Coronavirus York updates; 24th July 2020

Deaths and test results

According to government figures released today, two more positive test results have been recorded in York. This brings the total to 918.

There have been no more deaths in York hospitals

Stats

The latest “open data” report says,

DIAGNOSED CASES (Pillar 1 and 2 combined)

• As at 23.7.20 York has had 916* cases, a rate of 436.4 per 100,000 of population. The England rate is 456.9. The Yorkshire & Humber rate is 567.1. *updated to 918 today

• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 10 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 (20.7.20) is Green.

• The weekly rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population tested under Pillar 1 and 2 (as at 21.7.20, using the report released on 23.7.20) was 0.95 for York. York was ranked 8th out of 150 local authorities (with 1 being the lowest rate)

• As at 20.7.20 the latest 7 day positivity rate (Pillar 2 only) was 0.36% (5 positives out of 1,406 tests).

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 will include deaths of York residents which have 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 10th July 2020 and registered up to 18th July 2020, 168 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (82 in hospital, 73 in care homes, 9 at home, 3 in an hospice and 1 in an ‘other communal establishment’). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 79.77 which is lower than the national average of 86.22.

• ‘Excess’ deaths (ONS): In week 28 (4 July to 10 July), 31 deaths occurred in York, which is the 2 more than the weekly number for 2014-18. The peak week for ‘excess’ deaths and for Covid deaths was week18 (25 April to 1 May).

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 20.7.20 (for deaths occurring up to 15.7.20), a cumulative total of 159 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 82.4, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is slightly older than the national average. 84 of the 159 were male (52.8%), slightly less than the national average (55%). 80 of the deaths occurred in hospital and 79 were community deaths (e.g. at home or in a care home or hospice). 68 people (42.8%) died in nursing /care homes (the national average is 29.6%). In addition 13 people (8.2%) 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, 58.6% of COVID-19 deaths occurring at York Hospital have been CYC residents.

• Deaths at York Hospital: As at 23.7.20, 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

Coronavirus York updates; 23rd July 2020

Deaths and test results

The have been no additional hospital deaths or positive test results today

Face coverings

It is already mandatory to wear a face covering when using public transport and from this Friday (24 July), we must also wear one when we’re out shopping.

A face covering is classed as something which safely covers the nose and mouth. You can buy reusable or single-use face coverings, make your own or use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering, but these must securely fit round the side of the face.

A face covering should:

·         cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably

·         fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face

·         be secured to the head with ties or ear loops

·         be made of a material that you find to be comfortable and breathable

·         ideally include at least two layers of fabric

We also have a video with advice from our Assistant Director for Public Health, Fiona Phillips, available to view on YouTube, which you are welcome to share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHdcSC9Khfw&feature=emb_title

Some people are exempt from wearing one for medical reasons.

More details on face coverings are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

Reopening of leisure centres

Better Leisure, the charitable social enterprise that operates leisure facilities on behalf of City Of York Council, has announced its plans for a phased reopening from 25 July 2020.

All customers will have to book online or on the Better App for an hour slot at each centre: https://www.better.org.uk/coronavirus/booking

Burnholme Sports Centre and Energise Leisure Centre will open on 25 July for gym, Swim and group exercise classes. Yearsley Pool will open in August with a date still to be confirmed.

Centre opening times:

·         Burnholme Sports Centre – Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 8am -4pm

·         Energise Leisure Centre – Monday to Friday 7am – 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 8am -4pm

Inside centres, signage and floor markings will assist with one-way access and social distancing. Equipment within gym areas will be reduced to ensure that 2 metres social distancing between users is maintained, while some fitness classes will be relocated to sports halls or even, weather permitting, the open air.

Swim customers are requested to arrive with their costume on under their clothes to save time and reduce pressure on change areas. Gym and studio customers will be encouraged to bring their own drinking water (and mat if needed) – and shower and change at home.

Staff will be adopting a new, enhanced cleaning regime, while customers will be asked to wipe down the equipment that they have used. Hand sanitiser will be available throughout leisure centre buildings.

More information is available at https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/york/news/re-opening-of-leisure-facilities-in-york

Coronavirus York updates; 22nd July 2020

Deaths and test results

4 more positive test results have been added to the governments figures. This brings the cumulative total in the City to 916.

There have been no more hospital deaths

Coronavirus impacts on health services

A meeting is taking place next week which will consider the local health impacts of the Caronavirus epidemic. Details here

Particularly interesting – and to an extent concern – is a report relating to the impact that the crisis has had on people, systems and priorities in York.

Coronavirus York updates; 21st July 2020

Deaths and test results

There have been no further hospital deaths or positive test results in York. It is now 7 days since the last positive test result in York and over 4 weeks since the last hospital death

However latest government figures reveal that there was an additional death in a York Care Home on 14th July. This brought the cumulative total of deaths from coronavirus in York care homes up to 77.

Coronavirus York updates; 19th July 2020

Deaths and test results

No more hospital deaths or positive test results in the City again today

The Plan

The Council has now published a plan which lays out how it will deal with further stages of the pandemic. It will be discussed at a meeting taking place on Thursday and can be read by clicking here

The report provides a useful compendium of information on processes and procedures.

The Council expects to spend £3/4 million on its Coronavirus response in the period up to April 2021.

The Councils main failure during the epidemic has been poor communications. It still fails to recognise the need for regular figures to be published on the success of the “track and trace” process, on which hopes of avoiding a “second wave” now largely rest.

Regular updates should also be provided on the number of infectious cases there currently are in the City, and how many hospital beds are occupied by COVID-19 cases

“Big Conversation”

The Council has been selectively leaking – highly selective – results from its survey of public opinion (styled as a “big conversation”)

It failed to gain public support for some of its transport initiatives pointedly omitting any questions about the controversial decisions from the questionnaire.

There has been no table published tabulating the results. A Council report offers the following summary.

“So far there have been over 500 responses.

The key issues arising from the Covid-19 related health questions are summarised below:

a. 98% confident they know the symptoms (82% extremely or very confident)

b. 98% confident they know what to do if they have symptoms (86% very or extremely confident)

c. 95% confident of social distancing guidance (81% very or extremely)

d. There is less confidence in who and how many to socialise with, rules around returning to work and journeys you should make. We will look at what we can do to address these.

e. There is low confidence others will stick to rules

f. More people understand our advice than the governments

g. Slight challenge re shops and public transport which we can look to address.

h. Lower confidence re how safe York will be when visitors from UK or abroad come. Will need addressing.

i. 95% feel informed of what they can do to stop the spread of the virus (75% extremely or very)”.

Coronavirus York updates; 17th July 2020

Deaths and test results

There have been no further positive test results or hospital deaths in the City according to government figures published today.

Sometimes “late” test results are retrospectively added to the daily totals but the trend may be encouraging.

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Restrictions to be eased further

  • From 25th July indoor gyms, pools and other sports facilities can reopen
  • On 1st August the government will update its advice on going to work, asking employers to make decisions about how and where their staff can work safely
  • From the same date, most remaining leisure settings, including bowling, skating rinks, casinos and all close contact services, such as beauticians, will be allowed to reopen
  • Live indoor theatre and concerts will be able to resume with socially distanced audiences
  • Wedding receptions for up to 30 people will also be allowed from next month
  • From September, schools, nurseries and colleges will be open for all children and young people on a full-time basis, while universities are also working to reopen as fully as possible
  • From October, the government intends to allow audiences to return to stadiums, while conferences and other business events can recommence, subject to the outcome of pilots

Shop local

City of York Council is encouraging people to shop local and stay safe this weekend.

Whilst face coverings are mandatory in shops from 24 July, city leaders are coming together to urge residents and businesses to consider the use of face coverings within the safety guidelines.

There is growing evidence that face coverings can stop the spread of Coronavirus. Face coverings, alongside regular hand washing, social distancing and staying home and getting tested, if you have symptoms, remain the best defence we have against the virus.

If you have a medical condition that means you are unable to wear a face covering, you do not need a letter from your healthcare professional to prove this.  In this situation, you will still be able to enter shops and you will not be fined for not wearing one.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said: “Our local business community have worked hard to reopen safely, and to support them, the council has been issuing guidance packs to businesses and licensing premises to support them through this difficult period”.

“If every resident spent £5 with a local business, we would add £1m into York’s economy, and that is why we are encouraging residents to shop local and stay safe this weekend.

“Supporting York’s local businesses and independents puts your money straight back into our local economy and helps support the businesses who make York such a unique city. So, let’s continue to shop local and stay safe.”

Andrew Lowson, Executive Director at York BID, said: “We have seen other countries successfully introduce the use of face coverings without it impacting on people’s ability to enjoy shopping and socialising within the safety guidelines. We hope residents will continue to support their local businesses as they continue on the road to recovery.”

Marc Bichtemann, Managing Director of First York, said: “We have been increasing our services over recent weeks to help more people to travel as retail and leisure opens in York, including more frequency on the park and ride network, so we are able to carry customers safely to their favourite shopping destinations.

“Wearing a face covering on the bus is already the law unless someone is exempt and we encourage everyone, especially customers who may be using the bus first the first time, to bring one with them and help fellow passengers and our drivers to keep safe.”

Information on face coverings, including how to make them and also information on those exempt from wearing a face covering for medical reasons are available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

How many will lose their jobs in York?

Post COVID-19 economic recovery plans

The Council has revealed that its forecast financial deficit for the current year is around £3.9 million. However, the biggest potential hit on its finances comes from a forecast £16 million loss of Business Rate and Council Tax income. This would be the result of businesses closing and unemployment rising.

The Council has still not identified how expenditure savings may be made nor has it attempted to reduce interest charge payments by trimming its capital programme.

The  York Council economic development  report says how it plans to help the York economy recover from the ravages of lock-down. It updates a previous plan which was criticised for a lack of identified actions, targets, and milestones.

The report says that the impact of the COVID lock down has varied across sectors but is most significant where “serving customers face-to-face is at the heart of the business model – retail, hospitality, cultural attractions and personal services”.

One aspect to the report which may cause concern is the lack of clarity on the medium-term impact on unemployment in the City. It highlights the view of the Local Enterprise Partnership which forecasts the loss of “17,500 jobs, including 6,500 in tourism and 2,400 in retail”. If true, then York would go from having almost full employment to a record 15% level.

The report says that around 15,000 people currently work in the care sector in York.

An alternative forecast, from Oxford Economics, says that if a vaccine is rolled out in 2020 then there will be a  swift return to full employment. A core (more likely) forecast, based on re-openings on the current timetable and gradual lifting of all restrictions, suggests that employment will continue to grow in York despite the impact of the pandemic.

Only a second wave, and renewed lockdowns in autumn 2020, would result in permanent losses of around 3900 jobs.

So it seems, like the population as a whole, the Council doesn’t know what will happen next. The report concludes “What we are already seeing is sharp increases in benefits claims, and we need to plan for at least a short-term spike in job losses”.

Against that background it is possible to have some sympathy for the Council as they decide their short term economic recovery strategy.

One of the few measurable actions arising from the report is a request to central government for a business support grant of £15 million (possibly £10 million depending on which paragraph of the report you read, 51 or 60).

The council will also ask for £10 million for skills training.

Mostly the 1 year plan though is “talking”, “developing”, “working with”, “lobbying” and “facilitating”.

NB. The Council has revealed details of some of its visitor marketing plans. . As reported yesterday, £100,000 will be spent on marketing over the next 5 months.

York Council’s visitor economy plans

Coronavirus York updates; 16th July 2020

Deaths and test results

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One further positive test result in York bringing the total number of cases up to 912

There have been no further hospital Trust deaths.

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New rules for household waste sites

The council will be making changes to how our Household Waste and Recycling Centres operate following updated guidance from the government.

Since reopening Household Waste and Recycling Centres across York, the council has operated a ‘click before you tip’ system where residents and businesses booked ahead to avoid queues and ensure social distancing; thousands of slots were being booked.

As with all our services the council has kept this under close review and following changes to restrictions from Government, on Monday 20 July we will no longer ask people to book ahead.

Tips will continue to stay open later. The opening hours of the Household Waste and Recycling Centres will be 8.30am-7pm. Hazel Court is open 7 days a week. Towthorpe will be closed on Wednesdays but open on the other six days.

Social distancing measures will remain in place, with a limited number of vehicles allowed in at any one time.
Health and safety measures on site include:

  • there will be no help to unload waste and place it in the skip. Please ensure you can empty your vehicle yourself – only one person will be permitted outside of the vehicle
  • trailers, vans and pickups will require a permit to visit site as is usual and will be treated as commercial waste and invoiced at the normal rates
  • staff will be on site to ensure social distancing guidelines are maintained
  • commercial users of Hazel Court will need to stop at the weighbridge as per normal site procedure. Invoicing for disposal of this waste will be in place

Bookings are still available for this week and the council is encouraging those who need to use the Household Waste and Recycling Centres to make a booking for this week.

Wherever possible, residents are encouraged to recycle and compost, for more information on this visit www.york.gov.uk/composting or www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=444

Because of the speed that vehicles can travel along Towthorpe Road and the potential for queueing cars wanting turn right against the oncoming traffic to access Towthorpe, the council recommends that visitors to the site do so from the A64 where possible.