Coronavirus York updates; 28th May 2021

Hospital patient numbers and deaths

Test results

Five additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative case total up to 12,389

The number of cases in the City has increased by one to 31.

The rate /100k population is 14.72. However it is expected to rise to peak at over 19.5 on Monday.

Neighbourhoods

There are now five neighbourhoods with 3 or more cases.

Vaccinations

  • 66.5% of adult York residents have now had their first vaccination
  • 42.8% have also had their second jab.

Tests

  • 4562 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 23rd May 2021
  • Of these, 0.5% were found to be positive. That is lower than the 0.6% found during the previous period
  • In addition, 2537 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 29th May 20921

Council commentary

The Council has updated is commentary on the pandemic. It can be found on the “open data” web site and is reproduced here for convenience

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 28.05.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 24.5.21 there had been 79 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 27.5.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 33 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,017 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 27.5.21 York has had 12,384 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,880 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,938) and regional (7,292) averages. Cases identified through Lateral Flow Tests will be removed if they have a negative follow up PCR test within 72 hours so the cumulative total of cases can, on occasions, go down.

• 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 number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (24.5.21) is Green. 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 provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 19.5.21 to 25.5.21 in York is 18 (38 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 27.5.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 16.5.21 to 22.5.21 in York was 14.2 (30 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 23.6 and 37.5 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 27.5.21).

• York is currently ranked 69th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.

• For the 7 day period 15.5.21.to 21.5.21 the number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 4 and rates varied from 0 to 71.9 per 100,000. 6 wards had zero cases.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 16.5.21 to 22.5.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 2.0 (1 case). The national and regional averages were 6.7 and 8.5 respectively.

• As at 25.5.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 1.02%. The national and regional averages are 1.3% and 2.0% respectively.

• As at 25.5.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.09%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 25.5.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.2%. The national average is 0.3%.

• As at 21.5.21 York University reported 6 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 17.5.21 York St. John reported 0 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

• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 21.5.21, 224 referrals (cases) had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 207 (92.4%) were successful and 17 (7.6%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible. (NB on the 10.3.21 the local CYC team became responsible for contacting all cases rather than just those that the national team could not contact).

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 21.5.21 there were 0 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 were reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 24.5.21 there were 8 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 5 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 25.5.21 there were 0 confirmed Covid-19 patients in a General or Acute bed. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 25.5.21 there were 0 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.

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 21.5.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 14.5.21.

Variant of Concern

• Data from Public Health England shows that in York, up to 26.5.21, there have been less than five cases of the Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 26.5.21 a total of 115,555 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 54.9% of the estimated total population of York and 66.4% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 26.5.21 a total of 73,167 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 34.7% of the estimated total population of York and 42.1% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

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 provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 19: 8.5.21 to 14.5.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 16, 17 and 18 there had been 0, 1 and 0 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 8th May 2021 and registered up to 22nd May 2021, 396 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 135 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.02 which is lower than the national average of 232.10

• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.5% were aged 75+ compared with 73% nationally). 47.9% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.

Coronavirus York updates; 27th May 2021

Hospital patient numbers and deaths

It is now over two weeks since the last, COVID-19 related, death of a York resident occurred in any setting

Test results

Ten additional positive test were reported today. That is the largest single day increase for some time. The cumulative total has risen to 12,384.

Case numbers have reduced by one today to 30.

The rate /100k population is 14.24, but this is set to rise to over 18 during the next few days. That would be the highest level seen in the City since the end of April.

We are currently seeing a spike in infection rates in the City and elsewhere in the country

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

  • 66.3% of York residents have at least had their first dose of vaccine.
  • 42.1% have also had their second dose.

The latest progress reports on vaccination rates at neighbourhood level have been published. They cover the period up to 23rd May.

The neighbourhood with the highest rate is Wigginton with 89.6% having received their first dose. The lowest is Tang Hall, where 39.3% have now received at least their first dose.

Tests

  • 4585 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 22nd May
  • Of these, 0.6% were positive
  • 3194 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 26th May.

Coronavirus York updates; 26th May 2021.

Deaths & hospital patients

Test results

There have been four more positive test results. This brings the cumulative total up to 12,374

The number of cases in the City has increased from 25 to 31.

The rate /100k population figure has increased to 14.72. This is mainly a result of the 9 positive tests found on Friday 21st May. The rate is likely to stay at around the present level for the remainder of the week.

The infection rate in York (14.72) is now higher than that being found in North Yorkshire (12.50).

Infection rates are also slowly rising at regional and national levels.

Neighbourhoods

There are now four neighbourhoods with 3 or more cases. There is no obvious linkage between the 4 areas.

Tests

  • 4542 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 21st May 2021.
  • Of these 0.6% were found to be positive. That is higher that the 0.5% found during the previous period.
  • In addition, 1855 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 25th May.

Vaccinations

66.1% of York residents have now had their first dose of vaccine.

41.3% have also had their second dose.

ANYBODY aged 30 and over will be able to get their Covid-19 vaccination from today (May 26).

The NHS will begin to ask one million more people aged 30 and 31 by text over the coming days to get their jab, leaving only adults between 18 and 29 yet to get the nod to come forward.

When invited, people will be able to book at one of the vaccination centre, pharmacy or general practice sites across the country that are available through the national booking service.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment. More appointments are being added to the National Booking Service every day.

People who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their jab.

People 39 and under who are eligible and pregnant women will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in line with recently updated JCVI guidance.

66% of adults in York have now received their first vaccination. 41% have also had their second jab.

A total of 12,630 vaccinations were carried out during the week ending 24th May.

Coronavirus York updates; 25th May 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths

Test results

Five positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total to 12,370

The number of cases in the City has risen from 22 to 25.

The rate /100k population has increased today to 11.87. It is expected to rise further this week to over 14.2, where it will remain for the foreseeable future.

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

Tests

  • 4490 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 20th May.
  • Of these 0.5% were positive. That is an increase on the previous days proportion of 0.4%
  • In addition, 2831 “lateral flow” tests were competed on 24th May.

Hospital

One COVID-19 inpatient is recorded today at the York Hospital Trust. They were admitted to intensive care. This is the first ICU patient for 3 weeks.

Coronavirus York updates; 24th May 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths. The cumulative death toll remains at 591

Test results

Four additional positive test results were announced today. They bring the cumulative total up to 12,365

The number of cases in the City has fallen from 24 to 22.

The rate /100k population has fallen to 10.45. However, it is set to rise over the next couple of days with 9 new cases being found during testing on Friday.

Neighbourhoods

Only two neighbourhoods now now have more than 2 cases. The numbers in the Fulford Road/Clementhorpe area have now dropped below 3.

Vaccinations

Following the big push over the weekend, 66% of adults in York have now had at least their first vaccination.

40% have also had their second jab.

Tests

  • 4476 PCR test were carried out in York during the week ending 19th May 2021.
  • Of these, 0.4% were positive. This is lower than the 0.5% found the previous day.
  • In addition, 3819 “lateral; flow” tests were also conducted on 23rd May

Hospital

There now NO COVID-19 inpatients being treated by the York Hospital Trust

Coronavirus York updates; 23rd May 2021

Test results

Seven additional positive test results were announced today. This brings total to 12,361.

The number of cases in the City has fallen from 28 to 24.

The rate /100k population now 11.4.

However 8 positives found on Friday will lead to a rate increase later in the week.

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

According to the latest government figures, medics in York vaccinated an amazing 2911 people yesterday. Most were second jabs. The Askham Bar site remained open until late at night to complete the push.

Tests

  • 4,454 PCR test were carried out during the week ending 18th May 2021.
  • Of these, 0.5% were found to be positive. That is the same proportion as the previous day.
  • In addition 1,177 “lateral flow” test were completed on 22nd May.

Coronavirus York updates: 22nd May 2021

Test Results

Eight additional positive test results today. This is the largest single day figure for over two weeks and brings the cumulative total up to 12,354

Case numbers rise from 26 to 28

Rate /100k population rises to 13.29.

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

2586 vaccinations were completed in York on Friday 21st May.

One million more people in their thirties can now get the life-saving covid jab, as the NHS opens bookings for people aged 32 and 33 from today (May 22).

As the biggest and fastest vaccination programme in NHS history continues rolling out, 1.1 million more people were able to book their jab from 7am.

Texts inviting people to book a vaccination will be sent to those aged 33 from today and those aged 32 from Monday.

Tests

  • 4542 PCR tests were completed in York during the week ending 17th May
  • Of these 0.5% were positive. That is the same proportion as was found on the previous day.
  • In addition 1760 “lateral flow” tests were completed on 21st May

Coronavirus York updates; 21st May 2021

Deaths

The have been no further hospital deaths recorded today

Test results

Two additional positive test results. Brings cumulative total up to 12,346

The number of cases in the City has fallen from 27 to 26

The rate /100k population shows a small fall to 12.35

Neighbourhoods

Case numbers are low in all York neighbourhoods except for the Fulford Road/Clementhorpe area.

Vaccinations

Tests

  • 4528 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 16th May 2021.
  • Of these, 0.5% were positive. This is the same proportion as was found on the previous day
  • In addition 2804 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 20th May

Hospital

No change today to COVID-19 inpatient cases numbers at the local hospital

Council commentary updated

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 21.05.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 17.5.21 there had been 60 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 20.5.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 20 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,060 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 20.5.21 York has had 12,344 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,861 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,911) and regional (7,255) averages. Cases identified through Lateral Flow Tests will be removed if they have a negative follow up PCR test within 72 hours so the cumulative total of cases can, on occasions, go down.

• 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 number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (17.5.21) is Green. 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 provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 12.5.21 to 18.5.21 in York is 11.9 (25 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 20.5.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 9.5.21 to 15.5.21 in York was 12.8 (27 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 21 and 34.7 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 20.5.21).

• York is currently ranked 49th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.

• For the 7 day period 8.5.21.to 14.5.21, there were no statistically significant changes in ward rates compared with the 7 day period 1.5.21 to 7.5.21. The number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 6 and rates varied from 0 to 55.5 per 100,000. 8 wards had zero cases.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 9.5.21 to 15.5.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 2.0 (1 case). The national and regional averages were 6.0 and 7.2 respectively.

• As at 18.5.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 0.67%. The national and regional averages are 1.1% and 2.0% respectively.

• As at 18.5.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.07%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 18.5.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.1%. The national average is 0.3%.

• As at 10.5.21 York University reported 1 individual within the University community who was currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.

• As at 17.5.21 York St. John reported 0 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

• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 14.5.21, 213 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 196 (92%) were successful and 17 (8%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible. (NB on the 10.3.21 the local CYC team became responsible for contacting all cases rather than just those that the national team could not contact).

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 20.5.21 there were 0 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 were reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 17.5.21 there were 6 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 4 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 18.5.21 there was 1 confirmed Covid-19 patient in a General and Acute bed. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 18.5.21 there were 0 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.

• As at 18.5.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19, 0 admitted with confirmed Covid-19 and 1 confirmed patient discharged with COVID-19 in the previous 24 hours.

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 14.5.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 1.0) on 7.5.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 19.5.21 a total of 111,909 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 53.1% of the estimated total population of York and 64.3% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 19.5.21 a total of 62,381 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 29.6% of the estimated total population of York and 35.9% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

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 provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 18: 1.5.21 to 7.5.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 15, 16 and 17 there had been 2, 0 and 1 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 1st May 2021 and registered up to 15th May 2021, 396 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 135 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.02 which is lower than the national average of 231.84.

• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.5% were aged 75+ compared with 73% nationally). 47.9% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.

Weekend security

Partners support city’s first weekend in Step 3

Officers from the Safer York Partnership will be helping support the city enjoy the first weekend after latest lockdown easing.

City of York Council, York BID, North Yorkshire Police and British Transport Police will be checking that people and businesses are complying with the remaining covid restrictions. These include premises following the rule of 6 indoors, that tables are spaced and customers are giving track and trace details.

The officers, including the council’s covid support marshalls, environmental health and neighbourhood enforcement officers, will be asking businesses to encourage workers to be tested regularly and take up vaccinations when offered. They’ll also be reminding them that action will be taken against open breaches of covid regulations, as has been demonstrated recently.

Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic, said:

“It’s set to be a much busier time in York this weekend now that the restrictions on indoor hospitality and overnight stays, in particular, have been eased as part of the Government’s Roadmap Out of Lockdown.

“Our officers and staff will be on hand to provide a highly visible and reassuring presence. They will also be working alongside City of York Council teams and other partners to ensure the reopening of pubs and restaurants is carried out in a Covid-secure environment.

“The police will only take action against blatant breaches of the health protection regulations.”

Supt Walker added: “The latest easing of the restrictions comes at a time when there is growing concern in other parts of the country regarding the so-called ‘Indian variant’ of Covid-19.

“The situation is being monitored extremely closely, and our residents and businesses can be assured that any necessary action will be taken should it pose a risk to our area.

“Even though limited indoor gatherings and indoor hospitality are now allowed, in line with the Step 3 ‘Rule of Six’ or two households restrictions, we strongly urge people to be very careful until more is known about this variant.

“We have come a heck of a long way since the terrible peaks of this pandemic, which forced the country into three lockdowns.

“We need to tread very cautiously as we move forward and be prepared for whatever may occur over the coming weeks.”

Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of York BID, said:

Thank you to everyone for doing the right thing and being able to open in Step 3. Please carry on following the all-important hands, face, space, fresh air rules and the health protection regulations so you can safely remain open.

“It’s important for everyone to enjoy the best of the city safely while supporting local businesses. Our street rangers will be helping the city do just that this weekend and we’re pleased to be part of this joint operation.”

Hands, face, space and fresh air remain vital. When seeing friends and family, outdoors is better. When seeing friends and family indoors, to help keep them safe:

  • If you have symptoms of Coronavirus stay at home and arrange a test by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus
  • Wash your hands regularly (including on arrival) and use hand sanitiser
  • Open up windows to let the fresh air in
  • All adults can get tested regularly to ensure they aren’t spreading the virus unknowingly
  • Don’t share plates, glasses and cutlery
  • If meeting people at home, clean your surfaces and touchpoints before and after the visit
  • Have fun and stay safe with friends and family.

In York, we are urging residents, visitors and those working city centre to get take symptom-free tests twice a week and record the result online. In the city centre, testing is available at St William’s College, College Green.

Cllr Denise Craghill, executive member for Housing and Safer Communities, said:

“We’ve all worked hard to protect each other and reduce infection rates.

It’s so important that, as we enjoy this first weekend, we remember hands, face, space and fresh air, while avoiding any unnecessary social contact with those who are not part of your household or support bubble.

“We’re slowly easing up, but we need to remember to be careful. I urge anyone wanting to enjoy the city centre to check in advance with venues to ensure that there is space and that bookings are available.

“Please also avoid any unnecessary social contact with those who are not part of your household or support bubble, and please keep following the ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ advice from the health experts.”

More information on other test sites and where to pick up home tests in York can be found online.

Coronavirus York updates; 20th May 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths announced today

Test results

There have been five positive tests results announced. This brings the cumulative total to 12,344

The number of cases in the City has remained static at 27

The rate /100k population remains at 12.82. It is expected to continue around this level over the next few days.

Infection rates are continuing to fall at all levels.

Neighbourhoods

There has been little change at neighbourhood level today

Vaccinations

Texts inviting people to book a vaccination will be sent to those aged 34 and 35 today and tomorrow.

Younger people in their thirties are expected to be invited over the next few days and weeks.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.

People who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their jab.

When invited, people will be able to book at one of the vaccination centre, pharmacy or general practice sites across the country that are available through the national booking service.

Neighbourhood vaccination rates

The vaccination rates at a neighbourhood level have been updated today.

The show the area with the highest (1st dose) rate to be Wigginton with 86.6% of adults vaccinated so far.

The area with the lowest rate is Tang Hall with 37.75%. (NB. There is a lot of student accommodation in that area which may explain the low rate)

Tests

  • 4479 PCR tests were conducted in the City during the week ending 15th May 2021
  • Of these, 0.5% were positive. This is an improvement on the 0.6% positivity seen on the previous day.
  • In addition, 3335 £lateral flow” tests were conducted on 19th May.

Hospital

There has been no change in COVID-19 inpatient numbers at hospitals

Outbreak Management Board

One or two interesting slides from yesterdays meeting

Cases by ward
Vaccinations by ward
Vaccinated by age

Coronavirus York updates; 19th May 2021

Deaths

There have been no further deaths at the York Hospital Trust. The cumulative death toll since the start of the pandemic remains at 591

Test results

The cumulative case number total is now 12,339 following further backdated changes. It is the same total as yesterday.

Case numbers in the City have fallen from 32 to 27

Rate /100k population falls to 12.82. It is expected to remain stable during the next few days.

The weekly rolling daily average case rate number is now consistently below 5.

Case rates are falling at all levels.

Neighbourhoods

There are only three neighbourhoods now with case numbers at 3 or above.

Vaccinations

Nimbuscare are saying, “Text messages are going out to some York people this week, inviting them come early to Askham Bar’s Red Tent for their second dose vaccinations.

They will get the chance to book into our special vaccination clinics this weekend which are running 6am til 11pm at Askham Bar Vaccination Centre.

Appointments are now open to book 17 hrs a day Friday to Sunday this weekend.

This means people aged over 50yrs, or in priority groups 1-9, can have their second dose at 8 weeks, according to the new JCVI advice.

Please note this is for people in cohorts 1-9 who have already received a first dose of the vaccine. Please wait to receive your text to invite you to book and don’t contact your GP surgery”.

Tests

  • 4523 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 14th May
  • Of these, 0.6% were positive. That is the same proportion as found during the previous period
  • In addition, 1815 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 18th May

Hospital

There has been no change in patient numbers at the hospital today

“More resident testing should help stop the virus spreading”

City of York Council’s contact tracers are out in communities offering symptom-free coronavirus tests in an effort to help case numbers remain low and to keep the city open. 

From Wednesday 19 May, council staff will be visiting communities in the city offering testing kits to residents and encouraging them to test themselves twice a week, to stop the virus from spreading. This work will support the Council’s efforts to increase the number of people being tested for COVID to identify symptom-free cases and stop the spread of the virus.

In the coming days Council’s Public Health team will be going door to door to offer testing kits to residents. This work will start on Wednesday 19 May. It is not as the result of increased cases in that area or the presence of a variant of concern. It is the start of additional efforts to get more people tested and increase testing accessibility. Staff will have Council ID cards for identification and will be handing out free tests so residents will not be asked to pay.

The first street will be:

  • Wolsley Street
  • Gordon Street
  • Willis Street
  • Wellington Street
  • Barbican Mews

These streets were not as the result of increased cases in that area or the presence of a variant of concern.

The Public Health Team will be:

  • offering testing kits at the NHS vaccination centre for York residents and their family for regular use
  • offering testing kits to employers in the city so that staff can get tested
  • continuing to offer in-person testing and collection service at the University of York, York St John University, York Leisure Centre at the York Stadium Leisure Complex, Acomb Explore and Foxwood Community Centre
  • offering in-person testing at St William’s College with residents, employees and visitors able to access this service

Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:

We have seen the rate of Covid cases rising in other areas of the country, so we are keen to take proactive and preventative action to keep cases low in York by trying new ways to encourage more residents to get tested.

“We are hugely grateful to the many York residents who are continuing to do their part and get tested regularly. We are urging more residents to join the city-wide effort and get tested regularly to protect each other and our city. Regular testing, as well as practicing Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air continue to be the best ways we can protect the progress our city has made in recent months.

“We know first-hand how quickly this virus can spread, so the more testing we do to identify cases the more people we can protect. If cases continue to remain low the better our chances of moving to the next step of the lockdown easing roadmap.”

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

In recent months we have been putting a lot of work into encouraging people to get tested, including opening up new testing sites across the city, with lots of tests being carried out every week.

“We are continuing to take a preventative approach. 1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus has no symptoms. As we are able to see more of our friends and family we want to give our city the best possible chance of keeping cases down by encouraging more people to get tested.

“Infection rates in York remain low currently but we can’t afford to be complacent. I would like to thank everyone in the city for their continued efforts. It is through this vigilance practicing Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air, getting tested regularly and getting the vaccine when called that we can continue to reopen our city and protect our recovery from the pandemic.”