THREE additional deaths at the York Hospital Trust have been announced today. They occurred on the 4th, 6th and 9th December. The fatalities bring the second wave total at the York and Scarborough hospital to 110.
The latest government figures say that 4428 P2 test were conducted in the City during the week ending 2nd December. 3% were positive. This is a reduction on previous weeks, but preceded the end of lockdown.
1405 “lateral flow” tests were carried out in the City during the say week. This is the mass testing system which is being used at the Universities.
SIXTEEN (16) positive test results have been announced today bringing the cumulative total to 5831
The expected spike in infections – post lockdown – has arrived with the rate /100k population now rising back to 60.8
It now seems unlikely that the City will return to Tier 1 status anytime soon
The neighbourhood figures reveal a rise in case numbers in the Acomb area. Otherwise things are fairly stable.
Three area are now above the 100 case threshold.
Cases are continuing to fall in the Yorkshire region overall. Infection rates in York and North Yorkshire are fairly stable (i.e. no longer falling). Case rates in England overall are rising.
FOUR additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Three occurred yesterday and one on 6th. Brings cumulative second wave death toll at York and Scarborough Hospitals to 107.
NINETEEN additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative case total up to 5815
Case rate/ 100k population was 58.4 as at last Friday (latest validated figure) but some evidence is emerging that the number of cases may now be creeping up again following the ending of “Lockdown”.
5th, 6th & 7th Dec already have more than 20 cases identified on each day. Likely to increase further.
Only two neighbourhoods (Haxby and Woodthorpe/Acomb Park) are now above the 100 case weekly threshold figure.
For the first time, Heslington has fallen into double figures
These figures may be as good as it gets for a while.
A post lockdown “spike” in case numbers has already seen an increase in infection rates at North Yorkshire and national level (although Yorkshire figures continue to fall)
THREE (3) additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on 3rd, one on the 6th and one yesterday. Over 100 patients have now died as a result of coronavirus at the York and Scarborough hospitals since the start of the second wave of infections in September.
There have been 22 new positive test results announced today. This brings the total to 5796
The case rate /100k population figure has now reduced to 60.3. That is the lowest rate recorded since 25th September.
No York neighbourhoods are now above the national or regional infection rates.
The most recent validated figures confirm a moderate reduction in case rates in York. Numbers in North Yorkshire are stable and those at regional level continue to fall. There has been a small increase at national level.
University test results
Universities report to Outbreak Management Board 9th Dec 2020
As of Monday 7th December, St Johns wasreporting that they have “0 members of our University community self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test”.
York Universitysay, “As of the morning of Tuesday 8th December, we are aware of 9 individuals within our University community who are currently self-isolating because they have had a positive Covid-19 test”.
City centre visitors mostly from York
A report to a meeting taking place tomorrow looks at how the profile of visitors to the City has changed since the pandemic took hold.
The report also looks at spending habits and reveals – to no one’s great surprise – that on line shopping has boomed.
Outbreak Management Board
Tomorrow’s City of York Outbreak Management Advisory Board will be webcast live from 5:30 pm. The agenda is as follows (click individual items for background information)
ONE additional death announced today by the York Hospital Trust. The fatality occurred on Friday.
TWENTY ONE (21) positive test results announced today bring the total number of cases to 5774. Case rate is stable at around 65 /100k population.
The leveling off of the infection rate may have implications for the review of tiering arrangements which is due next week. Cornwall, the only large area to be in Tier 1, currently has an infection rate of only 25.4
The York infection rate also leveled off for a week or so at the beginning of November before starting to slowly decline again following the introduction of the “Lockdown”
There is little change to neighbourhood rates in York today. Clifton Without has the highest rate closely followed by Haxby.
Only 3 neighbourhoods are below the Cornwall rate including, interestingly, the City centre
No additional hospital deaths announced in York today
SIXTEEN (16) additional positive test results announced today. Cumulative total is now 5753
The infection rate has now levelled off at 65 cases per 100k population.
The apparent bottoming out of the reduction preceded our exiting Lockdown. Case figures for the next few days may be viewed with some anxiety.
There appears to be no obvious reason for the change to the reduction trend. It may just be a blip.
However, both Haxby and Huntington have shown recent increases in case numbers.
Latest commentary on pandemic from York Council
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 30.11.20 there had been 157 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 3.12.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 459.9 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,745 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.
Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)
• As at 3.12.20 York has had 5,695 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 2,703.9 per 100,000 of population. The rate in York is above the national average (2,556.1) but below the regional average (3,946).
• 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 (30.11.20) is Green.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 25.11.20 to 1.12.20 in York is 57.45 (using data published on Gov.uk on 3.12.20).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 22.11.20 to 28.11.20 was 76.9. The national and regional averages at this date were 155.4 and 191.5 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 3.12.20).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 22.11.20 to 28.11.20 for people aged 60+ in York was 62.5. The national and regional averages were 117 and 157.9 respectively.
• As at 29.11.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 3.87%. The national and regional averages are 7 % and 8.2% respectively.
• As at 3.12.20 York University reported 36 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 30.11.20 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 4,534 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 4,009 of the cases have been completed (88.4%). 12,920 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 7,740 of these have been completed (59.9%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 27.11.20, 321 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 321 of the referrals (100%) have been actioned. Of the referrals actioned, 240 (74.8%) were successful and 81 (25.2%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible. (Local activity has been included in the National Test and Trace statistics since 22.10.20).
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 3.12.20 there were 3 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 on 2.12.20 (1 home).
• In the 7 days up to 29.11.20 there were 8 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 6 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 2.12.20 there were 32 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 1.12.20 was 30.
• As at 2.12.20 there were 6 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 1.12.20 were 6 and 0 respectively.
• As at 2.12.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 1 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours
Recovery from Covid-19
• Between 13.4.20 and 29.11.20, 250 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 14 people were discharged in the most recent week.
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 27.11.20 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (1.0 to 1.1) on 20.11.20.
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 provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 20th November 2020 and registered up to 28th November 2020, 191 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (94 in hospital, 83 in care homes, 10 at home and 4 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 90.69 which is lower than the national average of 106.87. There have been 19 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 7 weeks (Weeks 41 to 47).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). In week 47 (7 Nov to 13 Nov), 36 deaths (all causes) occurred for York residents, which is the same as the average weekly number for 2014-18. Between week 2 and week 47 there were a total of 131 ‘excess deaths’ in York compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 19 fewer deaths between week 2 and week 14, 209 more deaths between week 15 and week 21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 59 fewer deaths between week 22 and week 47.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 30.11.20 (for deaths occurring up to 25.11.20), a cumulative total of 183 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 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 91 of the 183 were male (49.7%), less than the national average (55.4%). 77 people (42.1%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 26.9%). In addition 15 people (8.2%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
TWO additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on 30th November and one on 3rd December.
TWENTY SEVEN (27) new positive test results announced. That is the largest single day number for over week. Brings cumulative total to 5737.
Rate /100k population is now 64.1. The infection rate is still reducing but not as quickly as was seen during the previous 7 days.
The infection rate continues to decline at City, county, regional and national levels.
There has been an increase in the number of cases in Huntington.
The numbers in Westfield have fallen
Only six of York’s local neighbourhoods are now above the 100 case threshold.
Five neighbourhoods have fewer that 3 cases each. They are
Dunnington, Elvington & Wheldrake
Bishopthorpe & Copmanthorpe
Holgate West & Westfield East
Acomb
New Earswick
At their last published update (Wednesday) St Johns University said that they had 2 students self isolating following positive tests.
The equivalent figure (Friday) at York University was 28 individuals
Help with food and bills this winter?
The Winter Support Grant is here to provide financial support to people who are struggling as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The grants are here to support eligible residents – with or without children – with food and utility bills this winter.
York residents who have savings of less than £2,000 can apply for a grant to help feed themselves and their families, and to keep warm over this difficult period.
The York Councils Executive is being told that the new Community Stadium will be handed over later this month. There has so far not been any confirmation by the Council, their contractors GLL or the two prospective occupiers of the stadium (York City FC and York Knights RLFC).
York City are playing at home today and, in theory, they could have welcomed up to 2000 fans to the match (which will be held at Bootham Crescent). As the statement below, taken from the City web site makes clear, fans will not be admitted as it has not been possible to take Bootham Crescent out of mothballs yet.
“When the Prime Minister announced, on the 23rd November, that fans could attend football matches we knew it was going to be a race against time to get the necessary certificates and approvals for Bootham Crescent.
As previously communicated, we have been poised to move out of Bootham Crescent and into the LNER Community Stadium for a number of months and as such we have been careful not to unnecessarily invest important club funds into Bootham Crescent.
Despite a huge amount of effort from staff and our loyal volunteers, we are unable to welcome fans back on Saturday 5th December as we are still waiting for external providers to certify parts of the stadium, work which will surpass the deadline given by regulatory bodies.
We know fans will be disappointed, we understand and share that feeling but safety must be our priority and we cannot welcome fans to a stadium which is not properly certified.
We’ll continue to work hard to get Bootham Crescent ready for fans to come back as soon as possible and share updates when we can.
The situation is slightly ironic as the Council last week issued a statement backing the York Knights bid to gain super league status. A key part of the bid was the quality of their proposed home at the Community Stadium; a facility with no opening date!
According to GLL the stadium will be handed over before Christmas
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.
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
TWO further deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred on Tuesday.
There were SEVENTEEN (17) additional positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 5695
The number of cases in the City continues to reduce.
The case /100k population figure has now fallen to 76.9.
All neighbourhoods are now below the 200 case rate benchmark. For the first time since September the rate in Heslington has fallen below 100.
Sixteen of the other neighbourhoods are also below that threshold.
It is, however, too early to judge whether coming out of lockdown will have a negative influence on trends.
There were 3209 (P2) tests carried out in York during the 7 days ending on 25th November. Just over 6% produced positive results. The numbers testing positive continue to fall.
Universities
St Johns haven updated their web site, which gives details of current COVID cases. Two are now isolating (down from seven)
York University last updated their web site . “As of the morning of Thursday 3 December, we are aware of 36 individuals within our University community who are currently self-isolating because they have had a positive Covid-19 test”. Also down from yesterday.
Travel between Tiers
Statement from North Yorkshire Police on travel between tiers
Speaking about the introduction of the tier system and travel between tier areas, Superintendent Mike Walker, North Yorkshire Police lead for their Covid response said:
“From today, Wednesday 2 December, we move into the tiered local restrictions and guidance around travel becomes specific to each tier. I would encourage residents to consult the relevant Government guidance for their area and ensure they are aware of what they can and can’t do.
“Those living in tier 3 areas are advised not to travel out of the area unless it is necessary, such as for work or education. I realise there may be some confusion over what is deemed necessary in these circumstances, so I’d like to be clear here; it is neither necessary or acceptable to leave a tier 3 area and enter a lower tier area for a day trip or to visit a pub or restaurant for a meal. Please also be reminded that your tier restrictions travel with you and police can take enforcement action against you, if you should breach those restrictions.
“To those living in tier 3 areas, please do not try to side-step the tighter restrictions in your area by visiting neighbouring tier 2 areas for a day or night out. If you do, you may inadvertently bring the virus in with you and increase the chance of transmission to local residents.
“North Yorkshire Police will be actively patrolling and will have an increased presence in these border areas and we will be policing the Coronavirus regulations. Our safety camera fleet, which are equipped with ANPR, will also be visible along various routes into the region.
“North Yorkshire is well-known for its hospitality and warmth, but right now we have to ask visitors to stay in their own tier area for the health and safety of our most vulnerable residents. If you have a visit planned, please reschedule to a time where we are able to give you a proper welcome to our beautiful county.”
ONE additional York Hospital Trust death announced today.
NINETEEN (19) additional positive test results announced today. Brings total to 5659
Infection rate falls to 83.57 /100K pop. That is the lowest figures seen since 27th September.
The weekly case rate number (25.1) has finally fallen below the first wave peak (29.1).
The second wave peak was 133.7. It occurred on 16th October.
All neighbourhoods are now below the 200 case threshold.
Five neighbourhoods have below 3 cases
Haxby
New Earswick
Dunnington
Bishopthorpe/Copmanthorpe
Heworth North
Tier 2 from today
Interactive map of infection rates by tier
Click for interactive map. Thanks to https://electionmaps.uk/covid19-tier-map Some way tio go to emulate Cornwall figures
Universities
There is a lot of interest in the results of the mass testing of students at local Universities which started on Monday. They are using the lateral process which produces results within half and hour.
When they last updated their web site https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/coronavirus-advice/ on Monday, St Johns reported that 7 students and members of staff were self isolating following a positive result.
York University reports (https://coronavirus.york.ac.uk/) , “As of the morning of Tuesday 1 December, we are aware of 41 individuals within our University community who are currently self-isolating because they have had a positive Covid-19 test. Since yesterday we have been notified of 0 new cases.“
If any asymptomatic cases are revealed then it could affect the City’s overall infection rate.
THREE (3) more Coronavirus deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One death occurred on 27th and the other 2 yesterday. Brings the cumulative second wave toll total to 92 at the York and Scarborough hospitals.
ONS have updated today their analysis of COVID deaths that have occurred in the City up to 20th November. These give details of fatalities among people normally resident in the York.
They are lower than figures reported by the York Hospital Trust which covers a wider area than just the City itself.
The ONS figures do lag behind the position “on the ground” and may increase over the next few weeks because of cases in the pipeline.
So far, during the second wave of infections, the City has lost 20 residents to the virus.
The total death toll for the year is now 191.
To provide some context for these figures these are the total deaths – including COVID – this year up to 20th November.
Both Universities have started to “mass test” their students prior to them leaving the City for the winter holiday. They are right to do so. What will happen in January remains to be seen, but we didn’t want a repeat of the spike in infections seen in September/October. Hopefully everyone will be tested before retuning to the City.
THIRTEEN (13) new positive test results have been announced today. This is the lowest figure since the middle of September. This brings the cumulative total to 5659.
The infection rate per 100k population is now 97.34. This is below the benchmark which might allow the City to be placed into Tier 1 from 19th December.
However, all eyes will be on the effect that the end of Lockdown at midnight tonight has on infection rates. This is unlikely to become clear for at least a week.
The majority of neighbourhoods are now below the 100 case threshold.
Four (Heworth North, New Earswick, Dunnington and Copmanthorpe) each having had fewer than 3 cases recorded in the last 7 days.
There is still an upward spike in the Chapelfields/Westfield area.
Case numbers are continuing to reduce at City, county, regional and national levels. North Yorkshire in particular is trending down quite sharply now with the rate in Harrogate having dropped to 97.0.
How other countries keep people informed
Although the York Council has slowly improved the quality and accessibility of the information provided for residents about Coronavirus, it still has a long way to go to achieve the clarity provided in other parts of the world. One local campaigner has rightly pointed to the Washington USA web site which is a model of clarity.
The York “open data” system (which in fairness was not designed as a real time briefing tool) is poor by comparison.
Click to access Washington DC web site
It appears that the Council is now seeking new staff for its PR team (click). Hopefully they will find someone who is skilled in digital communications.
The Council communications head has responded, to the call for greater clarity, by saying on Twitter “We will discuss internally and think through options, continuing to take PH advice about which data best prompts safe behaviours”
This does rather suggests that propaganda comes before providing factual information.
Shop opening hours
Some large stores are saying that they will stay open 24/7 in the run up to Christmas. City centre traders have nominated Fridays areas their late closing day.
Extended opening hours are a good way of metering demand and should help with social distancing.
However, some workers, including those in supermarkets plus delivery drivers, are beginning to look pretty tired. Perhaps they should get a break after Christmas and leave the field clear for the independent small shops who have been hit hard by the lockdown?
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