Millennium Green will receive the first in a series of major improvements as part of the York Central infrastructure works starting on site next week.
Clearance works started last month across the 42 hectare brownfield site, which will provide up to 2500 new homes; up to 6500 jobs as well as vastly improved visitor access experience at the National Railway Museum.
City of York Council and contractors, John Sisk and Son, are delivering letters to neighbouring residents giving full details of the latest works on both Millennium Green and adjacent to Bishopfields Drive. The works include:
Millennium Green
Clearing vegetation and a small number of trees
Improving around 300m of footpath
A new timber viewing platform and renewal works on the pond
3 new benches
Improvements to the southern culvert wall and footpath including replacements steps, and handrail
New fence along the eastern boundary
Temporary fencing and flooring to protect the Millennium Green oak and mosaic throughout the works
Land adjacent to Bishopfields Drive
Removing a small area of treeline essential to allow the infrastructure works, while protecting remaining trees from the works.
The Millennium Green’s lease included a ‘take-back’ option for a small area of land in the north wet to allow the York Central regeneration.
Following consultation with local residents in 2018, the Trust agreed a package which includes a license to use some land during construction, the landscaping of this land when the access road is finished, the provision of alternative land to replace the area taken back and a payment of £375,000 to the Trust to secure its future and fund an ongoing maintenance programme.
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said:
York Central remains one of the most important and attractive regeneration sites in the country and is an opportunity that many other towns and cities in the UK would envy.
“At the same time as making progress to provide the jobs and houses the city needs, we want to protect and enhance our city’s green spaces. Trees are only being removed where absolutely essential, and will be more than replaced by the 300 mature trees planted during the next phases of infrastructure works. York Central will also include the largest park in the city for 100 years and areas to encourage biodiversity, while the council will plant 50,000 trees in York by 2023.
“The Council will continue to working closely with John Sisk and Sons to limit any disruption to neighbouring residents and businesses, and to keep them informed of any planned works. As ever, we thank all local residents and businesses for their patience.”
All the work has been approved as part of the planning approval on the site.
York Central is being delivered in partnership by Network Rail, Homes England, National Railway Museum and City of York Council. Homes England and Network Rail have supported the development of the site through land acquisition and master planning, and they will now oversee the infrastructure projects.
John Sisk and Son have been appointed as lead contractor for these site clearance works.
This infrastructure work is part of a wider £155m funding pot secured by the York Central Partnership to deliver infrastructure to open up the site for development.
This includes:
£77.1m funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
£23.5m of a total of £37.2m from the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund and Leeds City Region Growth Deal, which will also fund the ambitious plans to transform the front of the railway station.
The West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund has been part-funded through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal, a £1 billion package of Government funding to drive growth and job creation across the Leeds City Region.
The aim is to create around 20,000 new jobs and add £2.4 billion a year to the economy by the mid-2030s. On top of a £6m Local Growth Fund contribution, from the York and North Yorkshire LEP, a further £35m has been secured to be repaid using retained business rates from the York Central Enterprise Zone.
One hospital death reported today. It occurred on Wednesday.
The death rate is beginning to fall again after a spike earlier in the week.
Test results
NINETEEN additional positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total to 11,660
The rate /100k population figure has today resumed its downward trend. It now stands at 80.24. That is the lowest infection rate recorded since 14th December 2020.
The comparative case rate figures between Lockdown 2 and Lockdown 3 (current) have been updated.
It may be worth noting that there were inconsistent days during and immediately after the end of Lockdown 2 with some short term spikes in numbers.
This may happen again as we reach the end of Lockdown 3.
Infection rates continue to fall at all levels. They are falling more slowly at Yorkshire regional level than elsewhere.
Neighbourhoods
We now have six neigbourhoods with infection rates below 50.
Haxby is currently recording only 2 cases.
Vaccinations
The York Council is reporting (see below) that 25% of residents have now been vaccinated (first dose).
Tests
During the week ending 14th February, 4416 people in York took PCR tests.
Of those, 4.1% were positive.
861 lateral flow tests were conducted on 18th February
Hospital
There were 79 COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust on 16th February. 11 were in intensive care
Council commentary updated
The York Councils commentary on the pandemic has been updated on its “open data” website. It is reproduced below for convenience
The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 19.02.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 15.2.21 there had been 91 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 18.2.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 212.3 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,681 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 17.2.21 York has had 11,641 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,527 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,356) and regional (6,265) 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 (16.2.21) is Green.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 10.2.21 to 16.2.21 in York is 65.5 (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.2.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.2.21 to 13.2.21 was 86.4. The national and regional averages at this date were 137.8 and 152 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.2.21).
• York is currently ranked 23rd 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 6.2.21.to 12.2.21, 5 wards in York (Huntington & New Earswick, Westfield, Acomb, Micklegate and Copmanthorpe) have seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 30.1.21 to 5.2.21. 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 7.2.21 to 13.2.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 64.6. The national and regional averages were 102.7 and 101.4 respectively.
• As at 15.2.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 4.15%. The national and regional averages are 5.9% and 7.1% respectively.
• As at 15.2.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.41%. The national and regional averages are 0.3% and 0.3% respectively.
• As at 16.2.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 2.8%. The national average is 4.0%.
• As at 18.2.21 York University reported 8 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 15.2.21 York St. John 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 82 on the 8.10.20.
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 10,744 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 9,678 of the cases have been completed (90.1%). 25,070 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 18,842 of these have been completed (75.2%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 12.2.21, 905 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 578 (63.9%) were successful and 327 (36.1%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Care Settings
• As at 18.2.21 there were 6 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).
• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 15.2.21 (1 home).
Cases amongst School Aged Children
• In the 7 days up to 14.2.21 there were 8 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 17.2.21 there were 55 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The figure a week ago (10.2.21) was 85.
• As at 17.2.21 there were 9 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The figures a week ago (10.2.21) were 13 and 0 respectively.
• As at 17.2.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 2 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
• As at 17.2.21 there had been 5 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.
Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital
• Between 8.2.21 and 14.2.21, 36 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 12.2.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 0.9. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 5.2.21.
Vaccinations
• As at 17.2.21 54,289 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,077 had received both doses.
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 5: 30.1.20 to 5.2.20) 17 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (12 in hospital and 5 in a care home). In weeks 3 and 4 there had been 31 and 26 deaths respectively).
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 5th February 2021 and registered up to 13th February 2021, 337 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (196 in hospital, 116 in care homes, 18 at home and 7 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 160 which is lower than the national average of 198.4.
• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 10.2.21), a cumulative total of 329 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.5, with an age range of 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 74.1% nationally). 154 of the 329 were male (47.7%), less than the national average (54.3%).
SIX additional deaths’ have been announced by the York Hospital Trust. Four occurred yesterday and two on Wednesday.
Although this is the largest single day announcement for over a week, the underlying trend confirms a continuing reduction in the COVID-19 death rate at local hospitals.
Test results
THIRTY ONE additional positive test results have been announced today. That brings the cumulative total number of cases up to 11,519
The rate /100k population figure has reduced to 119.65. That is the lowest rate seen in the City since 18th December 2020.
Infection levels are still reducing more quickly than was seen towards the end of Lockdown 2 (the period up to 2nd December 2020)
For the first time this year, York nw has a lower infection rate than North Yorkshire. The City has been below the regional and national averages for over a month.
Neighbourhoods
The improving picture at City level also reflects at neighbourhood level where only New Earswick now has above average infection rates.
South Bank/Dringhouses continues to have a very low infection rate
Tests
5196 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 7th Feb 2021.
The positivity rate was 5.4% which represents an improvement on yesterdays figure.
1237 lateral flow tests were carried out on 11th February
Vaccinations
Where next?
The table below details the substantial changes that there have been in infection rates in York over the last year.
It will be important to understand what went wrong in the four weeks which led up to the winter peak in case numbers on 8th January 2021. The authorities must act cautiously and make sure that they are proceeding with the support and understanding of the City generally.
The preparations, for the reopening of schools to all pupils in March, are likely to be the first to be scrutinised.
The latest figures (see Council commentary below) confirm that there are 19 children who have had positive test results recently, There is no room for complacency.
We hope that the success of the vaccination programme (which is now proceeding with the 60+ age group now being inoculated) will allow teachers and other school staff to get an early jab. Regular testing of all who access school sites will also be essential, if public confidence is to be restored.
Council commentary
The York Council’s commentary on the pandemic has been updated on the “open data” website and is reproduced here for convenience
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 8.2.21 there had been 100 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 11.2.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 260.1 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,706 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 11.2.21 York has had 11,488 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,454.4 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,224.7) and regional (6,114.3) 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 (8.2.21) is Green.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.2.21 to 9.2.21 in York is 103 (using data published on Gov.uk on 11.2.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 31.1.21 to 6.2.21 was 134.8. The national and regional averages at this date were 194.6 and 177.8 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 11.2.21).
• York is currently ranked 25th 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 30.1.21.to 5.2.21, 2 wards in York (Haxby & Wiggington and Fishergate) have seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 23.1.21 to 29.1.21. 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 31.1.21 to 6.2.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 117. The national and regional averages were 151 and 125.7 respectively.
• As at 8.2.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 5.4%. The national and regional averages are 7.1% and 7.6% respectively.
• As at 8.2.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.3%. The national and regional averages are 0.3% and 0.3% respectively.
• As at 9.2.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 6.2%. The national and regional averages were 8.2% and 7.9% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 5.3% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 6.6% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE
• As at 10.2.21 York University reported 21 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 8.2.21 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 10,577 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 9,515 of the cases have been completed (90%). 24,793 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 18,589 of these have been completed (75%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 5.2.21, 890 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 888 of the referrals (99.8%) have been actioned and 2 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 567 (63.9%) were successful and 321 (36.1%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Care Settings
• As at 11.2.21 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 8.2.21 (1 home).
Cases amongst School Aged Children
• In the 7 days up to 7.2.21 there were 19 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 10.2.21 there were 85 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 9.2.21 was 94.
• As at 10.2.21 there were 13 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 9.2.21 were 13 and 0 respectively.
• As at 10.2.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
• As at 10.2.21 there had been 12 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.
Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital
• Between 1.2.21 and 7.2.21, 29 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 5.2.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.1) on 29.1.21.
Vaccinations
• As at 10.2.21, 45,596 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,049 had received both doses.
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 week (23.1.20 to 29.1.20) 23 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (18 in hospital, 2 at home or in a hospice and 3 in a care home).
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 29th January 2021 and registered up to 6th February 2021, 317 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (184 in hospital, 108 in care homes, 18 at home and 7 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 150.5 which is lower than the national average of 186.1.
• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 3.2.21), a cumulative total of 317 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.5, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (80.8% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 74.2% nationally). 154 of the 317 were male (48.6%), less than the national average (54.4%).
Work can begin this Autumn to create a fitting gateway to York after plans to transform the railway station entrance planning committee approved.
The plans to modernise the arrival to the station include removing Queen Street bridge, which hasn’t been needed since trains stopped passing under it in the 1960s. Removing the bridge will create space for vastly improved access for all modes of transport while revealing hidden sections of the city’s historic walls.
The scheme has been developed by the Council in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Network Rail and LNER.
The plans will change and improve the entrance to the railway station in order to:
keep vehicles and pedestrians apart
make it easier to change between modes of transport
create new public spaces and a more pedestrian-friendly experience
create an improved setting for the City Walls and other heritage buildings in the area
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 1.2.21 there had been 149 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 3.2.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 399.5 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,708 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 4.2.21 York has had 11,251 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,341.9 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,056.2) and regional (5,938.4) 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 (1.2.21) is Green.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 27.1.21 to 2.2.21 in York is 156.7 (using data published on Gov.uk on 4.2.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 24.1.21 to 30.1.21 was 178.5. The national and regional averages at this date were 260.6 and 202.8 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 4.2.21).
• York is currently ranked 17th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.
• For the 7 day period 23.1.21.to 29.1.21, 7 wards in York (Acomb, Westfield, Rawcliffe & Clifton Without, Strensall, Holgate, Dringhouses and Woodthorpe and Copmanthorpe) have seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 16.1.21 to 22.1.21. 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 24.1.21 to 30.1.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 175.5. The national and regional averages were 207.5 and 159.4 respectively.
• As at 1.2.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 7.3%. The national and regional averages are 9.6% and 8.2% respectively.
• As at 1.2.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.52%. The national and regional averages are 0.4% and 0.3% respectively.
• As at 2.2.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 8.3%. The national and regional averages were 10.7% and 8.7% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 7.9% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and an 8.4% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE
• As at 3.2.21 York University reported 40 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 1.2.21 York St. John 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 82 on the 8.10.20.
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 10,309 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 9,277 of the cases have been completed (90%). 24,347 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 18,172 of these have been completed (74.6%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 29.1.21, 842 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 809 of the referrals (96.1%) have been actioned and 33 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 538 (66.5%) were successful and 271 (33.5%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 4.2.21 there were 6 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).
• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 4.2.21 (1 home).
• In the 7 days up to 31.1.21 there were 28 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 3.2.21 there were 119 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 2.2.21 was 125
• As at 3.2.21 there were 10 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 2.2.21 were 8 and 0 respectively.
• As at 3.2.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 5 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
• As at 3.2.21 there had been 16 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.
Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital
• Between 25.1.21 and 31.1.21, 57 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 29.1.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.1) on 22.1.21.
Vaccinations
• As at 3.2.21 37,673 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,034 had received both doses.
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 week (16.1.20 to 22.1.20) 30 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (19 in hospital, 3 at home or in a hospice and 8 in a care home).
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 22nd January 2020 and registered up to 30th January 2021, 293 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (165 in hospital, 105 in care homes, 16 at home and 7 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 139.1 which is lower than the national average of 171.7
• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 27.1.21), a cumulative total of 299 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.4, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 147 of the 299 were male (49.2%), less than the national average (54.7%). 99 people (33.1%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 22.9%). In addition 24 people (8.03%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
THREE additional hospital deaths have been announced. One occurred on Tuesday and two on Wednesday.
Test results
SEVENTY TWO additional positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total number of cases in the City to 10,991
It seems that the rate of decline in infection levels may now be slowing. This feature was also seen in the middle of November when the post second wave decline in numbers markedly slowed.
Three weeks later it bottomed out at, a seven day average of, 17.4 (57.93 rate /100k population figure).
The infection rate now stands at 256.40 – down from the 269.22 seen yesterday
The rate in York is below the national average and on current trends will go below the regional average early next week. The number of cases in North Yorkshire is falling at a similar rate to York
Neighbourhoods
Five neighbourhoods with a case rate lower than 200.
Dunnington is now falling quickly towards the 100 case benchmark.
Vaccinations
National
Regional
York
According to one York GP practice, they are updating the local vaccination figures on their web site and social media channels. That would be a step in the right direction as communications on the progress being made each day, on vaccinating the four priority groups, is difficult to find.
We keep our social media channels and website updated with information about the vaccination programme.
Here are more figures (approx) for patients getting their Covid vaccinations at our York Vaccination Centres this week: Mon – 1300, Tues, Wed & Thur – 2100 per day (& yes, we're still counting!) Thanks to everyone involved – patients, staff and volunteers! ??? #COVID19#NHS
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) January 29, 2021
Council commentary updates
The York Council has updated the following commentary on the pandemic on the open data web site. (NB. Sadly the Council is still referring to MSOA neighbourhoods as “wards”. The boundaries of the MSOAs are very different from ward boundaries).
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 25.1.21 there had been 225 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 27.1.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 545.7 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,789 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 28.1.21 York has had 10,919 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,184.3 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (5,817.3 and regional (5,752) 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 (25.1.21) is Green.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 20.1.21 to 26.1.21 in York is 208.9 (using data published on Gov.uk on 28.1.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 17.1.21 to 23.1.21 was 269.2. The national and regional averages at this date were 373.2 and 242.3 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 28.1.21).
• York is currently ranked 35th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.
• For the 7 day period 16.1.21.to 22.1.21, 9 wards in York (Acomb, Westfield, Rawcliffe & Clifton Without, Strensall, Haxby & Wiggington, Clifton, Osbaldwick & Derwent, Heworth and Guildhall) have seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 9.1.21 to 15.1.21. For the remaining wards there has been no statistically significant change in rates. No wards have seen a significant increase in rates.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 17.1.21 to 23.1.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 232. The national and regional averages were 294.5 and 190.4 respectively.
• As at 25.1.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 9.61%. The national and regional averages are 11.9% and 9.1% respectively.
• As at 25.1.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.54%. The national and regional averages are 0.7% and 0.4% respectively.
• As at 25.1.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 11.3%. The national and regional averages were 13.2% and 9.8% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 9.5% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 11.8% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE
• As at 28.1.21 York University reported 29 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 25.1.21 York St. John reported 4 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 9,953 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 8,940 of the cases have been completed (89.8%). 23,683 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 17,540 of these have been completed (74.1%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 22.1.21, 804 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 775 of the referrals (96.4%) have been actioned and 29 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 519 (67%) were successful and 256 (33%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 27.1.21 there were 13 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 28.1.21 (1 home).
• In the 7 days up to 24.1.21 there were 30 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 19 different schools). NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 26.1.21 there were 156 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 25.1.21 was 148
• As at 26.1.21 there were 7 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 25.1.21 were 8 and 0 respectively.
• As at 26.1.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 4 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
• As at 26.1.21 there had been 10 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours
Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital
• Between 18.1.21 and 24.1.21, 56 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 22.1.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (1.1 to 1.3) on 15.1.21.
Vaccinations
• As at 26.1.21 26,294 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,017 had received both doses. 10,281 people over 80 have received the first dose. This represents 90.7% of the estimated number of people aged over 80 in York (11,334 people). 708 people aged 65+ who live in care homes have received the first dose.
• In England between 8.12.20 and 27.1.20, 6,918,853 vaccinations had been administered (6,473,752 first dose and 445,101 second dose).
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 week (9.1.20 to 15.1.20) 25 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (18 in hospital, 1 at home and 6 in a care home).
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 15th January 2020 and registered up to 23rd January 2021, 263 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (146 in hospital, 97 in care homes, 14 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 124.9 which is lower than the national average of 157.6.
• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 20.1.21), a cumulative total of 273 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 82.6, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 133 of the 273 were male (48.7%), less than the national average (54.9%). 95 people (34.8%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 24%). In addition 22 people (8.06%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
FOUR (4) additional deaths have been reported by the York Hospital Trust today. Two occurred on Wednesday and two yesterday.
The cumulative number of COVID fatalities since 1st September is now 239.
NB. These are not all York residents.
Comparing the latest validated figures for York resident registered deaths ( week ending 8th January) there were 8 hospital deaths recorded.
During the same week the York Hospital Trust declared a total of 16 fatalities.
Test Results
SEVENTY SIX (76) additional positive test results were announced today. The cumulative total is now 10,542
The current rate /100k population figure is 408.34.
This is expected to trend down to below 350 over the next couple of days.
Infection rates in the City are now falling faster than is being seen at county, regional and national level.
Hospitals
According to government issued figures, there are currently (19/1/21) 205 COVID patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust
Neighbourhoods
Wigginton remains the only area with a case rate in excess of 800. It has two fewer cases than were recorded on the previous day.
Case numbers in Foxwood North/Westfield/Chapelfields have fallen from a peak of 144 ,seen on 8th January, to 62 on 17th January.
The lowest infection rate (179.5) can now be found in the South Bank/Dringhouses area
Vaccinations
According to the latest Council update (see below) as at 18th January
“17,341 CYC residents had received the first dose and 1,015 had received both doses.
8,999 people over 80 have received the first dose. This represents 79.4% of the estimated number of people aged over 80 in York (11,334 people).
664 people aged 65+ who live in care homes have received the first dose”.
Tabulated local information is still not published although the York Council are now claiming that 80% of over 80’s have now been immunised
The latest vaccination figures published by the NHS today are reproduced below.
NHS figures published on 22nd January
Testing
Council commentary updated
The York Councils commentary on Coronavirus has been updated on its open data site
The briefing does refer to infection rates in “wards” This is not correct. Statistics are reported by Middle Layer Super Output Areas (MSOA) boundaries (which are very different from ward boundaries). MSOAs are a feature of census data gathering protocols.
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 18.1.21 there had been 267 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 20.1.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 733 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,840 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 21.1.21 York has had 10,466 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 4,969.2 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (5,493.24 and regional (5,531.1) averages.
• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the no. of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (18.1.21) is Green.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 13.1.21 to 19.1.21 in York is 347.1 (using data published on Gov.uk on 21.1.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 10.1.21 to 16.1.21 was 424.5. The national and regional averages at this date were 484 and 257.3 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 21.1.21).
• York is currently ranked 65th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.
• For the 7 day period 9.1.21.to 15.1.21, 10 wards in York (Acomb, Westfield, Rawcliffe & Clifton Without, Dringhouses & Woodthorpe, Wheldrake, Holgate, Rural West York, Guildhall, Bishopthorpe and Micklegate) have seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 2.1.21 to 8.1.21. For the remaining wards there has been no statistically significant change in rates. No wards have seen a significant increase in rates.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 10.1.21 to 16.1.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 397.4. The national and regional averages were 383 and 201.1 respectively.
• As at 18.1.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 12.9%. The national and regional averages are 14.2% and 10.2% respectively.
• As at 18.1.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.18%. The national and regional averages are 1.1% and 0.6% respectively.
• As at 19.1.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 13.5%. The national and regional averages were 14.5% and 10.3% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 9.5% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 14.4% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE
• As at 21.1.21 York University reported 41 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 18.1.21 York St. John reported 4 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 9,453 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 8,480 of the cases have been completed (89.7%). 22,810 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 16,736 of these have been completed (73.4%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 15.1.21, 711 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 688 of the referrals (96.8%) have been actioned and 23 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 469 (68.2%) were successful and 219 (31.8%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 21.1.21 there were 10 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 21.1.21 (2 homes).
• In the 7 days up to 17.1.21 there were 44 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 25 different schools). NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 20.1.21 there were 155 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 19.1.21 was 157
• As at 20.1.21 there were 8 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 18.1.21 were 5 and 1 respectively.
• As at 20.1.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 5 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
• As at 20.1.21 there had been 14 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 15.1.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.1 to 1.3. The previous estimate was (1.1 to 1.4) on 8.1.21.
Vaccinations
• As at 18th January 17,341 CYC residents has received the first dose and 1,015 had received both doses. 8,999 people over 80 have received the first dose. This represents 79.4% of the estimated number of people aged over 80 in York (11,334 people). 664 people aged 65+ who live in care homes have received the first dose.
• In England between 8.12.20 and 20.1.20, 4,740,578 vaccinations had been administered (4,303,730) first dose and 436,848 second dose).
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 week (2.1.20 to 8.1.20) 8 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (all in hospital).
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 8th January 2020 and registered up to 16th January 2021, 238 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (128 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 13 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 113 which is lower than the national average of 145.3.
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). In 2020 there were a total of 165 ‘excess deaths’ in York in 2020 compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year is: 18 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 27 fewer deaths in weeks 22-53.
• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 13.1.21), a cumulative total of 241 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, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 117 of the 241 were male (48.5 %), less than the national average (55.1%). 86 people (35.7%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 24.37%). In addition 20 people (8.3%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
TWO additional hospital deaths announced today. Brings the cumulative death toll at the York Hospital Trust since 1st September to 199.
Test results
ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE new positive test results announced today. Cumulative total is now 9946.
Rate /100k population reduces to 580.7. That is the lowest rate seen in the City since 3rd January.
The infection rate is trending to go below 500 within the next two days.
Case numbers are reducing at all levels although York remains above the national, regional and county averages.
Hospitals
The latest available figures show that the York Hospital Trust was caring for 156 COVID patients on 12th January. Of these 6 were in mechanical ventilation beds.
Neighbourhoods
Further reduction in case numbers across the City. Down from1271 to 1223.
Infection rate now reducing in west York.
Vaccinations
Nationwide 3,559,179 people have received a doze of vaccine. The second dose total is 447,261
York Council commentary on COVID trends
The Council progress report on open data has been updated
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 11.1.21 there had been 317 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 13.1.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 958.5 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,772 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 14.1.21 York has had 9,722 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 4,615.9 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (5,035.5) and regional (5,284.7) 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 (11.1.21) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 6.1.21 to 12.1.21 in York is 541.26 (using data published on Gov.uk on 14.1.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.1.21 to 9.1.21 was 657.6. The national and regional averages at this date were 622.3 and 318.7 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 14.1.21).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.1.21 to 9.1.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 500.3. The national and regional averages were 465 and 240.7 respectively.
• As at 11.1.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 14.62%. The national and regional averages are 15.5% and 10.5% respectively.
• As at 11.1.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.7%. The national and regional averages are 1.7% and 0.9% respectively.
• As at 12.1.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 15.6%. The national and regional averages were 16.7% and 11.6% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 8.1% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 17.1% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE
• As at 14.1.21 York University reported 35 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.
• As at 12.1.21 York St. John reported 17 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 8,673 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 7,747 of the cases have been completed (89.3%). 21,364 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 15,398 of these have been completed (72.1%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 8.1.21, 597 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 574 of the referrals (96.1%) have been actioned and 23 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 399 were successful and 152 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 14.1.21 there were 15 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 13.1.21 (2 homes).
• In the 7 days up to 10.1.21 there were 95 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 38 different schools). NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 13.1.21 there were 121 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 12.1.21 was 116
• As at 13.1.21 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 11.1.21 were 5 and 0 respectively.
• As at 13.1.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 6 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
• As at 13.1.21 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 8.1.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.1 to 1.4. The previous estimate was (0.9 to 1.1) on 23.12.20.
Vaccinations
• In England between 8.12.20 and 13.1.20, 2,910,027 vaccinations had been administered (2,494,371 first dose and 415,656 second dose). Data at Regional level is available for the period 8.12.20 to 10.1.21 and 433,045 vaccinations were administered in this period in the North East and Yorkshire Region.
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: For deaths occurring up to 1st January 2020 and registered up to 9th January 2021, 230 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (120 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 13 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 109.2 which is lower than the national average of 135.6. There have been 58 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 13 weeks (Weeks 41 to 53).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS): Between week 2 and week 53 there were a total of 165 ‘excess deaths’ in York in 2020 compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 18 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 27 fewer deaths in weeks 22-53.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 11.1.21 (for deaths occurring up to 6.1.21), a cumulative total of 225 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 81.96, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 109 of the 225 were male (48.4%), less than the national average (55.2%). 83 people (36.49%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 24.85%). In addition 19 people (8.3%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
Stay home and save lives this weekend
City of York Council would like to thank local residents, businesses and communities for doing their part to stop the spread of the virus in York.
The council is urging everyone to stay at home, where possible, to protect the NHS and save lives in our city.
With cases still high in the city, residents are being reminded to act as if they and others have the virus, in order to prevent further transmission from those who do not have symptoms.
This weekend, residents are advised to avoid congregating to chat in crowds or groups outdoors and to avoid queues where you can’t socially distance. Our best defence against COVID-19 is to minimise our contact with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. If you need to leave the home for essential reasons, please remember hands, face, space to protect yourself and those you love.
Avoiding unnecessary journeys doesn’t mean we can’t also support our hard working local businesses. Many businesses now offer delivery of food and goods, and a list can be found on the Live Well York website which residents are encouraged to share and print if neighbours can’t access it online at www.livewellyork.co.uk/fooddeliveries
About 1 in 3 people with coronavirus have no symptoms, and will be spreading the virus without realising. The Council has recently expanded its symptom-free testing offer to include anyone living or working in York who is unable to work from home during the lockdown and who come into contact with other people during the course of their work, including staff working in education and early years settings and those in factories or working in construction. Symptom-free testing continues to be offered to those who support the most vulnerable in the city, to school pupils who are eligible to attend school and to teachers who will be working in schools.
You should not book a rapid test if you have coronavirus symptoms, instead you should self-isolate and book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus , or calling 119.
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of the council, said;
“I would like to thank local residents and businesses for yet again rising to the challenge and demonstrating the strong community spirit in York.
“We must continue to work together the stop the spread of the virus, in order to keep the people we love safe and not overwhelm our NHS.
“With the new variant of COVID-19 now apparent in the majority of new positive cases in York, we must all remain vigilant. Our collective efforts of following public health guidance will help flatten the curve of cases in York.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said;
“In York, around 75% of all new positive cases of COVID-19 are of the new variant.
“What we know about this new variant is that it is thought to be around 70% more transmissible than what we were dealing with earlier last year. This means that everyone needs to practice extra caution with hygiene and ask themselves if their journey or interaction is absolutely essential, even if it is within the current rules.
“With news that more than one third of people aged 80 and over in England have received at least one dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine as of this week, we can remain hopeful that there is in an end in sight to the current restrictions. However, we still have a fair way to go to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and that case rates are at a much lower level – and this is down to our united efforts to carefully follow the current guidance and stay home.”
Be aware of Covid-related scams
People in York are being urged to guard themselves against a recent spate of scams relating to Covid-19.
Residents have reported receiving fake mobile texts, calls or emails offering vaccine appointments or claim to be about Test and Trace. In most cases the texts and emails contain a link that asks for payment or further personal details.
People in York and the region are being invited to be vaccinated when it’s their turn. They will be invited by the NHS, their local GP practice, or in York by Nimbuscare, a local consortium of 11 GP practices.
NHS vaccines and tests are free, so they will never ask for payment or for an individual’s bank details. Because they already hold individual’s personal details they won’t ask for them either.
Residents are being asked to remember these ways to protect themselves and other people from scams:
Be wary of people selling or offering:
Vaccines or ‘miracle cures’
People calling at your door offering to sell you and give you a vaccine
Shopping or medication collection services
Overpriced or fake goods
Offers to clean your home of coronavirus.
Don’t be rushed but check out what’s being offered:
If you’re unsure, ask family and friends before accepting offers of help
It’s OK to refuse or ignore approaches. If someone tries to pressure or rush you, they are unlikely to be genuine
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
Only buy goods or services from trusted sellers
Think carefully before parting with money or personal information
Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Chair of NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“COVID-19 vaccines are available only on the NHS for free.
“Our staff are currently working their way through vaccinating priority groups in York and the surrounding areas, and people are being invited directly by the local NHS when it’s their turn.
“Anyone asking you to pay for a vaccine is committing a crime. The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and we’ll never ask for payment or for your bank details.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member with responsibility for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:
“The NHS will contact you direct when it is your turn to be vaccinated.
“Preying on people’s worries about Covid-19 at this time is despicable. We understand that people want to do all they can to protect themselves and their loved ones, and we advise caution and checking before sharing any personal information or handing over money.
“If you think you have identified a scam or are suspicious about an approach, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133, or report scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.”
Thousands get symptom free testing in York
Public health leaders in York have thanked the thousands of people who have already accessed symptom-free covid tests in the city.
The latest data shows that 500 secondary school pupils are amongst those who have already taken the tests, who are also attending school.
The tests are one way of helping to reduce the spread of coronavirus, and they are available to anyone (living or working in York) who is unable to work from home and is still going to work. This includes staff working in education and early years, those in factories and construction and other essential sectors.
Testing continues to be offered to those who support the most vulnerable in the city, to secondary school pupils who are eligible to attend school and to teachers who will be working in schools.
The free testing is voluntary and tests are available at sites across the city, all of which have access to good transport links and parking.
Testing appointments are available over the next few days to those eligible and can be booked online.
The tests should be booked regularly (every week), with individuals being tested twice, three days apart.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council:
We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of residents who have booked a test and are continuing to get tested regularly.
“This is of course incredibly important in our efforts to reduce the spread of the virus and I am pleased that we have expanding our testing offer in the city.”
“Alongside testing, we must all continue to follow the latest national guidance in order to relieve pressure from our NHS and ultimately, protect our loved ones.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director for Public Health at City of York Council said:
With around one in three people with coronavirus not showing any symptoms, symptom free testing is a great way of helping to reduce the spread of the virus.
“Working together with partners across the city has enabled us to provide a number of testing sites across the city, so it’s convenient for residents to pop along to get their test. Spaces are available over the next few days and I’d urge anyone who is eligible to get a regular test to help keep people safe.”
Grant boost for York businesses as council deliver grants
York’s businesses will be among the first in the country to receive the latest lockdown grants as the amount of coronavirus business relief distributed by the council tops £140m.
York’s businesses will be among the first in the country to receive the latest lockdown grants as the amount of coronavirus business relief distributed by the council tops £140m.
The council has also published proposals which could extend grant support to even more York-businesses. Hundreds of York business can expect payments by next Wednesday (20 January) after the council issued another £14.5m of grants today, including one-off top-up payments of between £4000 and £9000 for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses.
This means that the council has processed all payments for businesses which it knows are eligible for Local or Lockdown Restrictions Grants until 15 February, the government’s first review date of the current lockdown. The council hopes to complete the Additional Restrictions Grant payments next week. This grant is designed to meet the needs of businesses not forced to close but severely impacted by the lockdown.
On Monday 18 January, the executive member for finance and performance, Cllr Nigel Ayre, and Executive member for economy, Cllr Andrew Waller, will consider proposals to extend support to even more businesses falling through the cracks of government schemes.
Changes include:
Offering grants to businesses which trade almost exclusively in York but are not residents of the area, including many York-licensed taxi drivers and market traders who missed out on previous grants
Giving the small number of B&Bs and hotels who legitimately pay council tax rather than business rates the same level of grant as other accommodation businesses
Giving businesses classed as essential but whose income has disappeared, such as food suppliers to hotels, the same level of grant as retail hotel and leisure businesses forced to close
Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance, said:
We promised York businesses that our team were once again ready to get grants paid faster than the rest of the country.
“Having received the government guidance and funding on Wednesday, the payments have been processed without the need to apply within 48 hours, and will be in business bank accounts by Wednesday. “I’d like to thank our payments team for their commitment to getting this money where it belongs, and our business partners across the city for helping us keep businesses informed and reassure them that the payments and support is on its way.
“While we’ve made the process as simple as possible by automatically paying businesses which have received grants, we know that there will be some who have never applied – I urge them to check the criteria and apply if you qualify on our website.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for economy and strategic planning, said:
Making sure grants get to businesses as quickly and simply as possible has been central to our pandemic response. This protects jobs, the supply chain and the city’s wider economy.
“We’ve also been listening to the city’s businesses and shaped grant schemes to support those which miss out. The Additional Restrictions Grant has helped hundreds of York businesses not forced to close but whose income is devastated by the restriction.
“The changes we’re considering on Monday could extend the support to many new businesses, and offer parity for many more.
“We also know this won’t cover all the need in the city, and we continue to demand more from central government on behalf of York’s business community. I would urge businesses who have fallen through the cracks, to please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk . Thanks to all those who already have – you have already helped us to convince government to improve the support, including extending grants to those in higher value premises.”
The decision session of the executive member for finance and performance takes place at 2pm on Monday. You can view the agenda and find details of how to live stream it here.
Two additional deaths were announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred on Tuesday. The cumulative total number of fatalities at the York and Scarborough hospitals since 1st September now stands at 196.
Test results
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY NINE additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 9722.
Rate /100k population falls to 657.42 and is expected to reduce to below 600 over the next couple of days.
The Council has said that 2.5% of asymptomatic people taking lateral flow tests in York had positive results.
This compares with 17.3% (latest 7 day rolling figure to 4th January) who took P1 & P2 tests.
The Thanet Road test site has been closed today because of the weather
It is scheduled to reopen on Saturday
Neighbourhoods
Caser numbers are now beginning to fall across most of the City.
They are also falling at county, regional and national levels.
Vaccinations
Not available at local level
Some regional figures were published today as below
Outbreak Management Board meeting
A recording of the meeting can be viewed by clicking below
It was claimed at the meeting that local authorities had not been advised by the government of;
the number and percentage of York residents who have been vaccinated locally &
the numbers and details of people who have not responded to an invitation to be vaccinated.
That seems to us to be a major system failing (given that progress numbers ARE aggregated and published at a national level.)
The meeting did hear that arrangements had been made to ensure that people who were unable to go “on line” to book jabs would still be able to arrange an appointment.
The meeting heard that 144 (2.5%), of the 5888 lateral flow tests carried out so far in the City, on asymptomatic residents, had produced a positive result.
This is the equivalent of an “R” value of 1.4 and could help to explain the rapid rise in cases over the last two weeks.
No information was provided on the percentage of positive test being recorded at the mobile test sites (Bishopthorpe, Thanet Road).
NB. The mobile test site uses the PCR laboratory based system which is generally regarded as being more accurate than the lateral flow option)
Acorn Rugby Club event
The media are reporting that some of those who attended an event at the Acorn Rugby Club before Christmas have contracted Coronavirus. To read the media report please click here
Please remember that the mobile testing centre on Thanet Road will remain open for another week. Book a test here www.nhs.uk/Coronavirus
Letter to parents from York Council
A letter to parents and carers with children at schools in York.
Dear parents/carers,
Following the announcement of the third national lockdown on 4 January, City of York Council has been working with the city’s schools to ensure that they are able to provide a vital service for critical workers and vulnerable children in the city whilst continuing to operate safely.
At a time when the rates of infection both nationally and locally are rising it is very important that we work together to protect frontline services. At the same time we need to continue to prevent the spread of the virus by keeping the number of household contacts to a minimum.
Last week, the Government followed up its initial guidance on who qualifies as a critical worker. The Government is now asking parents and carers who are critical workers to keep their children at home if possible and only use a school place if they have no other options available.
If you qualify as a critical worker but can manage to have your children at home we would urge you to do so. The fewer children we have in schools, the more it will help in our collective efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
Our schools have risk assessments in place which allow them to work safely and to minimise the risk of transmission of Covid19. For this to work as effectively as possible schools need to have the capacity to support home learning as well as having sufficient staff to supervise children on site. For these reasons they need to keep the numbers in school at a safe level.
We appreciate that this is a difficult time for parents and carers. We know that this situation is causing considerable disruption to your personal and working lives. Schools are also working extremely hard to ensure that places are available for frontline workers and for vulnerable children.
We would also, like you, much prefer to have children in school. However, in order to reduce the rates of infection, and following the latest Government advice, we would ask you to think carefully about your individual circumstances, particularly if you or your partner is able to work from home. If you can, it would be really helpful for the safe management of our schools and the suppression of the virus if you could make arrangements to keep your child at home. Where this proves impossible then we will work with parents and carers to find access to provision.
To help support families during the coronavirus pandemic, our educational psychology team has created a booklet with information about how parents can look after their own emotional health, and support their children, which you may find useful. You can find it on our website.
You can also keep up to date with the latest information about the coronavirus response in York:
We are incredibly grateful for all you have done already and on behalf of the city, thank you for all you are doing to reduce the spread of the virus.
Stay safe and best wishes
Councillor Keith Orrell Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education City of York Council
Amanda Hatton Corporate Director of People City of York Council
Fixed Penalty Notices issued from 6 January 2021
North Yorkshire Police have issued 107 FPNs for breaches of the Coronavirus regulations since the new national lockdown commenced on 6 January 2021.
Local Authority Area where Notice Issued
Total Notices Issued
Local Residents
Visitors
Male
Female
Being Outside Place of Living
Outdoor Gathering
Indoor Gathering
Obstruct / Contravene
Craven
19
1
18
16
3
19
Hambleton
4
4
4
4
Harrogate
10
10
9
1
10
Richmond
Ryedale
Scarborough
49
35
14
28
21
15
34
Selby
3
2
1
3
3
York
22
19
3
16
6
7
15
TOTALS
107
57
50
76
31
58
0
49
0
Speaking about the number of fines issued in the first week of the national lockdown, Superintendent Mike Walker, lead for the force’s Covid-19 response said:
“We have issued 107 fixed penalty notices since the national lockdown commenced on 6 January 2021, which is more than double the number we issued in the first week of the first national lockdown last year.
“Sadly we are seeing a minority of people flouting the rules and who are making unnecessary journeys into or across the county or who are gathering indoors and holding house parties.
“I cannot emphasis enough the risk this behaviour presents at this current time and I urge people to think about their actions and very carefully consider the decisions they make about leaving home. You should only leave home for essential reasons and if you do go out, you should stay local.
“Currently within North Yorkshire and the City of York we have some of the highest infection rates across the Yorkshire and Humber region. So it isn’t just about the risk of people bringing the virus in with them. It’s about the risk that you could pick up the virus here and take it home with you, spreading it wider to your family and loved ones.
“So please follow the rules – stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
FOUR additional deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. That brings the total since 1st September up to 189, Two fatalities occurred yesterday and two on Sunday.
The latest ONS figures, showing the number of deaths of York residents from Coronavirus during the week ending 1st January, have been published.
They show 10 fatalities with nine occurring at a hospital and one at home. That is the highest single week number since May.
In total, the death toll for York residents has now reached 227 of which 56 have lost their lives since 1st September.
NB. These figures vary from those published by the York Hospital Trust as the latter covers a larger area.
According to the Care Quality Commission an additional death occurred in a York care home on 5th January. That brings the total York care home death toll to 91. Most fatalities occurred in the Spring.
Test results
ONE HUNDRED and FIFTY FOUR (154) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 9239.
Rate /100k population is now 637.37. Will increase to 670.44 before beginning to trend down
The York infection rate is now above the national, regional and county averages.
Click to access
Vaccinations
As of 11th January 1,959,151 people in England had been vaccinated.
York Minsterclosed to public. Deans park remains open
York Minster has issued the following statement
We are now closed for public services, private prayer and sightseeing. We will also continue to livestream Sunday services at 11am and 4pm via our YouTube channel, so you can join the services from home.
York Minster has closed to the public from today (Tuesday 12 January) until further notice in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The cathedral closed to sightseeing visitors on 31 December when York moved into tier three, but has now also closed for public services and private prayer.
Clergy will continue to offer prayer inside the cathedral on a daily basis and services will be livestreamed on Sundays so people can join worship from their homes.
The Dean of York, The Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, said: “We feel this is the right decision in the current climate to keep our staff, volunteers, visitors and congregations safe.
“We will review the decision on a regular basis. In the meantime, our clergy will continue to keep the regular pattern of daily prayer within the cathedral and we will continue to offer worship online so people can join us from the comfort of their own homes.”
Members of the public can send a prayer to be said in the cathedral by a member of the clergy by emailing prayer@yorkminster.org.
Dean’s Park, the green space to the north of the cathedral, will remain open on a daily basis from 10am to 4pm.
Financial Help
A new Council report reveals the scale of financial concerns in the York community as a result of COVID-19.
The report says that £1.2 million had been used to alleviate hardship by the end of September.
Hardship fund expenditure
Most went on reducing Council Tax liability. Around 9,000 residents have benefited.
Another £416,729 is being used to support a winter grant scheme. Part of this is being used to fund free school meals during holidays. The grant scheme is open to applications for anyone with savings of less than £2000.
Around 250 applications a week are being received.
The council received £298k in government funding from DHPs for 2020/21 in order to help with housing costs. So far 43% of this budget has been spent.
The numbers in work, but benefiting from on universal credit, almost doubled from 2762 to 5761 between March 2020 and September 2020.
There was a similar rise from claimants not in work.
A lot of work is going into expanding digital access to services. Those who do not currently have “on line” access are at a significant disadvantage during periods of lockdown.
Council tenant arrears stood at £975,943 in April 2020 (similar to the previous year end figure).
Arrears had increased to £1.23 million by the end of December.
The Council partly blames the DWP for the rise, citing bureaucratic hurdles to universal credit changes and staff shortages.
The Council sees the further development of community hubs as part of the long term solution to poverty in the City
