Coronavirus York updates; 7th May 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths have been announced

Test results

Six additional positive test results today bring total up to 12,303.

Citywide case numbers reduce by two to 37.

Rate /100k population falls to 17.57. Trend is still downwards

Infection rates continue to fall at all levels

Neighbourhoods

No major changes at neighbourhood level.

Vaccinations

As at 5/5/21, 58.8% of York’s adult population have now had their first vaccination .
28.7% have also received their second vaccination

Tests

4330 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 2nd May 2021
Of these, 0.8% were positive. This was an increase on the previous days figure of 0.7%
In addition, 2880 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out.

Hospital

Council commentary

The York Council has updated its commentary on the pandemic. It is reproduced below for ease of access.

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 07.05.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 3.5.21 there had been 102 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 6.5.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 109 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,801 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 7.5.21 York has had 12,297 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,839 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,874) and regional (7,189) 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 (3.5.21) is Red. 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 28.4.21 to 4.5.21 in York is 15.7 (33 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 6.5.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 25.4.21 to 1.5.21 in York was 18.5 (39 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 22.5 and 44.1 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 6.5.21).

• York is currently ranked 72nd 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 24.4.21.to 30.4.21, 1 ward (Heworth) had seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 17.4.21 to 23.4.21. For the remaining wards there had been no significant change. The number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 7 and rates varied from 0 to 72 per 100,000. 6 wards had zero cases.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 25.4.21 to 1.5.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 6.1 (3 cases). The national and regional averages were 7.8 and 12.9 respectively.

• As at 4.5.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 1.11%. The national and regional averages are 1.0% and 2.4% respectively.

• As at 4.5.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.08%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 4.5.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.1%. The national average is 0.4%.

• As at 30.4.21 York University reported 3 individuals 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 3.5.21 York St. John reported 3 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 11,413 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,311 (90.3%) of the cases have been completed (compared with 86.6% nationally). 26,777 ‘contacts’ of these cases have been identified and 20,332 (75.9%) of these have been completed (compared with 81.2% nationally).

• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 30.4.21, 180 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 167 (92.8%) were successful and 13 (7.2%) 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 6.5.21 there was 1 care home 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 3.5.21 there were 4 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 4 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 4.5.21 there were 0 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 4.5.21 there was 1 confirmed Covid-19 patient 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 4.5.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 4.5.21 there had been 0 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 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 30.4.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 1.0) on 23.4.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 5.5.21 a total of 102,323 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 48.6% of the estimated total population of York and 58.8% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 5.5.21 a total of 49,913 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 23.7% of the estimated total population of York and 28.7% 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 16: 17.4.21 to 23.4.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 13, 14 and 15 there had been 2, 0 and 2 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 23rd April 2021 and registered up to 1st May 2021, 395 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 135 in care homes, 24 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 187.54 which is lower than the national average of 231.27

• 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 73.1% nationally). 48% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.3%.

Coronavirus York updates; 6th May 2021

Deaths

There have been no additional hospital deaths announced today.

Test results

Seven positive test results today bring the total up to 12,297

The number of cases in the City falls from 42 to 39.

Rate /100k population reduces to 18.52. Still trending downwards

Neighbourhoods

Little change to infection rates at neighbourhood level today

Vaccinations

Nimbuscare have updated their progress report click

The vaccination rates at neighbourhood level have also been updated.

The area with the highest vaccination rate (at least one dose) is Wigginton (79.53%)

The neighbourhood with the lowest rate is Tang Hall (34.03%)

Tests

4342 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 5th May 2021
Of these, 0.7% were positive. This represents a reduction compared tot the previous days figure of 0.8%
3565 “lateral flow” test were also completed on 5th May

Hospital

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

Coronavirus York updates; 5th May 2021

Deaths

There have been no further deaths announced today by the York Hospital Trust.

The government has released an updated set of figures today detailing the number of deaths suffered by York residents as a result of the pandemic. During the latest available week (ending 23rd April) no additional fatalities were recorded. This means that the total death toll among York residents remains at 377.

Test results

Four additional positive test results today bring the total up to 12,290

The number of cases in the City has reduced from 46 to 42.

The rate /100k population has fallen to 19.94. It is on track to continue reducing over the next couple of days.

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

Tests

4275 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 30th April
Of these, 0.8% were positive. This is the same proportion as the previous day.
2575 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 4th May

Hospitals

Two COVID-19 patients are now being cared for by the York Hospital Trust

Coronavirus York updates; 4th May 2021

Deaths

No additional coronavirus deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today

COVID-19 fatalities are now very low at the York Hospital Trust

Test results

Three additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,286

The number of cases in the City has fallen back from 50 to 46 today

Rate/100k population has reduced to 21.84. It is trending to fall further over the next few days

Infection rates are now trending down at both City and North Yorkshire levels.

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

100,870 York adults have now received their first vaccination (58%).

47,145 (27.1%) have also received their second dose.

Tests

4342 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 29th April.
Of these, 0.7% were found to be positive. This is lower than the 0.9% recorded on the previous day.
In addition, 3207 “lateral flow” tests were carried out on 3rd May.

Hospital

Only two COVID-19 patients are now being treated by York Hospital Trust. One is in intensive care

Coronavirus York updates; 1st May 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths announced today

Test results

Four positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total up to 12,274

The number of cases in the City has increased from 49 yesterday to 54 today

The rate /100k population rate now 25.64. That is the highest seen in the City since March.

The York and North Yorkshire infection rates are now above the national average.

Neighbourhoods

There are eleven neighbourhoods now with more than 3 cases in each

Vaccinations

Tests

4396 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 26th April.
Of these, 0.9% were positive. That represents an increase on the 0.7% recorded on the previous day.
1683 “lateral flow” tests were also undertaken on 30th April.

Coronavirus York updates; 30th April 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths announced today

Test results

Ten additional positive test results were announced today. They bring the cumulative total up to 12,274

The number of cases in the City has increased from 45 yesterday to 49 today.

The rate /100k population figure has risen to 23.27. This is the highest rate seen since 28th March. It is expected to rise higher tomorrow.

Neighbourhoods

There are now ten York neighbourhoods which each have more than 3 cases.

Vaccinations

Over 40’s are now being invited to book a vaccination appointment

Tests

4,438 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 25th April
Of these, 0.7% were positive. That is an increase from the previous days figure of 0.6%
In addition 2,977 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 29th April.

Hospitals

There has been a drop in COVID-19 patient numbers today at the York hospital

York Council commentary updated

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 30.04.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 26.4.21 there had been 43 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 29.4.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 23 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,981 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 29.4.21 York has had 12,264 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,823 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,852) and regional (7,147) 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 (26.4.21) is Red. 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 21.4.21 to 27.4.21 in York is 21.8 (46 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 29.4.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 18.4.21 to 24.4.21 in York was 21.4 (45 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 24.5 and 45.9 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 29.4.21).

• York is currently ranked 68th 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 17.4.21.to 23.4.21 the number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 9 and rates varied from 0 to 61.9 per 100,000. 6 wards had zero cases.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 18.4.21 to 24.4.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 10.1 (5 cases). The national and regional averages were 9.5 and 13.2 respectively.

• As at 27.4.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 1.1%. The national and regional averages are 0.9% and 2.3% respectively.

• As at 27.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.13%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 27.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.2%. The national average is 0.5%.

• As at 23.4.21 York University reported 3 individuals 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 26.4.21 York St. John reported 5 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 11,412 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,310 (90.3%) of the cases have been completed (compared with 86.6% nationally). 26,749 ‘contacts’ of these cases have been identified and 20,305 (75.9%) of these have been completed (compared with 81.2% nationally).

• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 23.4.21, 178 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 167 (93.8%) were successful and 11 (6.2%) 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 27.4.21 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 26.4.21 there were 4 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 4 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 27.4.21 there were 6 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 27.4.21 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 27.4.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 27.4.21 there had been 0 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 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 23.4.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 1.0) on 16.4.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 28.4.21 a total of 99,474 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 47.2% of the estimated total population of York and 57.2% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 28.4.21 a total of 42,170 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 20.0% of the estimated total population of York and 24.2% 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 is useful as it enables a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 15: 10.4.21 to 16.4.21) 2 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 12, 13 and 14 there had been 0, 2 and 0 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 16th April 2021 and registered up to 24th April 2021, 395 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 135 in care homes, 24 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 187.54 which is lower than the national average of 230.84

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 14.4.21), a cumulative total of 372 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 82.2, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (79.6% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.1% nationally). 178 of the 372 were male (47.8%), less than the national average (54.3%).

Coronavirus York updates; 29th April 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths have been announced today

Test Results

Three additional positive test results have been announced today. They bring the cumulative total up to 12,264

The number of active cases has reduced by one to 45 compared to yesterday.

The rate /100k population has fallen to 21.37.

The rate is expected to creep back up during the next few days. There are early signs that it may then begin to fall again

North Yorkshire is now well above the national average infection rate. This is mainly the result of high infection levels in Selby and in particular the Selby Town neighbourhood (Rate 416.2, Cases 56)

Neighbourhoods

The rate at neighbourhood level is reasonably stable although Osbaldwick has replaced Clifton Without in the list of areas with above, the City, average infection levels.

Vaccinations

57.1% of York adults have now received their first vaccination.

23.4% have also had their second dose.

The government has updated its figures for vaccinations at neighbourhood level.

The area with the highest proportion of vaccinated adult residents is Dunnington/Elvington (77.86%)

The area with the lowest is Tang Hall (33.39%).

The differences mirror the age profile of the local population. Those with a higher number of under 40’s should “catch up” over the next couple of months.

Tests

4487 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 24th April.
Of these, 0.6% were positive. That represents an improvement on the previous days figure of 0.7%
In addition, 4023 lateral flow tests were also conducted on 28th April.

Tests now available at Acomb Explore library

City of York Council is asking residents to join the thousands of people in the city getting tested twice a week, to play a key part in keeping the people we love safe and the places we love open.

To stop the spread of the virus, the council is making it easier for people to take a symptom-free test, removing the need to book appointments at testing sites and signposting to the new collection points popping up in communities across the city.

Whilst residents will be able to book a slot online until 30 May, people can now simply turn up to get tested without the need for an appointment. All appointments booked remain valid and people can still book slots should they wish.

Acomb Explore Library has become the latest venue to offer a collect service to residents, joining pharmacies across the city in our efforts to get residents frequently tested. The testing offer at Acomb Explore will be available on Wednesdays (10am-2pm) and Saturdays (10am-3pm) and will also offer people the chance to take the test in person, as well as collect tests to take at home.

1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus has no symptoms which means we could be spreading the virus to those we love without knowing. This is why city leaders are asking residents to get tested twice a week, even if you’ve had the vaccine. The early identification of cases will stop the virus from spreading, keep people safe and help keep the places we all love open.

More information is available on the council website and a map of locations in the city where people can access testing can be found online.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:

“The symptom-free testing offer is a true citywide effort, with pharmacies and Acomb Explore adding to the list of places such as universities and leisure and community centres where residents can access tests.

“These symptom-free tests are really making a difference in our battle against the virus by identifying cases early and stopping people from unknowingly spreading it to others.

“We have worked hard with partners to make it easier than ever to access tests across the city, from getting tested in person to the numerous opportunities to collect kits or have them delivered at home.

“Residents and businesses have been fantastic in helping keep our city and each other safe but we must all keep our guard up. Getting tested twice a week is another way we can all continue to help the fight against Coronavirus to keep our friends and family safe.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health said:

“1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus have no symptoms. It is crucial that people continue to get tested regularly and report their results so we can identify cases quickly and stop the virus from spreading.

“That we have carried out so many tests is testament to the city’s collective efforts and we are encouraging more people to take the test.

“We have hope ahead with the next steps of the roadmap and the success of the vaccine rollout. However we must keep up our efforts and get tested regularly (even if you have had the vaccine) to protect people across the city. The only time we would ask an adult not to get tested is if they are within 90 days of having tested positive for the virus.

“By having regular tests and practicing hands, face, space, fresh air we are all playing a vital role in the city’s fight against Coronavirus.”

Fiona Williams, Chief Executive of Explore York Libraries and Archives said:

“Explore is very pleased to support this important initiative by the Council and Public Health to combat the spread of covid and ensure the city can open up as safely as possible.

The library is a much loved hub for the local community in Acomb with plenty of parking space. It will be easy for local people to collect their test kits, see a friendly face and maybe pick up a few new books at the same time.”

Hospital

There was a small drop in COVID-19 patient numbers at York Hospital today

Police report

Chief Inspector Charlotte Bloxham, North Yorkshire Police’s operational lead for the Coronavirus pandemic, gave the following update at this morning’s (Wednesday 28 April 2021) Local Resilience Forum briefing:

“In the past week (18 – 25 April) North Yorkshire Police has issued 34 Covid-related Fixed Penalty Notices. This brings the total to 41 Fixed Penalty Notices issued since the step 2 changes of the Roadmap were introduced on 12 April.

“This is disappointing considering last week we had cause to issue just seven notices.

“The majority of these latest fines were issued for indoor gatherings in the Scarborough area with three issued in York and four issued in Harrogate.

“We understand that people are desperate to see family and friends. But we ask that just like the vast majority of the people of North Yorkshire, that you please adhere to the regulations that prevent indoor gatherings until the Roadmap out of lockdown has succeeded and we are free to meet up once again.

“The virus is much more likely to spread in an indoor setting and why it is so important to keep following the health protection regulations and the guidance around washing hands, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distance.

“In the meantime, please avoid mixing households indoors, and keep to the “Rule of 6” or two households when meeting outdoors or in private gardens.

“Our town and city centres are much busier now than they have been in recent times, as well in the tourist spots along the coast and in the countryside. Our plea to ensure we can keep the Roadmap on track is not to become complacent and not to jeopardise all the work we’ve put in to get to this point.

“We will continue to use our ‘4 Es’ approach to engage with the public, explain the regulations, encourage compliance, and enforce only as a last resort when a blatant breach has occurred”.

Coronavirus York updates; 28th April 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths announced today. It is now a week since the last fatality

Test results

There have been eight positive test results announced today. They bring the cumulative total to 12,261. This includes 14 positive results recorded at tests undertaken on Monday. This is the highest single day total recorded since 25th March.

The latest confirmed figures (23/4/21) show a drop of 2 cases in the City to 46. It will be Saturday before the latest spike in positive test results affects the 7 day average count.

The rate /100k population is now 21.84. It is expected to remain stable before increasing to 25.6 later in the week.

Rather than reflecting the gradual reduction in case numbers seen last spring, we now seem to be seeing an increase in infections which more closely reflects the pre Christmas wave.

Infection levels have fallen slightly at all levels. However, on the following trajectory, the infection rate in York will go above the national average during the next few days.

Neighbourhoods

There are now eight neighbourhoods with more than 3 cases in each.

Vaccinations

Hospitals

Testing

4453 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 23rd April 2021
Of these, 0.7% were positive. That represents a reduction on the previous days proportion which was 0.8%
In addition, 1885 lateral flow tests were conducted on 27th April

EARLIER: The steady rise on COVID-19 case numbers in the City over the last couple of weeks prompts questions about the effectiveness of the testing programmes.

A key aspect of the return to “normality” was to have been the early identification of spikes in infection rates. This was to be done by the general roll out of “lateral flow” testing to all asymptomatic residents. There are now 4 sites in York offering this service with the option also available to take a testing kit home. Results are produced very quickly and any positives result in the individual being referred for a (more reliable) PCR test.

*Covers the period from 1st March to 22nd April*

Initially, when the service was rolled out to coincide with the general return to school on 8th March, there appeared to be a good uptake of the tests. The most recent available data, published by the York Council suggests, that there were 7 school aged children with the disease.

Around 3,500 lateral flow tests were being conducted each day during March according to government figures.

On 29th March restrictions were eased further with family groups able to meet outdoors and some outdoor sports restarted. The number of lateral flow tests conducted fell by around 30% during late March early April. By 4th April fewer than 2000 tests were being conducted each day.

Case numbers in York bottomed out on 6th April when 19 cases were recorded (7 day moving average). They have edged upwards since then and currently stand at 48 (22/4/21).

On 12th April there was a more significant easing of restrictions with shops and hairdressers reopening. Outdoor hospitality, including pubs with outdoor tables, was also permitted to operate.

The number of lateral flow tests completed returned to around 3000 per day.

The Council has not published figures showing how many tests are being conducted in different parts of the City. They do, however, say “that as at 20.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.12%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively“.

The latest PCR test positivity rate is 0.8%. That is up from the low of 0.4% seen on 15th April.

*Source https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/*

The number of PCR tests being conducted is currently averaging around 4000 per day.

The current increase in infection levels may be less of a concern than the similar spikes that have been seen during the last year. Most vulnerable people have now been vaccinated. The York Hospital now has relatively few COVID-19 cases (although it is reporting an increase from 6 to 8 patients today). Infections are largely confined to the under 60 age groups who are less at risk of developing life threatening symptoms.

The authorities do, however, now need to provide more information about the take up of tests at neighbourhood level and what they are doing to increase the numbers. They originally recommended that everyone take a test twice a week. Clearly that isn’t happening.

Similarly “test and trace” data should be giving an indication of where transmission is most likely to take place. In the past this has been predominantly through family group contact but – in the light of the recent surge in cases at a distribution warehouse in Selby – more details of the background of the 48 current York cases should be published.

Not least residents will want to know how many are asymptomatic?

People can then make an informed choice about whether to visit locations which may be linked to case number increases.

The next easing of restrictions is due to take place on 17th May, when spectators may be allowed into sporting events and a further range of businesses will reopen. Travel will be easier and socialising will increase.

It would be perverse if this were to happen against a background of increasing infection rates and the uncertainty of how new virus variants may impact on survival rates.