Coronavirus York updates; 1st March 2021

Deaths

One hospital death announced today. It occurred on Saturday. Death rate continues to fall.

Test results

Twenty additional positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 11,873

Rate /100k population has reduced to 76.92 from yesterdays peak of 81.67

This represents a reduction in case numbers in the City from 172 to 162

The rate is forecast to reduce further over the next few days. It is now more in line with the trend seen in early December

York’s infection rate remains above North Yorkshire but is below the national and regional averages

Neighbourhoods

Something of a mixed picture at neighbourhood level.

For the first time since 16th September 2020, the Westfield/Chapelfields. Foxwood North neighbourhood has recorded fewer than 3 cases.

By contrast, there has been a large spike in cases in the South Bank/Dringhouses area with 18 cases and a rate of 230.7 recorded.

Trends by neighbourhood

Vaccinations

Tests

4456 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 24th February 2021.

Of these, 3.6% were positive. That represents a reduction from the previous days figure of 3.8%

1521 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 28th February

Hospitals

The York Hospital Trust is now treating 61 Coronavirus patients. This is down from a peak of 242 at the end of January.

2004 COVID-19 patients have been discharged from hospital since the start of the pandemic

Coronavirus York updates; 28th February 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths have been announced today

Test results

TWELVE positive test results announced today. That is the lowest figure for several days. It brings the cumulative total number of cases to 11.853

As expected, the latest rate /100k population figure has spiked at 81.67. This is the highest figure since 14th February.

This represents an increase in case numbers from 163 to 172

However, on current trends, it is likely that the rate will fall below 80 tomorrow and could edge down to 65 by the middle of the week

Comparing current trends with the similar period in December, the current infection rate is higher.

There is a reasonable expectation that the current number of infections will fall this week, preparing the way for a safer return to school on 8th March.

The number of cases reached a pre Christmas low on 8th December. The rate gradually increased after that.

For the first time this month, York now has a higher infection rate than North Yorkshire. It remains below the regional and national rates.

Neighbourhoods

The increase in case numbers has been spread around the City with no obvious connections

Vaccinations

Vaccination centres are moving on to the 60 -64 age group this week

Tests

4396 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 23rd February

Of these, 3.8% were positive. That represent an increase from the previous days figure of 3.6%

597 lateral flow tests were conducted on 27th February

COVID restriction enforcement

North Yorkshire police are stepping up attempts to enforce COVID restrictions. The move comes after warmer weather increased the numbers on the City’s streets.

It also coincides with a two week high in positive test results.

City was busier on Saturday

Shops are expected to reopen on 12th April. Before that, from 29 March, the Rule of Six will return outdoors. Groups of larger than six from a maximum of two households will also be allowed to meet, although travel restrictions will still be in place.

There seems to be a pent up demand for travel and York is likely to be a magnet for many. Whether the authorities will be able to control access, and sustain hygiene standards, will tell us a lot about whether the further easing of restrictions will follow along the proposed timetable.

Coronavirus York updates; 27th February 2021

Deaths

One hospital death announced today. It occurred on Thursday. Takes the number of fatalities at the York Hospital Trust up to 352 (since 1st September 2020).

Test Results

Eighteen additional positive test results today bringing cumulative total to 11,841

There are a total of 163 cases in the City – the same as yesterday

The rate /100k population has remained at 77.39.

It is forecast to rise to over 81 tomorrow. That would be the highest rate recorded since 14th February.

The rate in North Yorkshire has shown a small increase

Neighbourhoods

Residents can get details of the impact of the pandemic on their local area by entering their postcode at this NHS website click

There is little change at neighbourhood level to report today.

Vaccinations

Tests

4394 York people had a PCR test during the week ending 22nd February

Of these, 3.6% were positive. That is a small improvement on yesterdays figure (3.7%).

1149 “lateral flow” tests were carried out in the City on 26th February

Coronavirus York updates; 26th February 2021

Deaths

One further hospital death has been announced.

It took place on Tuesday

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

Test results

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

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

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

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

The York increase since yesterday represents an additional 8 cases.

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

Neighbourhoods

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

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

Vaccinations

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

Vaccinations by neighbourhood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tests

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

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

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

Hospitals

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

The peak number of patients was 242 last month.

11 are in intensive care

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

Council commentary

The Council has updated its weekly commentary on the pandemic.

It is reproduced below for ease of access.

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

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 22.2.21 there had been 77 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 653 in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.

• As at 25.2.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 225.4 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,653 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

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

• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the no. of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (22.2.21) is Green.

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

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

• York is currently ranked 29th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• As at 22.2.21 York St. John reported 1 individual within the University community who was currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

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

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

Cases in Residential Care Settings

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

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

Cases amongst School Aged Children

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

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

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

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

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

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

Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital

• Between 15.2.21 and 21.2.21, 18 CYC residents were discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection.

R Number

• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 19.2.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 0.9) on 12.2.21.

Total Vaccinations

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

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

Deaths

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

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

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 17.2.21), a cumulative total of 348 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.3, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (80.5% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.9% nationally). 167 of the 348 were male (48%), less than the national average (54.3%)”.

Coronavirus York updates; 25th February 2021

Deaths

There has been one further hospital death announced today. It occurred on Tuesday

Test results

SIXTEEN additional positive test results today bringing the cumulative total to 11,805

The rate /100k population figure has risen to 73.60. Further increases are in the pipeline for the next few days

Todays figures reflect an increase of two cases which brought the weekly average (on 20/2/21) up to 155 from 153

Comparing daily average case numbers towards the end to Wave 2 (early December) with today shows a similar trend.

Both periods show a spike in case numbers . Wave 2 figures subsequently fell away to 17.43 before steadily rising again as Christmas approached.

This weeks spike has been more pronounced. All eyes will be on trends next week as the easing of restrictions on schooling gets closer.

There has been a small reduction in case numbers in North Yorkshire.

Neighbourhoods

The case rate in Huntington has doubled over the last 5 days. The neighbourhood has now crept back above the 200 case benchmark

Five neighbourhoods have below 3 cases in each

Vaccinations

Over 60’s are now being vaccinated at Askham Bar. You need to book an appointment via the NHS web site

Tests

4386 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 20th February

Of these 3.6% were positive. That is an increase from the previous days figure of 3.4%

1533 “lateral flow” tests were carried out on 24th February

Hospitals

There are now 71 COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust. Ten are in intensive care. Both represent a reduction on previously published figures.

The Trust has discharged 1984 COVID patients since the start of the pandemic

Coronavirus York updates; 24th February 2021

Deaths

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

The local hospital death rate continues to decline.

York residents deaths

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

Ten deaths occurred during the latest week.

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

The previous week had seen 17 fatalities.

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

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

Test results

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

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

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

Neighbourhoods

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

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

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

Vaccinations

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

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

Tests

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

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

1120 lateral flow tests were carried out on 23rd February

York Minster

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

Coronavirus York updates; 23rd February 2021

Deaths

Three additional hospital deaths have been reported. One occurred on Saturday and two on Sunday.

Test Results

Eighteen positive test results announced. That is the lowest for a few days. Brings the cumulative total to 11,767.

As forecast the infection rate is rising. The rate /100k population now stands at 67.9. That is slightly down on the figure reported yesterday. However the reduction reflects just one case compared to yesterdays figures.

However, positive test results – already in the pipeline – suggest that the rate will rise to 75 before the end of the week.

The current case number spike is not without precedent.

On the day that Lockdown 2 ended (2/12/20) weekly case numbers stood at 23.14. A couple of days earlier they had fallen to 19.43.

Case numbers in North Yorkshire have stared to fall again. However, at regional (Yorkshire) level, for the fifth successive day, an increase in case numbers has been reported

Neighbourhoods

Now five neighbourhoods have fewer than 3 cases in each.

Figures are quite volatile

Vaccinations

Tests

4,435 PCR test were carried out during the week ending 18th February 2021.

Of these tests, 3.4% were positive. That is the same percentage as was reported yesterday.

1546 “lateral flow” tests were carried out on 22nd February.

Hospitals

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is currently treating 80 Covid-19 inpatients.

11 Covid patients are being treated in intensive care.

1,968 Covid patients have been discharged since the start of the pandemic.

Coronavirus York updates; 22nd February 2021

Deaths

Good news as, for the second consecutive day, the York Hospital Trust announces that there have been no local COVID-19 deaths

Test results

TWENTY-EIGHT positive test results were announced today. This brings the cumulative case total to 11,749.

The rate /100k population figure has increased to 68.4 (66,90 yesterday). This spike was anticipated and represents an increase in case numbers from 139 to 144.

Case numbers in York are not forecast now to fall until the end of the week

There have been similar increases at county and regional level. The blip is unfortunate given the plan (see below) to ease Lockdown restrictions The total case figures for England did reduce.

The average daily number of cases, which we are seeing now, continues to closely mirror the trends seen at the end of Lockdown 2 in early December.

Neighbourhoods

The spike in numbers means that four neighbourhoods are now above the 100 case rate threshold.

On the other hand, we now have four areas with fewer than 3 cases in each!

Vaccinations

Tests

4477 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 17th February.

Of these, 3.4% were found to be positive (the same as yesterday)

1545 “lateral flow” test were carried out on 21st February

Lockdown changes

According to the government, the unlocking will be done in stages.

Step One: 8 March and 29 March

8 March

• All schools and colleges in England will reopen, while all childcare can resume

• Secondary school pupils will have to wear facemasks initially while staff in all schools are advised to wear masks.

• All secondary and college pupils will be tested twice a week

• One person will be able to meet one other person from another household outside for recreation, not just exercise

• This includes meeting in private gardens and will mean two people can meet for a picnic or sit on a bench with a coffee but they cannot play tennis or golf

• Care home residents will be allowed one named visitor.

29 March

• Up to six people from different households or a larger group from two households can meet outside, including in private gardens

• Outdoor sports facilities can reopen and organised outdoor sports can take place for children and adults

• From this point, the government will drop the “Stay at Home” message and will instead encourage people to stay local wherever they can

• People will still have to work from home where possible and no overseas travel, apart from necessary work, will be allowed.

Step Two: 12 April

• After the school Easter holidays, non-essential retail, including hairdressers and beauty salons, can reopen

• Libraries, museums, zoos, theme parks and gyms can open – but no indoor mixing of different households allowed

• Outdoor hospitality can reopen, including pubs and restaurants – with the rule of six or a larger group from two households

• Customers will not have to buy a substantial meal to have an alcoholic drink and there will be no curfew but people will have to be seated when ordering and eating or drinking

• Self-catering holidays in the UK with your own household will be allowed

• Funerals of up to 30 people, wakes of up to 15 people.

Step Three: 17 May

• Outdoors, most social contact rules will be lifted, but gatherings of more than 30 will be illegal

• Indoors, the rule of six or a larger group of up to two households will be allowed

• Indoor hospitality – pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, children play areas, hotels, B&Bs, indoor exercise classes – will be allowed

• Large indoor performances and sporting events with a capacity of 1,000 people will be allowed

• Outdoor large performances and sporting events will have a maximum capacity of 4,000 people or must only be half full, whichever is lower

• Bigger sports stadiums will be allowed 10,000 people or can only be a quarter full, whichever is lower

• Testing will be used to support these openings

• Weddings, wedding receptions, wakes, funerals and christenings will be allowed 30 people.

Step Four: 21 June

• All legal limits on social contact removed

• Government hopes to reopen nightclubs and lift restrictions on large events such as festivals

• Testing could be used as a condition of entry

• Ministers hope to remove restrictions on weddings

  • amateur sport can start up again

Coronavirus York updates; 21st February 2021

D

Deaths

No deaths have been reported by the York Hospital Trust today

This means that the daily average hospital death rate has fallen from a peak of six on 21st January to two today.

The death rate is expected to continue to fall.

Test Results

Twenty-nine additional positive test results were announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 11,721.

The rate /100k population figure has fallen to 66.0.

However, infection numbers in the pipeline are showing a small spike.

This means that the rate will increase tomorrow and it may be towards the end of the week before a further fall in the rate could be expected.

The rate, compared to the decline seen towards the end of the second wave of infections, continues to follow a broadly similar trajectory (including short term spikes in infection numbers).

It isn’t just York that faces an occasional spike in case numbers. Infection rates have increased at both county and regional level today.

Neighbourhoods

Goods news today with only two neighbourhoods now above the 100 case rate benchmark.

There are currently 139 cases in the City. This is the lowest number recorded since 12th December 2020

This may be as good as it gets for a few days because of the spike in case numbers which are in the pipeline (see above).

It is also unclear whether the half term holiday, and recent good weather, may also have an impact

Vaccinations

Around 33% of adults in the UK have now been offered their first COVID-19 vaccination. Full coverage is now expected to be achieved by July.

People aged 64 are set to be contacted this week. click

'The NHS COVID vaccination campaign continues full steam ahead - letters inviting everyone aged 65 to 69 went out a week ago, and already over two thirds of them have had their first COVID vaccination.' - Sir Simon Stevens, NHS Chief Executive

Tests

4475 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 16th February.

Of these 3.4 % were positive. This represents a further fall in positivity numbers.

622 lateral flow test were conducted on 20th February

Thanet Road

Symptom-free Covid testing is available again at the Acorn Rugby Club car park on Thanet Road on Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd February, 9am to 3pm.

You will be able to book a test from the evening of Sunday 21st February at www.nhs.uk/Coronavirus and selecting the option that you were asked to attend by your local council.

Coronavirus York updates; 20th February 2021

Deaths

Five deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. However there has been some “catching up” done, with 3 of the fatalities having occurred in January but only now being reported.

Two local hospital COVID-19 deaths occurred on Thursday

Test results

THIRTY TWO positive test results announced today. That is the largest single day figure for over a week. Brings the cumulative case total to 11,692

The rate /100k population has fallen to 74.07. That is the lowest figure seen since 14th December 2020.

A further fall is expected tomorrow, although the case number spike may then delay further improvements for a couple of days.

The spike in case numbers mainly comes from the results of tests carried out on Wednesday and Thursday. It mans that the daily average number of new cases may stall at around 20 for a short time. Something similar happened towards the end of Lockdown 2 (see below)

The authrities may be looking anxiously to see whether any increased social mixing over the half term has an effect on next weeks figures.

While national and City figures continue to show a gradual decline, regional figures are remaining stubbornly high.

Neighbourhoods

Only one neighbourhood (Holgate East) currently has a infection rate (marginally) above the English average.

Vaccinations

Tests

4536 PCR test were carried out during the week ending 15th February.

3.7% of the tests produced a positive result. That is the lowest positivity rate recorded since 12th December 2020

907 “lateral flow” test were conducted on 19th February

Council urges residents not to be complacent as rates fall

The York Council issued the following statement yesterday (Friday). Please note the figures quoted are no longer the latest available.

“As the number of Coronavirus cases across the city continues to fall, City of York Council is thanking residents and businesses for their continued efforts and asking them to keep going.

The latest local data:

  • 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)
  • As at 17.2.21 54,289 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,077 had received both doses. 

With daylight lasting longer and the weather starting to warm up City of York Council is asking everyone to keep up their efforts and continue to follow the national restrictions to keep the people we love safe.

This includes not gathering in groups when exercising, as crowds give the virus the chance to spread.

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

Our collective efforts are making a difference and is saving lives, so thank you for all you are doing.

“We cannot afford to let our guard down and must keep going. We know this is incredibly challenging, so please continue to keep in touch with friends and family and look after each other. The Council’s helpline is there for anyone who needs it, get in touch on 01904 551550 or by emailing COVID19help@york.gov.uk.

“The success of the vaccine rollout offers us real hope that better times are around the corner. Until then let’s keep going and look after each other.”

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

Whilst we have seen a significant fall in the rate of infection thanks to everyone’s efforts, case rates are still higher than we would like. The fewer cases we have means less pressure on our hospital and fewer families worried about what is happening to someone they love.

“The way we are all behaving is making a massive difference, so thank you. Keeping our distance, wearing a face covering and washing our hands regularly gives the virus less chance to spread.

“These restrictions are challenging for us all, please continue to look after yourself and each other. Exercise and fresh air can improve our physical and mental health, as can catching up with friends and family online.

Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic and chairs the multi-agency North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, urged people to avoid gathering in the public spaces in and around York. He said: 

We’re still in a precarious position as the infection rate can fluctuate. We must continue to do all we can to abide by the health protection regulations which are designed to limit the spread of the virus. 

“This is not the time to become complacent about the virus. We’ve got to keep going and make sure all the hard work and sacrifice has been for the worthwhile purpose – protecting our loved ones and returning to the lifestyle we have taken for granted in the past. 

“As for the reckless minority who think the regulations do not apply to them, we will continue to actively target these blatant breaches, while providing a highly-visible and reassuring presence for the wider community who are doing the right thing and helping to tackle this public health crisis.”

Reporting suspected breaches of the health protection regulations

Incidents should primarily be reported via the home page of the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101.

Shielding update

Earlier this week, government research identified more individuals who may be at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell from coronavirus and are being asked to shield, which will affect a number of residents in the city. These individuals should soon be receiving a letter from the government and the council will be in touch too. Our COVID helpline remains open to help anyone who needs it, whether that is collecting food or prescriptions or someone to talk to. The helpline is contactable on 01904 551550 or by emailing COVID19help@york.gov.uk. 

The latest update of data for York is available online. “