A further COVID related death was recorded by the York Hospital Trust on Saturday. That takes the total number of fatalities to 10 since the 3rd October.
The numbers are still lower than were recorded during April and May earlier in the year. The table below shows the distribution by neighbourhood during the first wave of infections. This is influenced by the location of hospitals, care homes etc.
There have been a further 87 (EIGHTY SEVEN) new positive test results announced today. This brings the total, since the start of the pandemic, to 2773. The rate per 100,000 population peaked at 289.64 last week. That figure is higher than the regional or UK average. Although still increasing, the infection rate is now showing signs of stabilising.
The government is now only publishing the neighbourhood infection figures 5 days in arrears. We can now monitor trends. The principle area of concern remains the University/Heslington/Fulford neighbourhood.
Council say we won’t go into Tier 3 restrictions
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said;
“We are aware of media speculation that York could soon move to tier 3.
There are currently no plans to move York into Tier 3 and we have not received anything from central government to suggest that this is likely.
“This weekend saw tier 2 restrictions come in place to slow the spread of Coronavirus. I want to thank residents and businesses for their hard work in adapting to the new restrictions and I would ask that everyone continues to practice ‘Hands. Face. Space’, to stay at home if asked to by test and trace, and to get a test if you have symptoms.
“We will of course continue to share any updates as soon as we have them.”
131 (ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY ONE) additional positive test results today bringing the total to 2686.
No additional York hospital deaths today.
Infection rate still increasing but seems to be stabilising at an average of around 80 new cases each day.
Rate per 100,000 population was 281 on Thursday. That is higher than the national rate.
Government has still not restarted publishing results at a neighbourhood level. There has been no explanation of the change in policy. These are the figures for the most recently published 7 day period to 13th October
York is now in the top 25 of affected areas in the country
How the virus grew in York during last 6 weeks
There has been a lot of agonising in the City about how Coronavirus cases – and more recently deaths – have grown so quickly.
Some “blame” visitors, some the concentration of hospitality outlets while others choose to single out “students”.
The authorities can’t, or won’t, reveal the linkages between “contacts” and the source and locations of infections, so the truth is that no one really knows how the infection chain developed so quickly.
It is true to say, though, that the increase in cases had begun before large numbers of students started arriving in the City in mid September.
The following maps (taken from government figures click) demonstrate that the Heslington area was largely free of the coronavirus in early September. It also had a relatively low population.
The arrival of large numbers of students does seem to have triggered a significant rise is cases. The neighbourhood is now one of the worst hit in the region.
When the government lastpublishedits neighbourhood figures, the Heslington/University/Fulford area had had 119 cases during the previous week. With over 1000 students and staff now understood to be self isolating, the confirmed case numbers may now have risen again.
Only a post pandemic public inquiry will shed a full light on the nature of the decisions about reopening Universities, which were made during the summer months, and who made them.
It does appear though that the authorities underestimated the threat of virus transmission outside the strict teaching and study environment.
In the meantime, we must hope that Tier 2 restrictions, coupled to voluntary strict quarantining arrangements, will produce a downturn in case numbers across the whole City.
Council report on COVID recovery plan
The Council’s Executive are considering an update on their COVID recovery plan at a meeting on Thursday. It can be read by clicking here
This is the latest list of “can and cannot”
What the restrictions mean
In a bid to stem the rising number of COVID-19 cases in our area the new Government rules, which apply to everyone in York, mean that:
you must not meet socially with friends and family indoors, in any setting, unless you live with them or have formed a support bubble with them – this includes private homes, and any other indoor venues such as pubs and restaurants
you may continue to see friends and family you do not live with outside, including in a garden or other outdoor space – when you do so you must not meet in a group of more than 6 people
visiting indoor hospitality/leisure/retail settings is restricted to 1 household – 2 households must not meet in these settings, unless they are in a support bubble
you should only travel for essential reasons, you can continue to travel for work or to access education but should try to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible
you can go on holiday outside of the area, but you should only do this with people you live with, or have formed a support bubble with, and dependant on any local restrictions in the area you’re visiting
you can play a team sport only when formally organised by a sports club or similar organisation, and sports-governing body guidance has been issued
wedding receptions and celebrations for up to 15 people are permitted in the form of a sit-down meal and in COVID secure settings, not in private dwellings
up to 30 people can attend a funeral (York Crematorium capacity is 18), and 15 people can attend a wake in a COVID secure setting, not in private dwellings
certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10.00pm and 5.00am
serving food and drink will be restricted to table service only
businesses and venues selling food for consumption off their premises, can continue to do so after 10.00pm as long as this is through a delivery service, click-and-collect, or drive-thru
leisure and entertainment venues are required to close between 10.00pm to 5.00am
you should only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work
you should work from home wherever possible
exercise classes will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with
Be aware that:
schools, universities and places of worship remain open
you can meet people outside in parks or open spaces, following ‘the rule of 6’ and remembering ‘hands. face, space’
exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors
TWO additional COVID related deaths reported at the York Hospital Trust, That makes 6 in the last week.
81 (EIGHTY ONE) new positive test results were announced today bringing the cumulative total to 2555.
The peak cases (per 100k population) reached a new high of 279.19 on Monday although there may be the first signs emerging that the rate of increase has stabilised since then. Too soon to be sure though.
Regrettably, for the second day in a row, the government has failed to publish case level numbers at neighbourhood (MSOA) level. Given that this is the first day of the new Tier 2 restrictions in the City, we think that the government should be publishing more – not less – background information.
Government warning on ill judged transport schemes
The government has issued a warning to councils about squandering the money made available from the Emergency Active Travel Fund. It will be reported to a meeting next week.
… a significant minority of instances where schemes were, frankly, nowhere near good enough
A notable number of councils used their funding poorly and were simply out of step with the needs of their local communities. I saw or heard from the public and parliamentary colleagues about far too many instances where temporary cycle lanes were unused due to their location and design, while their creation left motor traffic backed up alongside them; of wide pavements causing unnecessary congestion in town centres; and other issues that many have, rightly, reacted angrily too.Government Minister
Vitamin supplements
One aspect of the COVID pandemic which intrigued many people was the fall in infection rates during the summer period. While this might partly be the result of people not mixing so much indoors, some heath workers are pointing to the impact that vitamin D can have on resilience.
Sunshine is the principle source of vitamin D for many people. People get less exposure to sunlight between October and April.
The respected “Which” magazine concluded recently that, while there was little evidence that the consumption of vitamin supplements prevented coronavirus infections, generally balanced vitamin supplements did help the immune system.
We think that there is a case for the Council making vitamin supplements available free of charge to vulnerable groups including those making use of food banks.
The York Council is expecting to get an additional £600,000 in support payments from the government as a consequence of moving into Tier 2 restrictions
One additional death has been reported by the York Hospital Trust
There have been 75 (SEVENTY FIVE) additional positive test results announced today bringing the cumulative total to 2474
The rate per 100,000 population peaked at 276.34 on Monday
York will become a HIGH tier area with effect from midnight. This involves several additional restrictions including a controls on inter-family mingling.
There have been some suggestions that the additional restrictions should only have been applied to neighbourhoods with high case numbers. However, as well as Heslington, this would have affected Tang Hall and the City centre which has the second highest number of cases. Many hospitality businesses are located in the City centre and so would have been caught by the tighter restrictions whichever option was adopted.
Council updates its narrative on Pandemic
The York Council has updated its commentary on the COVID crisis on open data. It is reproduced below
he data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 16.10.20. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 12.10.20 there had been 400 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 15.10.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 856.3 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 5,258 people). The peak estimated rate was 1,029.4 on 29.9.20.
Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)
• As at 15.10.20 York has had 2,399 cases, a rate of 1139 per 100,000 of population. The rate in York is above the national average (1,017.4) but below the regional average (1,463.5) average.
• 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 (12.10.20) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.10.20 to 13.10.20 in York is 239.3. (Using data published on Gov.uk on 15.10.20).
• The latest local “validated” 7 day rate for York for the period 3.10.20 to 9.10.20 was 260.2. The national and regional averages at this date were 159.6 and 263.0 respectively ( PHE Centre Daily COVID-19 Report 15.10.20).
• As at 12.10.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 15.66% (867 positives out of 5,535 tests). The national and regional averages are 8% and 11.6 % respectively. The number of Pillar 2 tests being carried out in York is increasing.
• The Fulford, Heslington and University MSOA is in the highest 5% in the Yorkshire and Humber Region for new cases per 100,000 in the seven day period up to 9.10.20. Other MSOAs in the region (e.g. Leeds, Bradford, and Sheffield) which contain university premises within their boundaries are also on this list.
• As at 14.10.20 York University reported 288 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test.
• As at 13.10.20 York St. John reported 74 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test.
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 1,646 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 1,276 of the cases have been engaged. 5,000 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 3,506 of these have been traced.
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 2nd October 2020 and registered up to 10th October 2020, 172 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (83 in hospital, 77 in care homes, 9 at home and 3 in a hospice. The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 81.66 which is lower than the national average of 89.62. The most recent death reported for a York resident was in week 38 (12 to 18 September).
• ‘Excess’ deaths (ONS). In week 40 (26 Sept to 2 Oct), 30 deaths occurred for York residents, which is 1 fewer than the average weekly number for 2014-18. Over the last 19 weeks the total number of deaths in York has been 51 fewer than the average for the equivalent weeks in 2014-18.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 12.10.20 (for deaths occurring up to 7.10.20), a cumulative total of 164 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.6, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is slightly older than the national average. 87 of the 164 were male (53%), slightly less than the national average (55.1%). 81 of the deaths occurred in hospital and 83 were community deaths (e.g. at home or in a care home or hospice). 72 people (43.9%) died in nursing /care homes (the national average is 29.3%). In addition 13 people (7.9%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital. The most recent death for CYC resident occurred on 7.10.20.
Data on deaths occurring in hospital are shown below. Deaths are initially reported for York NHS Foundation Trust which includes Scarborough Hospital and the further breakdown by site can be delayed. From local registrar data, 57.7% of COVID-19 deaths occurring at York Hospital have been CYC residents. (NB NHS Trusts record deaths following a positive covid-19 test (within 28 days) whereas ONS record deaths where covid-19 in mentioned on the death certificate so the totals are not the same).
• Deaths at York Hospital: As at 15.10.20, 139 deaths (awaiting confirmation of breakdown by hospital site) where the person had tested positive for COVID-19 and were being cared for at York Hospital have been reported. 220 deaths have been reported by the wider York NHS Trust.
Deep frustration over COVID fact void
Local Conservative MP Julian Study has joined the increasing clamour for the authorities to improve the breadth and timeliness of the COVID stats being made available to York residents.
He rightly pointed out in the House of Commons yesterday that many of the figures, which drove the City into a “High” level of restrictions, have not been published.
The concern reflects the views of many residents as well as the York Council.
The Council has now made a list available of the information that it publishes on a regular basis.
It was responding to a suggestion that some additional numbers should be publicly available.
We identified key information which was needed to monitor progress daily.
There are several gaps including the percentage of tests undertaken which are positive (the information is available only for Pillar Two tests and is published by the government 2 weeks in arrears).
Other gaps include
1. The demographics of current cases in City (e.g. by age group, by ward)
2. Test and trace results including the number of tests completed by channel (Pillar 1, Poppleton, Heslington, postal etc.), positivity, contracts traced, contacts still to be traced, linkages to workplaces, schools, universities etc
3. Hospital admissions, bed occupancy, ICU occupancy and discharges
The Council says that it doesn’t get this information from government so can’t publish it.
It also admits that there is a lot of information that it does get but currently chooses not to add to the “open data” web site (see table).
Not surprisingly there are now calls for more transparency.
In 2020 the authorities should be able to provide “real time” updates.
Against the background of a rapidly changing situation, the publication of information “two weeks in arrears” is simply unacceptable.
Alert level tier national map
Useful map of COVID restrictions in a rapidly changing world
Another York Hospital Trust death was announced today
There were 71 (SEVENTY ONE) additional positive test results announced today. This brings the total to 2399. 1424 of these have occurred since the start of the second wave of infections on 1st September.
The highest rate per 100,000 head of population happened on Monday when the figure reached 274.44
The worst affected neighbourhood is Heslington/University which has had 119 positive test results during the last 7 days.
The least affected area has been Bishopthorpe/Copmanthorpe with 7 cases.
The government has published updated test and trace stats covering the period between 30th September and 7th October. Nearly 1 in 5 of the people who were tested in York were found to have the virus. The positivity rate is continuing to increase.
The government claims that it has traced 67% of contacts in the City since test & trace started in May. The York Council has announced plans to set up its own contact tracing service. It is expected to be operational next week.
York subject to Tier 2 restrictions
The City is to be added to the areas with “Tier 2” restrictions. Given the recent increase in case numbers in parts of the City, the decision is not unexpected.
The restrictions are effective from 00:01 this Saturday morning
Tier 2 restrictions will mean
All businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a Covid-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law, such as nightclubs and adult entertainment venues
Certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am. Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-thru
Schools, universities and places of worship remain open
Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees
Organised indoor sport and exercise classes can continue to take place, provided the Rule of Six is followed
The “Rule of Six” will continue to apply outdoors and in private gardens
People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport
Some may feel that the move comes too late and should include further restrictions on travel, the closure of more leisure venues, schools returning to the arrangements seen in the Spring with other educational facilities being quarantined.
138 (ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY EIGHT) new cases were announced today. That is the largest single day announcement that we have had. It brings the total to 2328.
The seven day, per 100k population, case figure reached 266.84 on Saturday.
The case numbers over the last 7 days at Heslington/University have reached 100.
To put that into context, the figure is twice the total number of cases that we saw in the whole of the City during the month of August.
The figures may lead to calls for stricter quarantining arrangements on the campus, in student accommodation and in leisure activities.
There have been no additional deaths at the York hospital.
95 (NINETY FIVE) additional positive test results were announced today, bringing the cumulative total up to 2190.
The largest, individual day, positive test count number was 103 which occurred last Wednesday.
The cases per 100,000 population figure peaked at 261.15 on Thursday.
The neighbourhood with the largest number of positive test results is still Heslington/University which currently has 78 cases. This is down from the peak of 88 which was reported yesterday. The university says that it was aware of 247 individuals within the university community who were currently self-isolating because they had had a positive Covid-19 test.
The area with the fewest cases is Dunnington/Elvington/Wheldrake (6)
Some pupils at the Haxby Road and Robert Wilkinson schools in the City are understood to be self-isolating. More than 150 children at the two schools are affected
No further hospital deaths in York. There have, however, been 81 deaths announced in other parts of the country.
Leisure grants
The government has announced that it will make the following grants to cultural organisations in the City
York Museums Trust
£850,000
Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial
No change to York alert level following PMs announcement
The PM has announced a three tier system of restrictions.
Against expectations, York is still to be classified as a “medium risk” area with the current set of restrictions continuing to apply.
The new three-tier system on local lockdowns is:
TIER 1 Medium : Rule of Six and 10pm curfew – Includes York
TIER 2: High: All indoor household mixing banned but permitted outdoors including in private gardens – Includes Nottinghamshire, East & West Cheshire and a small area of High Peak
TIER 3: Very High: All household mixing banned and pubs/bars closed along with gyms, leisure centres, betting shops and casinos. – Liverpool city region will be placed in the ‘very high’ risk category of the new system from Wednesday
What medium level means for you:
Social contact
The Rule of 6 continues to apply
Childcare bubbles (for under-15s/years 9 and 10) children (or vulnerable adults) where necessary for caring purposes (to be a consistent childcare relationship, not for playdates).
Up to 15 people at wedding, civil partnership ceremonies and ‘significant event’ gatherings
Up to 30 people can attend funerals
No mass events for example sports events and pilot performances
Organised sport is only allowed outdoors
Visiting indoor hospitality/leisure/retail settings under rule of 6
Businesses
Business in sectors which are permitted to open by law can remain so providing they meet Covid19-Secure guidance.
All workers in indoor hospitality must wear face coverings and/or work behind screens (chefs, waiting staff, etc.). Customers must also wear face coverings, apart from when seated
Leisure and entertainment venue must be closed between 10pm and 5am, but can continue delivery after 10pm.
Food and drink venues will be table service only.
More stringent Covid19 secure guidance and enforcement. Where possible, WFH should be encouraged.
For the latest government guidance for your business go to gov.uk/coronavirus
Deaths and test results
THREE more deaths in the York Hospital Trust area announced today. 2 occurred on Saturday and 1 last Friday. That brings the second wave death toll to 5 in little over a week.
There have been 63 (SIXTY THREE) additional positive test results announced today bringing the cumulative total number of cases in the City to 2095
The highest single day number of new cases occurred last Wednesday when 94 positive tests were carried out.
Although the rolling 7 day average number of new cases dropped to 66.14 last Friday it is too soon to say whether this represents a new trend.
The largest number of cases continues to be recorded in the Heslington/University neighbourhood (88 cases).
The media are reporting that at the University of York, there were 220 individuals self isolating due to a positive Covid-19 test on Monday.
At York St John University there were 67 people self isolating due to a positive test on Monday.
The smallest number (6) occurred in the Dunnington/Elvington neighbourhood.
Q & A sessions
This week residents are invited to join a Live Coronavirus Q&A where city leaders will be discussing the latest public health updates and answer questions.
Tuesday 13 October, 6-7pm – Public Health Update, including with Cllr Keith Aspden and director of public health, Sharon Stoltz.
Head over to our Facebook page to watch them live. Ask your questions by commenting live or email your question ahead of time to YourQuestions@york.gov.uk and specify which live Q&A your question relates to.
Daily COVID case data for York is available on our social media accounts: Follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
City of York Council Public Health Update
City leaders have today thanked York residents and urged everyone to continue working together to protect the people and places we love.
The Government has today outlined a new three-tier system for restrictions, split between ‘medium’, ‘high’ and ‘very high’ levels. The new system has been introduced in an effort to tackle the rising number of Covid-19 infections nationally.
Although it has not been officially confirmed by the Government, it is understood that York will remain at the medium level, meaning that there will be no additional restrictions, beyond the current national guidance, to be introduced for York’s residents and businesses.
However, it is important to underline that York’s infection rate is rising significantly and the Council continues to work with partners across the city to address this. City leaders have urged everyone to play their part to slow the spread of the virus and to avoid stricter restrictions in the future. Residents and visitors are being urged to follow good public health measures and remember Hands, Face, Space at all times, to protect those we love and keep the places we enjoy open.
The provisional rate for the last seven days of new Covid cases for every 100,000 people in York is 207.2. This is higher than the national average of 133.8, but lower than the regional average of 231.9.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said:
“Whilst it is welcome the early indications that no further restrictions are to be put in place in York, we must remain vigilant and work together to keep our city safe and open.”
“It is thanks to our collective effort that we can continue to keep the places we love open. However, as the number of cases continue to rise in York and across the country, we must not rest on our laurels and continue to work together to protect jobs, keep our friends and family safe and keep the places we love open.
“This year has been exceptionally difficult for many, and we are grateful to residents and businesses across the city who continue to do their bit in protecting our city. Despite the challenges of this year, York has demonstrated what it does best − pulling together and supporting each other. It is crucial that we continue in this spirit and work together over the coming weeks and months.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said:
“This is welcome news, but it does not mean we can relax.
“We continue to closely monitor the data to track the spread of the virus as quickly as possible. We’re seeing the virus spread mainly through social contact and households mixing indoors and not social distancing.
“We know how hard it is to stay away but the best way to show love at the moment is to keep your loved ones safe by practicing Hands. Face. Space. We must continue to wash our hands regularly, observe social distancing and wear face coverings in busy places.
“Please make sure you are familiar with the symptoms, self-isolate if you show any of them, and book a test straight away.”
Keep informed
This week residents are invited to join a Live Coronavirus Q&A where city leaders will be discussing the latest public health updates and answer questions.
Tuesday 13 October, 6-7pm – Public Health Update, including with Cllr Keith Aspden and director of public health, Sharon Stoltz.
Head over to our Facebook page to watch them live. Ask your questions by commenting live or email your question ahead of time to YourQuestions@york.gov.uk and specify which live Q&A your question relates to.
An unwelcome milestone today with the total number of cases in the City soaring to over 2000 following the announcement of 68 (SIXTY EIGHT) positive test results today.
This means the the number of cases has more than doubled since the 1000 case milestone, which happened as recently as 5th September.
The cases per 100,000 population figure dropped slightly last Thursday to 235.98. This is still higher than the national average.
Last Wednesday saw the largest single day number of positive test results in York at 86.
The neighbourhood with by far the largest number of cases is the University/Heslington/Fulford where there are 82. This is followed by Tang Hall with 40.
By comparison, there are comparatively few cases in much of the west of the City with Bishopthorpe/Copmanthorpe recording only 7 cases. There has been a similar low number recorded in Huntington.
80 (EIGHTY) additional positive test results have been announced bringing the total number of cases recorded in the City to 1964.
There have been no further hospital deaths.
A new peak of 232.18 cases per 100,000 head of population was recorded on Wednesday .
Heslington remains the neighbourhood with the largest number of cases during the last 7 days. Currently it has 75 positive test results. The next highest is neighbouring Tang Hall with 36 cases.
Authorities appeal; “Keep the city safe and stop the spread”
Following an increase in cases of Coronavirus across the country, the Council are urging residents to play their part in stopping the spread of the virus.
As of today (9 October) the York 7 day rate for COVID-19 cases was at 203.69 per 100,000. The previous verified 7 day rate comes from 2 October and was 161 cases per 100,000. This compares to the national average of 109.3 and regional average of 190.1 for the same date.
Residents and visitors to the city are being urged to follow good public health measures and remember Hands, Face, Space at all times.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council and Chair of the Outbreak Management Advisory Board said:
“Through our collective effort we have been able to keep our city safe and open, however, as cases increase across the country, now more than ever we must focus on protecting our family, friends and neighbours from the virus.
“We understand that this remains a difficult time for many people, but we must continue in these efforts to protect one another and keep the places we love in the city open.
“Whilst we continue working with our excellent public health team and partners to help protect businesses and residents, it is now utterly crucial for us all to work together to help slow the spread of the virus.
“York remains a safe and welcoming city to visit, with local businesses needing our support more than ever. Let’s continue supporting local businesses in a safe way following public health guidance, which remains our best defence against the virus. This way we can ensure our city can remain open, safe and welcoming.”
The council are working with North Yorkshire Police, public health experts, York BID and businesses to remind people to follow health guidance. Signage has been installed in prominent locations across the city to ensure the Hands, Face, Space message is promoted to everyone visiting the city centre.
York remains above the national average for footfall in the city, with visitors spend drawing close to pre-lockdown levels. Businesses across the city have been working with the Council and other partners to help keep visitors safe whilst they enjoy what the city has to offer.
To focus on reducing household transmission, the Council has launched a campaign encouraging residents to share their own ideas and tips they use to keep their home and family safe. So far these have included offering visitors kitchen roll to avoid sharing towels, and keeping a bottle of hand sanitiser ready at the door for visitors.
Sharon Stoltz, Director for Public Health at City of York Council said:
“We are grateful to everyone that has been following the rules so far, and we know many residents have worked hard to stay safe. But with the number of cases increasing, if we want to keep our city open we all need to play our part. The message is clear, to stop the spread we all need to work together.
We know that the best ways to stop the spread are wearing a face covering, keeping a safe distance and limiting contact with others as much as possible. If people are experiencing symptoms it is essential that they stay at home and arrange to have a test.
To halt the spread we need to remember to follow Hands, Face, Space and to:
Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds or more with soap and water or use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not easily available
Wear a face covering in busy public spaces
Keep a 2m distance from people outside your household and don’t gather in groups of more than six
Self-isolate and stay at home if you have symptoms or if you are contacted by test and trace. If you have symptoms please ask for a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.”
Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading the COVID-19 response for North Yorkshire Police said:
“Last weekend North Yorkshire Police worked alongside our local authority partners to protect the public and this weekend is no different. We will be proactively policing the Covid regulations and despite demand returning to pre-lockdown levels, we are determined to keep people safe and suppress the spread of the virus.
“However, our effort needs to be matched by the public who both live and visit North Yorkshire and the City of York. So far, the vast majority have demonstrated high levels of personal responsibility, for which we are immensely thankful. We all know we must continue to stay alert and keep going for as long as it takes to beat this virus. Just like you, I know we might have to live with its impacts for some time, but our collective determination to beat it will work.
“Extra officers will be patrolling across North Yorkshire and York this weekend, trying to keep everyone safe, but we need your help. If anyone is seeing this weekend as a chance to throw caution to the wind and not follow the restrictions, which everyone should all know and understand, then my message is simple – the police will not tolerate anyone who willingly puts others at risk, by refusing to abide by the regulations. Anyone who acts in such a reckless and irresponsible manner should expect enforcement action to be taken against them.
“So please enjoy what the county and city has to offer, but do so within the restrictions and work with us to keep North Yorkshire safe.”