Coronavirus York updates; 27th April 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths have been announced today

The latest ONS figures, which show how many York residents have died of COVID-19 related causes, has been updated.

It shows that, for the week ending 16th April (the most recent available), there was one death in a care home and one in a hospital.

They bring the total City death toll up to 377

Test results

Eight additional positive test results were announced today. That brings the cumulative total up to 12,253.

There has been an increase of 6 cases in the City since yesterday. The total is now 48. The last time a figure higher than that was recorded was on 30th March.

The rate per 100k population figure has risen to 22.79. Three weeks ago – before restrictions were eased – the figure had been as low as 9.02.

The infection rate is expected to stay much the same for the next 3 or 4 days at least.

The number of positive test results in the under 60 age group is now ten times more than is being seen in the over 60 age group.

There have been increases in infection rates at regional and national level. The biggest spike has been in parts of North Yorkshire where a surge in Selby has seen 101 cases recorded there. (59 are recorded in the Selby Town MSOA alone)

Neighbourhoods

Seven neighbourhoods now have 3 or more cases.

Vaccinations

Good news on vaccinations with 57% of adults in York now having received their first dose. 22% have now also had their second dose.

It has been announced that 42-45 year olds will receive a text inviting them to get their jab through the national booking service. The move to the next age group, comes two weeks after rolling out the vaccine to those aged 45 and over. The latest figures show that more than two thirds of people aged 45 to 49 had been vaccinated.

Tests

4373 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 22nd April 2021.

Of these, 0.8% were positive. This represents an increase over the previous days figure of 0.7%

3132 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 26th April 2021.

Hospitals

There has been no change in COVID-19 patients numbers at the hospital today

Cheaper car parking and family bus fares

The Council has said that, to aid Economic Recovery and the re-opening the city centre, the following transport incentives will be rolled out.

1) Launch a promotion of the Minster parking badge at £10 to last until March 2022.
The permit will be valid for 24 months after purchase starting at Step 3 of
the Road map to recovery (currently the 17th of May). The badge allows drivers to park at a reduced rate in most council car parks during the day and to park for free after 5.00pm.

2) For the Council to fund a 50% discount on the All York Family Bus Ticket for a period of up to 6 months starting at Step 3 of the Road map to recovery (currently the 17th of May).

3) That the free parking for Critical Workers will end when the governments funding for parking losses in income take effect (end of June). The council will providing a month of noticing vehicles using this service to
mitigate any issues with sudden changes.

“It will also need to be kept under review if car park capacity becomes an issue”.

The decisions were taken at a “behind closed doors” meeting

Business Grants

Over 1500 York businesses will receive further grants over the next fortnight as City of York Council distributes the rest of its COVID grant allocation.

The council has agreed to distribute the rest of the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) funding as quickly as possible.

ARG is a discretionary scheme, allowing the council to direct funding to help businesses which are severely impacted by the pandemic but don’t qualify for the government’s grants.

Businesses don’t need to do anything to get the grants. There are no newly qualifying business, so the council will automatically pay those that are already receiving ARG payments.

The amount that eligible businesses will receive is dependent on size of business, whether a business has premises and where a business – or those sectors they depend on – can reopen in line with the roadmap. Qualifying businesses can check the amount they should receive at https://www.york.gov.uk/information-businesses/covid-19-business-rates-grants

Notes

Payment amounts are as follows:

For businesses which reopened at Step 2 (non-essential retail, personal care, etc):

11 days payment (1 April to 11 April) plus £200
With no fixed premises costs: £396 (including the additional £200)
With rateable value less than £15k: £724 (including the additional £200)
With rateable value £15k-£51k: £986 (including the additional £200)
With rateable value above £51k: £1379 (including the additional £200)

For businesses reopening at Step 3 (leisure, hospitality, taxis, etc):

46 days payment (1 Apr to 16 May)
With no fixed premises costs: £821
With rateable value less than £15k: £2192
With rateable value £15k-£51k: £3286
With rateable value above £51k: £4929

For businesses reopening at Step 4 (international travel, etc):

81 days payment (1 Apr to 21 June)
With no fixed premises costs: £1446
With rateable value less than £15k: £3859
With rateable value £15k-£51k: £5786
With rateable value above £51k: £8679

Coronavirus York updates; 10th April 2021

Deaths

No more COVID-19 hospital deaths have been announced today

Test results

6 additional positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total to 12,162.

We seem to be seeing a post Easter spike in positive test results. This will translate into a higher infection rate next week.

There is one fewer case in York today compared to yesterday.

The rate /100k population has fallen to 11.40. It is likely to fall to under 10 over the next couple of days before rising.

The infection rate in York remains well below the regional and national averages

Neighbourhoods

Updated figures

Vaccinations

Tests

3374 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 5th April

Of these, 0.6% were positive. This is the same rate as the previous period.

In addition 1487 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted.

Business grants

York Council update on payments of restart grants

Restart Grants will be paid into eligible non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation and leisure business bank accounts next week, following Government rules on fraud checks.

Eligible businesses that have already qualified for payments from other grant programmes do not need to reapply, and will automatically be paid if they are eligible.

Restart Grants will be paid during w/c 12 April, and land with businesses bank accounts within 3 working days.

New businesses that started trading between 5 January and 1 April may also qualify for Restart Grants. These Businesses only can apply online through the council website from Monday 12th April.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance said:

Our staff at City of York Council are once again working extremely hard to ensure that payments are made quickly to eligible businesses.

“We’re grateful for businesses patience, and hope the fast payments help them to bounce back from such a tough year.”

Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning said:

We’re working with partners across York to support a safe and successful reopening of the city.

“Fast payment of grants has been a key part of our ongoing job retention and business support work in the city. Alongside creating outdoor space and processing pavement café licenses, efficient grant support will ensure that local businesses are in the best position to reopen their doors once it is safe to do so.

“I’d like to thank all local businesses for their efforts in providing a safe and welcoming experience for customers, and wish them well as they reopen throughout the roadmap.

“I’d also like to thank all those residents who continue to support York’s local businesses and the jobs they provide by shopping local.”

The Restart Grant is a one-off grant and was announced as part of the Budget on 3 March 2021.
Further information on the Restart Grant scheme, including how to apply can be found online.

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

Coronavirus York updates; 31st March 2021

Deaths

The ONS have updated their weekly monitor of the number of deaths among York residents from COVID-19.

During the week ending 19th March 2021 two residents lost their lives. Both were hospital patients.

There were no deaths in care homes.

No further deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today.

It is now two weeks since the last hospital fatality in York

Test results

Five additional positive test results have been announced today. That brings the total up to 12,198

Citywide case numbers have fallen from 67 to 63 today. There may be a small rise tomorrow before numbers are expected to fall to a 2021 low on Saturday

The infection rate per 100k population figure has fallen to 29.91 today. There now appears to be a real possibility – for the first time in 2 weeks – that a downward trend in infection rates will resume over the Easter period.

For the first time in over a week, infection rates have fallen today at City, county, regional and national levels.

Neighbourhoods

16 York neighbourhoods now each have fewer than 3 cases

There has been a modest increase in infection numbers in the Holgate and Westfield neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

As at 28 March, 91,467 people in York had received their first dose of the vaccine, an estimated 52.6% of the adult population.

9,222 people have received both doses of the vaccine, accounting for an estimated 5.3% of the adult population.

For the first time yesterday at a national level, more people received their second dose than received their first dose of vaccine.

Tests

4,399 people in York had PCR tests during the week ending 26th March 2021

Of these, 1.6% were positive. That is an improvement on yesterdays figure of 1.8%

858 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 30th March 2021

Hospitals

There has been a further drop in the number of patients being treated for COVID-19 by the York Hospital Trust

What to do over Easter

This is what the Council is recommending for the Easter holidays. The weather is expected to become cooler and most lockdown RESTRICTIONS ARE STILL IN PLACE

Walk clockwise around the Bar Walls and admire the daffodils – https://www.york.gov.uk/CityWalls
Enjoy the city’s parks and play areas – https://www.york.gov.uk/parks
Have a picnic in the Museum Gardens – https://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk/
Get out into nature – https://www.itravelyork.info/downloads/file/40/wildlife-walks
Go for a bike ride – https://www.itravelyork.info/downloads/download/12/leisure-rides

Find more ideas for things to do at home/virtually on the Shine website – https://www.yor-ok.org.uk/young-people/shine-new.htm

Council updates businesses on the restart grant payments

Restart Grants will start being paid to York businesses from w/c 12th April after the government confirmed it would transfer money to local authorities after the Easter weekend.

The council continues to prioritise paying government grants into the bank accounts of qualifying businesses as quickly as possible.

April sees the next phase of grant payments with restart grants being paid to non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation and leisure businesses that are liable for business rates. Businesses that have already qualified for payments from other grant programmes do not need to reapply, and will automatically be paid if they are eligible.

New businesses that started trading between 5 January and 1 April may qualify for restart grants. They can apply through the claim form on the council website, which will be available from Monday 12 April.

Eligible business who have not yet applied for Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) funding must do so before 31 March 2021. See details of available business grants and check if you’re eligible online. After this date businesses will not be able to apply for the ARG grant, but those who have already qualified will continue to receive payments from April onwards in line with roadmap periods.

All qualifying businesses liable for business rates will continue to benefit from business rates relief as previously announced in the March Budget.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance said:

Throughout the pandemic we have prioritised keeping businesses as up to date on the process as we can and in getting payments to them as quickly as possible.

“We are now over a year on since the first lockdown and it has been an incredibly challenging year for us all. We continue to be incredibly grateful to the business community for their understanding and support and to our council staff who are working tirelessly to get each payment into the bank accounts of businesses as soon as possible. We expect these payments to be made from 12 April but as ever will keep businesses updated.”

Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for the economy and strategic planning said:

Many businesses are seeking to re-open as safely as possible, and the council is committed to supporting local businesses through this process.

“The finance team is working hard to ensure that as soon as Government funding is received, payments are made to business’ accounts. We know that the quick payment of these grants is essential for eligible businesses. This is why I have recently written to the Secretary of State to urge for the current system to be streamlined to ensure businesses receive payments as quickly as possible.”

“We continue to update our website with the latest information and eligibility criteria for certain support online.

“Any businesses who have fallen through the cracks of government support please get in touch with us as soon as possible on email: economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.”

Shielding lifts after 1 April as infection rates fall

Clinically extremely vulnerable people in York are being reassured that help is still to hand as, from Thursday 1 April shielding will stop, as virus infection rates continue to fall.

Affected residents will be getting updated guidance from the Government asking them to take extra precautions to reduce their risk of infection from Covid-19. These set out practical steps to reduce the risk of catching the virus, including continuing to maintain strict social distancing and to keep overall social contacts at low levels, such as working from home where possible.

The move follows the first dose vaccination of more than 9 in 10 clinically extremely vulnerable people as well as a steady decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations for the last few weeks. People aged 16 or older who have been advised they are clinically extremely vulnerable and who haven’t had their first vaccination should book it via the NHS website. Please take up the second dose of the vaccine when it is offered to further increase your level of protection.

York’s community hubs and the network of food deliverers will continue to offer support. Anyone already registered for priority access to supermarket delivery slots will to be able to access them until 21 June 2021.

Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:

Shielding helps safeguard those who are the most clinically vulnerable in our communities. We recognise how difficult this period has been for so many and the impact it has had on people’s wellbeing.

“Being able to lift shielding is testament to the efforts of everyone in the city in stopping the spread of the virus. It means people can start thinking about easing up on the more rigid guidelines and begin going out more. To keep York open and the people we love safe, please continue to observe hands, face, space.

“We are still here to help. Our community hubs can support anyone who needs it, whether to talk to someone or to collect essentials. Please call 01904 551550 or email covid19help@york.gov.uk if you need support.”

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

Thank you to everyone who has shielded or has helped someone who is shielding: we know how challenging and worrying this period has been for individuals and families.

“Whilst this is another positive step in the road to normal we all still need to be careful. If you have been shielding, please continue to take extra precautions after 1 April to keep yourself as safe as possible.

“No vaccine is 100% effective. Even if you have had both doses, there is still no absolute guarantee that you will not become ill from Covid-19, so please remember hands, face, space.”

Coronavirus York updates; 27th March 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths today.

Last fatality occurred on 17th March.

Test results

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

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

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

The rate /100k population has increased to 32.29.

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

Case numbers at reginal level continue to increase.

The national rate is stable

Neighbourhoods

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

Elsewhere infection numbers are fairly stable.

Vaccinations

Tests

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

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

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

Hospitals

Latest capacity figures from York Hospital Trust

Council plans for reopening the “High Street”

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

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

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

*The College Green outdoor activity area is set to return*

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

What’s on at Easter

Guide to some leisure options available this Easter holiday click

Grant support provided to more than 3,500 businesses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coronavirus updates; 22nd March 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths today.

Last death was on 17th March.

Fatality numbers are falling across the whole region.

Test results

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

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

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

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

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

Neighbourhoods

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

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

Vaccinations

Tests

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

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

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

Transport mode use

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The scheme is available to:

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

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

Be aware that:

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

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

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

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

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

Coronavirus York updates; 4th December 2020

Deaths and test results

TWO (2) further Coronavirus deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Tuesday and one on Thursday. The cumulative second wave death toll now stands at 97 for the York and Scarborough Hospitals

FIFTEEN (15) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 5710.

The case rate /110k population figure has now dropped to 68.3. That means that the rate has halved in little over one week.

There have also been improvements in the figures at county, regional and national levels.

Six neighbourhoods are now virtually virus free. Only 4 cases have been recorded between New Earswick, Rawcliffe, Holgate West, Heworth North, Copmanthorpe and Dunnington

Only seven neighbourhoods are now above the 100 case threshold

In some neighbourhoods the infection rates are fluctuating quite a lot. This is partly the consequence of only very small variances in the numbers. One area that has seen a significant reduction in cases is Holgate West/Westfield East.

Manor School

ALMOST 100 pupils at Manor school have been told to self isolate after two cases of coronavirus were confirmed.

Manor CE Academy said it was advised by Public Health England yesterday that there was a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school, and a further case was confirmed this morning.

A total of 96 students have been identified as having direct prolonged contact with the confirmed cases, They have all been contacted and instructed to self-isolate. The school remains open and all other children should continue to attend if they remain well.

York Police go online to listen to public feedback

The officers who keep York city centre residents, businesses and visitors safe are going online to get people’s feedback about policing issues.

With COVID-19 reducing the opportunities for officers to meet and talk to members of the public face-to-face, the team is now turning to video call technology to help.

More people than ever are using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime and other video calling services to keep up with family, friends and colleagues. And in York city centre, they can now do the same with their local police team.

Sergeant Nick Plumb said: “We’re always really keen to listen to your feedback – even when we can’t do this in person. If you visit or work in York city centre, and would like to bring an issue to our attention, or ask us any questions about policing, this is a great opportunity to do so.”

Inspector Andy Godfrey and Sergeant Nick Plumb will be available online between 5pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday 8 December 2020.

To take part, simply email snayorkcity@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Please include your name, address, and contact phone number, as well as a brief idea of what you want to discuss. (If a number of people have the same concerns as you, you may be able to take part in a joint session).

The video calls will take place over Microsoft Teams – attendees will receive a personal invitation via email, which can be used in any web browser, without having to create an account.

Business grants alerts – time running out

Thousands of York businesses that have missed out on Government grants could, be eligible for an Additional Restrictions Grant – but they have to apply before Monday 7 December.

The council is urging businesses, especially those without rateable premises or that operate earlier in the supply chain, to check if they are eligible for support.

Your business may be eligible if it:

operates from a permanent fixed premises in York, with trade impacted by 75% or more due to lockdown restrictions
doesn’t operate from a fixed premises in York, but usually trades in York 75% or more of the time, and you’re a York resident

In addition the business must also:

not qualify for the Lockdown Restrictions Grant
have been unable to provide its usual in-person customer service from the business premises

Your business will not be eligible if:

you started trading on or after 5 November 2020
you’re able to continue to operate during local or national restrictions, because you don’t depend on providing direct, in-person, services from your premises
your business hasn’t seen a reduction in income of 75% or more
your business is in administration, insolvent, or has had a striking off notice made against it
you have already been awarded a Lockdown Restrictions Grant
you’re not a York resident trading in York for 75% or more of the time
you don’t have a fixed business premises in York
you’ve reached the state aid limit

Businesses that receive 100 percent rate relief are eligible to apply.

Alongside this scheme businesses who already qualified at Tier 2 will continue to get payments on a fortnightly basis (Tier reviews are fortnightly). Any business that has not applied yet for tier 2 but believe they will qualify can make a claim.

Businesses can apply for open grants at www.york.gov.uk/COVID19BusinessGrants

To get notification when grant applications open, and up to date info on other business support, sign up for our regular bulletins here www.york.gov.uk/form/EmailUpdates

Coronavirus York updates; 24th November 2020

Christmas

Households across the UK will be able to form a “Christmas bubble” with two other households during a five-day window over the festive period, it has been announced.

Between 23 to 27 December, people will be able to meet with those two other households in their bubble – but only in a private home, a place of worship or outdoor public spaces.

Travel restrictions across the whole of the UK will also be lifted during the five-day period, allowing people to travel between countries or between tiers in order to meet with those in their bubble.

Deaths and test results

ONE additional death reported by the York Hospital Trust. It occurred on Saturday. The cumulative second wave death toll at York and Scarborough hospitals is now 62.

THREE more care home deaths have been announced. ONE occurred on 17th November and TWO on the 19th. The cumulative second wave death toll in local care homes has now reached seven (CQC figures).

There is some concern in the City that any decision, on which “Tier” York will find itself in on Thursday, may be influenced by hospital capacity issues. The above hospital deaths figure may not tell the whole story.

The Trust has not broken down the split in fatalities between the York and Scarborough units. Furthermore, the NHS is (rightly) flexing its capacity to address peaks in different parts of the region, so there may be some non York residents included in the recent 62 reported fatalities.

An alternative way of looking at the issue is by analysing the data on death occurrences provide by the ONS (click) and which relates to people normally resident in York.

This shows that there have so far been 185 fatalities this year as a result of COVID.

However, only 14 of these have occurred since the beginning of September. Of these, 8 were hospital deaths

Even allowing for some delay in figures coming through, that represents a more encouraging picture.

There have been 29 new positive test results announced today. That is the lowest daily total since September. It brings the total number of cases to 5518.

The daily new infection rate (7 day rolling average) is now below 40.

Only two neighbourhoods in York are now above the national infection rate. They are Clifton Without and Skelton (following a recent spike) and Heslington where case levels are reducing only slowly.

Elsewhere in the City case numbers are generally falling steadily.

Extra financial support for York businesses

Even more York businesses impacted by the latest lockdown can benefit from financial support as City of York Council launches a new grant scheme today.

The council has worked with partners and business leaders to decide how to most fairly and effectively use the discretionary Additional Restrictions Grant.

Businesses now have until Monday 7 December to apply for the grants, which are open to:

Businesses effectively forced to close through lockdown but don’t qualify for government grants, whether they are liable for business rates or not.
Businesses where trade is impacted by more than 75% due to lockdown, whether they are liable for business rates or not.

Applications must be from:

A York-based business which have fixed premises in York – (note fixed premises is not a market stall or pitch) or
businesses run by a York resident and trade is at least 75% in York (note this could be a market stall or pitch).

The council is also preparing a voucher scheme for local businesses to access support like training form local providers.

Business must not be in administration, insolvent, or have a striking off notice made against it, must have started trading before 5 November 2020, and not in receipt of unoccupied rates for business rates.

For more information about all the grants available for business affected currently visit the council website.

Businesses reminded to apply for small and micro grant scheme

City of York Council is reminding eligible businesses that there is still time to apply for the upgraded small and micro grant scheme, which has been created to support local businesses.

Payments have already been made to 121 businesses, with more being paid each week. Businesses have until 30 June to apply for the scheme.

Grants payments between £1,000 and £10,000 will support small businesses, including those in shared offices and flexible work spaces, science parks and incubators, regular market traders without a business rates assessment, nurseries, B&Bs paying council tax instead of business rates, and charity properties which missed out under previous schemes are now eligible.

Small business and childcare nurseries	up to £10,000
Micro business	up to £5000
B&Bs and market traders who live in York	up to £2,500
Self-employed with fixed property costs	up to £1,000

To apply, businesses must have been trading before 11 March 2020, have a rateable value or annual mortgage of below £51,000, and demonstrate both an ongoing fixed property cost and significant financial impact of the coronavirus. It is not available to any business eligible for any other government COVID grant.

Grant payments are being processed in batches, with the first batch paid on Friday 5 June. The council is also telling businesses that have applied not to worry if they don’t receive their payment this weekend – there will be further payments every Friday over the next three weeks.

Businesses can check eligibility and apply at www.york.gov.uk/COVIDMicroGrant .”

The council is using an additional £2.2m discretionary government fund to expand its own small and micros grant scheme, which has already supported over 3,000 local businesses affected by coronavirus.

The council acted quickly to distribute £110m of grants and rates relief to over 4000 York businesses, and created its own £1m grant scheme to support over 1000 more businesses which did not qualify for government support.

Under the discretionary fund, local authorities have been given an additional 5% of the total value of grants already distributed in York, together with some government rules and outline guidance on which businesses should benefit. However, this means councils have to use local knowledge to decide how to fairly distribute the money, as to benefit as many businesses as possible in the city.

Companies that are in financial difficulties because they fall outside the Government set limits are asked to contact Make it York to discuss their options. They can email business@makeityork.com

Coronavirus York updates; 5th June 2020

No further deaths

For the fifth successive day there have been no further deaths at the York hospital

Small business grant payments start – businesses encouraged to apply

City of York Council is encouraging eligible businesses to apply now for the upgraded scheme small and micro grant scheme, which has been created to support local businesses.

Grants payments between £1000 and £10,000 will support small businesses, including those in shared offices and flexible work spaces, science parks and incubators, regular market traders without a business rates assessment, nurseries, B&Bs paying council tax instead of business rates, and charity properties which all missed out under previous schemes are also eligible.

Small business and childcare nurseries up to £10000

Micro business up to £5000

B&Bs and market traders who live in York up to £2,500

Self-employed with fixed property costs up to £1000

Grant payments are being processed in batches, with the first batch set to land in businesses accounts on Friday 5 June. The council is also telling businesses that have applied not to worry if they don’t receive their payment advice this weekend – there will be further payments every Friday over the next four weeks.

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

“I’m pleased to see that our local grants payments are already being paid to small and micro businesses across the city, in order to help them through this incredibly tough time.”

“York’s small and micro businesses are at the heart of our vibrant economy and I would urge businesses who are yet to apply, to get in touch and apply for the support as soon as possible. As restrictions are eased, more small and micro businesses are reopening, so we understand how important these cash injections can be.

“From the very beginning of this crisis, we have worked to ensure our local businesses received swift support from the Council, particularly those who did not meet the criteria for government support. I am pleased that City of York Council has been recognized as one of the fastest local authorities in the country to distribute grants and rates relief, totalling £33m so far.”

“We will continue to make the case to Government, with our partners, to lobby for further financial support to support all our businesses, particularly as we work to put in place the foundations of our economic recovery.”

Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for the economy and strategic planning, said:

“Staff across the council have worked quickly to process grants, with payments landing in businesses bank accounts shortly after the announcement of the scheme.

“Considerable effort and resource has been deployed to carry out the required checks as quickly as possible, in order to get these payments to businesses who need them after falling through the cracks of government support.

“I’d encourage businesses to check the eligibility criteria for these grants and apply as soon as possible if they are able to do so. We are already seeing the positive affect they are having for businesses during this incredibly difficult period.

“Businesses can check eligibility and apply at www.york.gov.uk/COVIDMicroGrant.”

The council acted quickly to distribute £110m of grants and rates relief to over 4000 York businesses, and created its own £1m grant scheme to support over 1000 more businesses, which did not qualify for government support.

Companies that are in financial difficulties because they fall outside the Government set limits are asked to contact Make it York to discuss their options. They can email business@makeityork.comCOMMENT ON THIS PAGE

York Council celebrates all those caring for others

Carers: Unskilled Labour, Or Our Most Undervalued Resource?

In Carers Week (8-14 June) the council is inviting health and care services, schools, employers and businesses to celebrate and support the vital contribution by unpaid carers across the city.

This year in particular, tribute is paid to the enormous contribution made by unpaid carers during the coronavirus pandemic. They continue to play an essential role supporting friends and family who are older, disabled or seriously ill.

Where social distancing or shielding means that carers can’t do what they usually do, volunteers across the city have come forward. They have helped ensure that vital food supplies and medication are delivered, and that companionship and caring welfare calls continue to help keep people cared for and in contact with others.

Many people have found that during lockdown they have had to take on more caring responsibilities than usual. The council is encouraging them to contact the city’s Carer’s Centre to benefit from the support and advice it gives 01904 715490 or email enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk.

Cllr Carol Runciman, executive member for health and adult social care, said: “This Carers Week, we want to thank carers across the city more so than ever, for the amazing part they play in these extraordinary and challenging times.

“During this pandemic, so many people in York are caring for all parts of our community in new and different ways. We’ve been celebrating them and their work and making them more visible through our #YorkKind campaign. I thank them all.”

Carole Zagrovic at York Carers Centre, said: “We are delighted to be part of Carers Week to highlight the huge contribution unpaid carers make throughout our communities, often with little recognition or support for themselves.

“Making Caring Visible is about all of us taking some time to think about what unpaid carers do. That can range from a few hours to pick up prescriptions or help with shopping to providing personal care day and night to a child, husband or wife with complex and worsening health conditions.

“This is the one week when we as a society can show our appreciation of the challenges carers face, particularly through this difficult time, and to acknowledge and respect their value in our communities.”

Specially for Carers Week and with social distancing in mind, many individuals and organisations – including York’s Carers’ Centre – are hosting or getting involved with virtual activities, to help carers to connect to others and access advice and information. To find out more visit https://www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk/2020/05/carers-week-2020/ or go to https://www.carersweek.org/get-involved/events-near-yo u .

For more information, support and advice please contact the Carers Centre on 01904 715490 or email enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk.

Coronavirus York updates; 14th May 2020

Grants to Micro businesses

The Council has said that it has now processed 766 grants totalling £738,539 for micro businesses. There is a budget ceiling of £1 million on this scheme.

It also says that it is still awaiting further guidance from the government over the discretionary grants – aimed at local businesses, small charities, B&Bs and market traders – and “we will open up applications as soon as possible”.

York’s self-employed residents could get up to £7,500 by May 25 – or within 6 days of making a claim – as applications for the Self Employed Income Support Service opened on Wednesday 13 May. Check you are eligible and make your claim on the government website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/self-employed-invited-to-get-ready-to-make-their-claims-for-coronavirus-covid-19-support

Lowfield & Lincoln Court building work

The Council has issued a statement saying that building work is recommencing at Lowfield and at the Lincoln Court/Disabled centre on Ascot Way.

in reality work never actually stopped!

Deaths & paitient numbers

ONE more patient with coronavirus has died at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, taking the total number of Covid-19 related fatalities to 186.

SEVEN further cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the City of York Council area, taking the total number to 427.