 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 20.2.21.to 26.2.21, 1 ward in York (Heworth) has seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 13.2.21 to 19.2.21. 1 ward has seen a significant rise in rates (Dringhouses & Woodthorpe). For the remaining wards there has been no statistically significant change in rates.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 21.2.21 to 27.2.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 70.6. The national and regional averages were 56.9 and 75.6 respectively.

• As at 1.3.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 3.06%. The national and regional averages are 3.6% and 5.5% respectively.

• As at 1.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.23%. The national and regional averages are 0.2% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 2.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 1.9%. The national average is 2.3%.

• As at 4.3.21 York University reported 7 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.

• As at 22.2.21 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 11,047 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 9,956 of the cases have been completed (90.1%). 25,655 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 19,385 of these have been completed (75.6%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 26.2.21, 935 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 599 (65%) were successful and 336 (36%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 4.3.21 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 1.3.21 there were 5 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive. NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 3.3.21 there were 33 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The figure a week ago (23.2.21) was 41.

• As at 3.3.21 there were 9 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The figures a week ago (23.2.21) were 11 and 0 respectively.

• As at 3.3.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 1 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 3.3.21 there had been 6 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital

• Between 22.2.21 and 28.2.21, 21 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 26.2.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 0.9. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 1.0) on 19.2.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 3.3.21 64,230 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,139 had received both doses. 30.5% of the total estimated population of York (210,618*) have therefore received the first dose.

• As at 3.3.21 17.78M In people in England have received the first dose and 0.68M have received both doses. 31.6% of the total estimated population of England (56,286,961*) have therefore received the first dose.

*using Mid-Year 2019 population estimates

Deaths

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 7: 13.2.21 to 18.2.21) 18 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (11 in hospital, 5 in a care home and 2 at home). In weeks 4, 5 and 6 there had been 26, 18 and 11 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 19th February 2021 and registered up to 27th February 2021, 367 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (215 in hospital, 125 in care homes, 20 at home and 7 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 174.25 which is lower than the national average of 215.06.

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 24.2.21), a cumulative total of 354 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 (80.5% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.7% nationally). 170 of the 354 were male (48%), less than the national average (54.3%).

York businesses to receive £7.5m in grants next week

March lockdown grant payments will be in York businesses’ bank accounts next week.

£7.5m will be in York business bank accounts by Thursday 11 March, taking the total financial support to nearly £150m during pandemic
Government has indicated that Restart Grants will not be paid until at least 1 April

March lockdown grant payments will be in York businesses’ bank accounts next week.

Around £7.5m of grants will be issued on Monday 8 March, landing in accounts within 3 days.

The payments relate to ongoing grants to support through the current lockdown, and not to any announcements made in this week’s budget. Following government guidance, City of York Council are paying grants up to 31 March.

Any business which has already received a payment since the new lockdown grants were introduced in November does not need to reapply.

The council is also reminding businesses that it is not in control of the timeline for paying Restart Grants. The government has indicated that payments cannot be made until the start of April at the earliest.

Coronavirus York updates; 26th February 2021

Deaths

One further hospital death has been announced.

It took place on Tuesday

For the first time since mid October, the average daily death rate at the local hospitals has fallen below one.

Test results

Eighteen additional positive test results were announced today. That brings cumulative total to 11,823

The rate /100k population figure has edged higher and now stands at 77.39.

It is expected to rise to over 80 this weekend before, hopefully, falling again next week.

The infection rate is now a couple of points higher than was seen during the equivalent period in December.

The York increase since yesterday represents an additional 8 cases.

Case rates continue to fall at national and county level. They are also now beginning to fall again at regional (Yorkshire) level.

Neighbourhoods

The increased cases are spread round the City with no obvious connection. Huntington, which edged above the 200 case threshold yesterday, has now fallen back into the average rate banding.

There are still 4 neighbourhoods with fewer than 3 cases in each

Vaccinations

The team running the York vaccination centre at Askham Bar say they expect to have offered all over-50s the jab by mid-April.

Vaccinations by neighbourhood

The NHS have started to publish details of the numbers of people who have been vaccinated at neighbourhood level. As with most other stats they report the situation as at 5 days ago, so more progress will have been made since then.

The stats reveal that 55,074 York residents have now (21/2/21) been vaccinated. That represents about 25% of the total population.

The distribution of jabs tends to reflect the age profile distribution across the City. Areas with larger numbers of older people have – as expected – been allocated a larger proportion of available resources.

The figures confirm that local systems are working well and that progress is ahead of target.

When all over 50’s have been vaccinated (expected by mid April) the recommendation, in phase 2, is that priority will be given in the following order:

– All those aged 40-49
– All those aged 30-39
– All those aged 18-29

It is expected that all adults will have been offered a vaccination my Mid July.

Tests

4450 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 21st February

Of these, 3.7% were positive. That represents and increase from the 3.5% figure recorded the previous day.

1438 “lateral flow” test were conducted on 25th February

Hospitals

There are now 67 COVID-19 inpatients at the York Hospital Trust. See council commentary below for York Hospital figures.

The peak number of patients was 242 last month.

11 are in intensive care

A total of 1,992 Covid-19 patients had been discharged since the start of the pandemic

Council commentary

The Council has updated its weekly commentary on the pandemic.

It is reproduced below for ease of access.

“The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 26.02.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 22.2.21 there had been 77 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 25.2.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 225.4 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,653 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 24.2.21 York has had 11,805 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,605 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,466) and regional (6,413) averages.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 17.2.21 to 23.2.21 in York is 79.8 (using data published on Gov.uk on 25.2.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.2.21 to 20.2.21 was 73.6. The national and regional averages at this date were 118.3 and 154.3 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 25.2.21).

• 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 13.2.21.to 19.2.21, 2 wards in York (Clifton and Osbaldwick & Derwent) has seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 6.2.21 to 12.2.21. For the remaining wards there has been no statistically significant change in rates. No wards have seen a significant increase in rates in this period.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.2.21 to 20.2.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 70.6. The national and regional averages were 83.9 and 106.6 respectively.

• As at 22.2.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 3.55%. The national and regional averages are 5.2% and 7.1% respectively.

• As at 22.2.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.46%. The national and regional averages are 0.3% and 0.3% respectively.

• As at 23.2.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 3.9%. The national average is 3.1%.

• As at 25.2.21 York University reported 9 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 10,926 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 9,849 of the cases have been completed (90.1%). 25,408 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 19,152 of these have been completed (75.4%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 19.2.21, 919 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 586 (63.8%) were successful and 333 (36.2%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 25.2.21 there were 5 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

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

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 21.2.21 there were 9 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive. NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 23.2.21 there were 41 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The figure a week ago (16.2.21) was 52.

• As at 23.2.21 there were 11 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The figures a week ago (16.2.21) were 9 and 0 respectively.

• As at 23.2.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 23.2.21 there had been 6 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital

• Between 15.2.21 and 21.2.21, 18 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 19.2.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 0.9) on 12.2.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 24.2.21 58,450 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,095 had received both doses. 27.8% of the total estimated population of York (210,618*) have therefore received the first dose

• As at 24.2.21 15.79M In people in England have received the first dose and 0.54M have received both doses. 28.1% of the total estimated population of England (56,286,961) have therefore received the first dose using Mid-Year 2019 population estimates

Deaths

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 6: 6.2.21 to 12.2.21) 10 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (7 in hospital and 3 in a care home). In weeks 3, 4 and 5 there had been 31, 26 and 18 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 12th February 2021 and registered up to 20th February 2021, 348 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (204 in hospital, 119 in care homes, 18 at home and 7 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 165.2 which is lower than the national average of 208.1.

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 17.2.21), a cumulative total of 348 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 (80.5% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.9% nationally). 167 of the 348 were male (48%), less than the national average (54.3%)”.

Coronavirus York updates; 24th February 2021

Deaths

The York Hospital Trust has announced one additional death. The fatality took place yesterday (23rd).

The local hospital death rate continues to decline.

York residents deaths

ONS have published statistics showing the number of deaths’ of York residents in the period up to 12th February 2021.

Ten deaths occurred during the latest week.

Seven of the fatalities occurred in hospital and three in care homes.

The previous week had seen 17 fatalities.

The cumulative toll for the last 12 months has now risen to 340.

Of these, 169 have occurred since 1st September 2020.

Test results

TWENTY tWO positive test results announced today. Cumulative number of cases now 11,789.

Rate /100k population rises to 72.65. Set to increase to over 77 before the end of the week.

The increase in York represents 10 additional cases compared to the previous days total. Total infections (at 19/2/2021) were 153. Case numbers are also increasing in North Yorkshire (526 cases) and at regional level.

Neighbourhoods

Looking at the spread of cases by neighbourhood. there is no real clue as to the cause of the spike in infections this week.

The highest increase in cases were an additional three in each of Clifton Without, Huntington, Holgate East and Heworth North. These may simply reflect family group transmissions.

However, for the first time since last summer, we now have a neighbourhood with ZERO recorded cases.

Vaccinations

We understand that the reduced number of vaccinations which we saw earlier in the week was due to temporary supply shortages. Inoculation numbers remain ahead of target.

The rate is ramping up at local and regional level again now.

Tests

4425 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 19th February

Of these, 3.4% were positive (the same figure as the previous 2 days)

1120 lateral flow tests were carried out on 23rd February

York Minster

YORK Minster will reopen from lockdown for worship and private prayer on Sunday March 14, with a number of precautions in place to help keep visitors and staff safe. Only 75 places will be available for the main Sunday services, and admission will be via online booked ticket only. Online booking will open on March 8 at www.yorkminster.org

York calls to retain its own council as Government launches consultation

City of York Council says it is preparing a strong response to a Government consultation, launched today, on the future of local government in York and North Yorkshire.

See the source image — *click image to complete government survey*

The Council says, retaining City of York Council alongside a new unitary authority for the rest of North Yorkshire will pave the way to quicker devolution, additional investment into York and minimal disruption to Covid-19 recovery.

The consultation will consider two proposals to remove 2-tier local government in North Yorkshire:

The East/West model proposed by the six of the seven District Councils which removes all existing councils in North Yorkshire and York and merges them into two new unitary authorities;
The North Yorkshire proposal to create a single new unitary authority covering North Yorkshire County Council’s existing footprint, with York remaining as a unitary authority in its own right.

Unfortunately the on line survey form doesn’t make it easy to make out the case for “no change”.

However ,there is an “any other comments” section in which residents can say that they are opposed to handing over powers to a North Yorkshire elected Mayor.

The case can also be made there for no change at least until we are free of the repercussions of the pandemic.

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