The situation is now rated as RED. This is the most serious of the three gradings available. It reflects the 6 additional cases revealed on 16th August.
There is still no comment from the authorities about the location and background of the new cases announced yesterday .
The Council commentary says
2DIAGNOSED CASES (Pillar 1 and 2 combined)
• As at 20.8.20 York has had 946 cases, a rate of 449.2 per 100,000 of population. The rate in York is lower than national (494.9) and regional (631) averages. The most recent cases in York had a test specimen date of 16.8.20 (6 cases).
• 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 (17.8.20) is Red. The rating was triggered by a higher than ‘expected’ number of cases per 100 tests twice in the last 14 days (3 cases with a specimen date of 9.8.20 and 6 cases with a specimen date of 16.8.20). We know that in recent weeks the number of cases have been low in York which has an effect on the thresholds used to determine the RAG rating – a small change can mean the difference between a red, amber and green rating. The exceedance report should not be considered in isolation but in context alongside other factors such as the recent total number of cases, COVID related deaths, outbreaks as well as changes in the local testing regime and local hotspot analysis.
• The latest weekly National Covid-19 Surveillance Report released on 14.8.20 and covering the week up to 11.8.20, showed that the 7 day rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population tested under Pillar 1 and 2 was 4.29 for York. York was ranked 57th out of 150 local authorities (with 1 being the lowest rate).
• The latest validated 7 day rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population for York is 3.8 (10 cases). This is for the 7 day period up to 14.8.20. This excludes cases with a sample date in the last few days due to partial data and lags in reporting. The rate in York is lower than national (12.2) and regional (20.3) averages.
• As at 18.8.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 0.64% (11 positives out of 1,710 tests). The positivity rate in York is lower than national (1.2%) and regional (1.7%) averages.
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 7th August 2020 and registered up to 15th August 2020, 171 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (83 in hospital, 76 in care homes, 9 at home and 3 in a hospice. The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 81.19 which is lower than the national average of 87.62.
• ‘Excess’ deaths (ONS). In week 32 (1 August to 7 August), 30 deaths occurred in York, which is 1 more than the average weekly number for 2014-18. Over the last 11 weeks the total number of deaths in York has been 37 fewer than the average for the equivalent weeks in 2014-18.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 17.8.20 (for deaths occurring up to 12.8.20), a cumulative total of 162 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 82.47, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is slightly older than the national average. 86 of the 162 were male (53.1%), slightly less than the national average (55%). 81 of the deaths occurred in hospital and 81 were community deaths (e.g. at home or in a care home or hospice). 70 people (43.2%) died in nursing /care homes (the national average is 29.6%). In addition 13 people (8%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
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, 58.5% of COVID-19 deaths occurring at York Hospital have been CYC residents. (NB NHS Trusts record deaths following a positive covid-19 test 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 20.8.20, 134 deaths of people who had tested positive for COVID-19 and were being cared for at York Hospital have been reported. 214 deaths have been reported by the wider York NHS Trust.
High Street recovery
The Centre for Cities website has publishedfigures todaywhich give a contrasting appraisal of how well York is recovering economically from the pandemic.
It claims footfall has recovered to 75% of pre COVID levels. However this puts York in the bottom 10 of cities nationwide. Blackpool (!) tops the list at 130% with London at a lowly 28%.
The site describes York’s recovery as “moderately strong”
York is above average on the “spend” index.
Weekend visitor numbers have recovered strongly
The site says that visitors to the City centre are still predominately from outside York.
Live Q&A to discuss options for school leavers
Join the next live #AskTheLeaders Live Q&A on the council’s Facebook page this Tuesday 25 August at 5-6pm.
The panel will discuss your questions and comments about further education and career options for people leaving school this year.
This question and answer session is the latest in a series that will discuss your questions, with a special focus on the next steps for young people who have finished secondary school this year following the announcement of their GCSE grades.
Residents are invited to watch live on Facebook to hear from:
Cllr Darryl Smalley, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities
Cllr Ian Cuthbertson, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education
Lee Probert, Chief Executive and Principal, York College
Sandra Burnhill, Vice-Principal, Askham Bryan College
Laurence Beardmore, managing director York Coffee Emporium and Vice President, York & North Yorkshire Chamber
Louisa Dobson, Louisa Dobson Outreach Hub Officer FutureHY York and North Yorkshire
John Thompson, Head of Secondary and Skills, City of York Council
Bob Watmore, York Apprenticeship Hub, City of York council
How can I get involved?
Students, parents and carers can interact with the session by either submitting questions in advance by emailing them to YourQuestions@york.gov.uk or commenting on the live video on Facebook where leaders will read out questions and respond.* Questions may be answered by theme rather than individually, so that the conversation covers as many topics as possible.
For the latest York updates on service changes, online support and how you can get involved in supporting your community visit www.york.gov.uk/Coronavirus
*Please note: Residents do not need a Facebook account to watch the live video however, they will need their own Facebook account to comment on the video with their questions (alternatively questions can be emailed to YourQuestions@york.gov.uk).
There has been a spike in the number of positive test results recorded in the City. The government has updated the figures issued on Sunday 16th August revealing that 6 positive results were recorded on that day. That brings the cumulative total to 946.
That is the largest single day number of new cases recorded since the middle of June.
According to the government web site the cases were located in the Woodthorpe/Foxwood area
The Council, in its now regular email to residents about the health crisis, makes no reference to the figures and offers no explanation for the blip. (Instead the email refers to house sales at Lowfields and the proposal for a new forest neither of which are directly linked to the health crisis).
The Councils daily COVID tracker – which can be found by clicking here on “Open Data – also makes no reference to the new figures.
The Council continues to ignore requests for additional information to be published.
Key at the moment are the number of tests being carried out on York residents each day. This would tell us whether there is an increase in the percentage proving to be positive.
Also important, in view of the spike, are the results of “track and trace” processes. These might help residents understand whether the positive results related to a particular family or group of workers.
The York Council says that it still faces a £20.4 million budget shortfall as a result of the COVID crisis.
The figures will be presented to a meeting next week They vary little from what has previously been published with the bulk of the shortfall (£16 million) being in anticipated reductions in Council Tax and Business Rate income following a rise in unemployment levels. .
The biggest hit is expected during the next financial year when the Councils reserves will hit a low point.
There is still little evidence that the council is controlling its expenditure levels. There has been no freeze on new expenditure commitments.
One encouraging trend is in visitor numbers in the City centre.
Marygate car park full
Officials say that use is now at 80% of car park capacity.
Footfall is at 70% of normal levels. This is higher than in other cities (50%) and bears out our own observations.
Use of public transport is still much reduced.
Despite the obvious increasing demand for car parking there is no mention in the report about the controversial decision to take 40 spaces at Marygate out of use.
Nor is there any acknowledgement that the number of spaces allocated for disabled use at Monk Bar is excessive. Most there are never used.
These spaces could be generating additional income for the Council and, of course, their occupants would be likely to be spending in local shops, restaurants and visitor attractions.
The income loss to the Council from the 70 unused spaces is estimated to be £5000 a week.
The Council says that changed highways layouts have “largely been well received”. They base this claim on the responses to a survey question (“big conversation”) where 62% said that they agreed with the extension of the “foot-streets”.
This may be so, but the council failed to include questions in its survey about individual actions like the reduction in car parking provision. Without such feedback, it is impossible to judge which of the changes enjoys popular support.
There is no acknowledgement that faulty car park ticket machines and unreliable advanced space availability signs remain an issue.
The Council is promising to consult with disabled residents about their transport needs. It will spend £25,000 doing so.
As usual the suburban and secondary shopping areas are ignored by officials.
Front Street needs more shoppers
There is clearly an economic opportunity for areas like Acomb if they can attract those who feel let down by some of the travel restrictions.
Opening Front Street to blue badge holders, on one or two days a week, would cost little but could stimulate footfall in what is another another beleaguered trading area.
There have been no more hospital deaths or positive test results announced today.
Outbreak management board agenda
The Council has published its agenda and supporting papers for its COVID management board meeting which is taking place tomorrow (Wednesday) click blue wording for links to support documents
There have been no further hospital deaths or positive test results announced in York today
Q & A on line
Leaders of North Yorkshire’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic will give an update on the work they are doing, and answer questions from residents and businesses.
North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan will lead the live update and will be joined by:
Chief Constable Lisa Winward – North Yorkshire Police
Chief Fire Officer Andrew Brodie – North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
Sharon Stoltz – Director of Public Health for York
Richard Flinton – Chair of the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum (NYLRF)
Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker – North Yorkshire Police
Members of the public are invited to watch the meeting from 1.00pm on Tuesday on YouTube and submit questions in advance by emailing info@northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk, posting on Twitter using the hashtag #NYscrutiny or commenting on Facebook. Not all questions will be able to be used, but they will inform the Commissioner’s questioning and the general discussion.
Julia Mulligan has decided in these uncertain times that there should be a regular update on the Coronavirus response direct to residents and businesses, and this is the seventh of those broadcasts.
These updates are in addition to the regular public accountability meetings which are an opportunity to ensure the police and fire service are performing as well as possible to keep North Yorkshire safe and feeling safe.
The next live #AskTheLeaders Live Q&A on the York council’s Facebook page this Tuesday 18 August at 5-6pm, as the panel discuss your questions and comments about the city’s coronavirus response.
This next question and answer session will discuss your questions, with a special focus on public health in York, including guidance around testing, face coverings, social distancing and latest data.
Residents are invited to watch live on Facebook to hear from:
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of the Council
Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adults Social Care
Fiona Phillips, Assistant Director of Public Health
Dr Andrew Lee, Executive Director of Primary Care and Population Health,
NHS Vale of York CCG
Inspector Andrew Godfrey, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for York City Centre, North Yorkshire Police
The live event takes place the day before the city’s next Outbreak Management Advisory Board. The board includes representatives from public health, public transport, the NHS, Universities and City of York Council who will review the city’s outbreak control plan, as work continues on York’s response to the pandemic.
Residents can interact with the session by either submitting questions in advance by emailing them to YourQuestions@york.gov.uk or commenting on the live video on Facebook where leaders will read out questions and respond.* Questions may be answered by theme rather than individually, so that the conversation covers as many topics as possible.
There have been 3 additional positive test results in the City. That brings the cumulative total to 938.
There have been no additional hospital deaths
The Council has updated its commentary on how the pandemic is progressing. It is reproduced below
DIAGNOSED CASES (Pillar 1 and 2 combined)
• As at 13.8.20 York has had 935 cases, a rate of 443.9 per 100,000 of population. The England rate is 481.4. The Yorkshire & Humber rate is 610.3. The most recent case in York had a test specimen date of 10.8.20 (1 case).
• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the no. of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (11.8.20) is Amber. The rating was triggered by a higher than ‘expected’ number of cases per 100 tests once in the last 14 days (2 cases with a specimen date of 9.8.20). We know that in recent weeks the number of cases have been low in York which has an effect on the thresholds used to determine the RAG rating – a small change can mean the difference between a red, amber and green rating. The exceedance report should not be considered in isolation but in context alongside other factors such as the recent total number of cases, COVID related deaths, outbreaks as well as changes in the local testing regime and local hotspot analysis.
• The latest weekly National Covid-19 Surveillance Report released on 7.8.20 and covering the week up to 4.8.20, showed that the 7 day rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population tested under Pillar 1 and 2 was 1.43 for York. York was ranked 12th out of 150 local authorities (with 1 being the lowest rate).
• The latest validated 7 day rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population for York is 2.9. This is for the 7 day period up to 7.8.20. This excludes cases with a sample date in the last few days due to partial data and lags in reporting. The national average is 9.9 and the regional average is 16.3
• As at 11.8.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 0.55% (8 positives out of 1,449 tests). The positivity rate in York is lower than national (1.3%) and regional (2.0%) averages.
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 31st July 2020 and registered up to 8st August 2020, 171 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (83 in hospital, 75 in care homes, 9 at home, 3 in a hospice and 1 in an ‘other communal establishment’). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 81.19 which is lower than the national average of 87.38
• ‘Excess’ deaths (ONS). In week 31 (25 July to 31 July), 27 deaths occurred in York, which is 3 fewer than the average weekly number for 2014-18. The number of deaths has now been lower than the 2014-18 average for 7 out of the last 10 weeks.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 10.8.20 (for deaths occurring up to 5.8.20), a cumulative total of 162 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 82.47, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is slightly older than the national average. 86 of the 162 were male (53.1%), slightly less than the national average (55%). 81 of the deaths occurred in hospital and 81 were community deaths (e.g. at home or in a care home or hospice). 70 people (43.2%) died in nursing /care homes (the national average is 29.6%). In addition 13 people (8%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
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, 58.5% of COVID-19 deaths occurring at York Hospital have been CYC residents. (NB NHS Trusts record deaths following a positive covid-19 test 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 12.8.20, 134 deaths of people who had tested positive for COVID-19 and were being cared for at York Hospital have been reported. 214 deaths have been reported by the wider York NHS Trust.
More businesses reopen tomorrow
Indoor theatre, music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences.
The piloting of spectators at sporting events will resume, with a limited number of fans expected to be allowed to watch the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre over the weekend.
Casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and soft play centres will be allowed to reopen.
“Close contact” beauty services such as facials, eyebrow threading and eyelash treatments will resume.
Wedding receptions for up to 30 guests will be permitted.
Pilots will take place at conference venues ahead of the expected resumption of business events from October 1 at the earliest.
Hairdressers will have to wear a face mask AND a clear visor New guidance will also mean that staff offering “close contact” services, including hairdressers, will now have to wear a face mask as well as a clear visor. The move, which follows new evidence from the scientific advisory group for emergencies (Sage) is aimed at protecting customers and staff from respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, coughing, or speaking.
Music event cancelled
Acomb Sports and Social Club
An outdoor music event due to be held at the Acomb Cricket Club Ground on The Green on Sunday has been cancelled. Nearly 500 tickets for the event had been sold but Council officials have now stepped in to halt the socially distanced event.
Stay safe and shop local
As more businesses are able to open from tomorrow, Saturday 15 August, the council is thanking residents for supporting local businesses and reminding people to stay safe and follow health guidance.
From tomorrow, bowling alleys, casinos and soft play centres will be allowed to open their doors, face coverings will be mandatory at all these locations unless you are exempt . Alongside this more beauty treatments, small wedding receptions and live indoor performances will be able to take place.
Executive Member for Economy and Strategic planning, Cllr Andrew Waller, said: “The response to our ‘Let’s be York’ campaign has been great with people once again enjoying the city, but in a safe, considerate and responsible way. It has been great to hear how people are continuing to shop local and support York’s wide range of independent businesses that help to animate the city.
I’d urge people to follow the recently updated guidance for wearing face coverings, where possible. I would like to thank staff in the many shops and traders for the efforts that they are undertaking to work with the new requirements and advice, to help to keep us all safe and keep the city open for business.”
Johnny Hayes Chairman of Indie York, said: “York’s Independent businesses are really pleased that numbers visiting their businesses have been increasing day by day since lockdown was lifted. Things are still far from normal but without doubt the support of local residents is crucial to small local businesses. Shopping local and supporting Independents is I know very much appreciated by local business owners. So thank you and please keep on supporting our local independents. “
