Coronavirus York updates; 11th December 2020

Deaths and test results

TWO more York Hospital Trust deaths announced today. One occurred on Wednesday and one on Thursday. The cumulative second wave death toll at the York and Scarborough hospitals has now reached 112.

TWENTY SEVEN (27) additional positive test results were announced today bringing the cumulative total to 5858.

The case rate /100k population has increased to 65.5.

Although infection rates are rising again, cases aren’t concentrated in particular neighbourhoods. (In October, Heslington was by far the worst hit area).

Now only two neighbourhoods have more than 10 cases. The highest case rate can now be found in Acomb (124.2). However this is still well below regional and national averages.

Booking open for York’s targeted symptom-free covid testing

Covid testing for people who are symptom-free is now available in York, as part of the city’s bid to further drive down the spread of the virus.

Booking for the free rapid symptom-free tests is now open for individuals who come into contact with lots of other people as part of their work.

At a meeting of York’s Outbreak Management Board, partners from across the city agreed to make targeted tests initially available to residents who work in the retail, hospitality or transport sector (including taxi drivers).

The Council will be looking to further roll out enhanced symptom-free testing in the coming months, extending it to other groups, such as those who have contact with vulnerable people through work, a voluntary role or unpaid caring role.

Around one in three people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it. The rapid-turnaround lateral flow tests, which provide results within 30 minutes, will be used to proactively test asymptomatic individuals. This will further support the local effort to drive down the city’s infection rate, as those who test positive and their contacts will be asked to self-isolate.

Tests for people working in the retail, hospitality or transport sectors, and who are free of Coronavirus symptoms, will be available to book online by visiting the council website.

Individuals who can’t access booking online can call 01904 551 559 to arrange an appointment. The booking line is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Anyone who has Coronavirus symptoms should not book a symptom free test. They should self-isolate at home, and book a covid test through the NHS website or calling 119.

The Council is jointly working with York St John University to use Foss Sports Hall on the university’s Lord Mayor’s Walk Campus for the symptom free testing. The facility was used for their successful testing programme before students returned home for the holiday period.

Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council and Chair of the York Outbreak Management Advisory Board said:

We are hugely grateful to York St John University for allowing us to utilise their testing site for the next few weeks.

“We want to build on the successful targeted testing both universities carried out in recent weeks. This is another example of how York is coming together to fight the pandemic and ensure we are doing all we can to protect our city.

“I would urge those that are eligible to book their tests to help keep the people we love safe and the places we love open.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health said:

We are taking a targeted approach to testing to help protect the city and slow the spread of the virus.

“Identifying asymptomatic cases is another form of defence for the city against Coronavirus. The early identification of positive cases and subsequent self-isolation will help us slow the spread.

“We urge all those who are eligible to book regular tests to help in the city’s fight against Coronavirus. Anyone who has symptoms should continue to book their test online or call 119.

“Whilst this is another defence to help us slow the spread we can’t lower our guard and must all continue to do all we can to practice Hands, Face, Space to stay safe and protect those around us.”

Professor Karen Bryan, Vice Chancellor of York St John University said:

Our University community has found the testing process to be quick and easy. Symptom-free testing can offer peace of mind to those concerned about passing on the virus to others. We are delighted to offer our test site to City of York Council to make targeted testing more widely available to our local community.”

Health Minister Lord Bethell said:

We’ve already come so far since first setting up a national testing programme at an unprecedented pace to help counter COVID-19, but we continue to strive to go further, faster.

“Innovations such as lateral flow tests hold the key to the next phase of our ambition to see mass, rapid testing available to people across the country.

“I’m delighted that the City of York Council and York St John University are working with us to pilot the latest technology in York and I look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour, both in helping target the virus locally, and helping find ways to roll this technology out further soon.”

More information about the tests and how to book one is available on the Council website.

Council commentary updated

The Council have updated their weekly “open data” commentary on the pandemic.

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 7.12.20 there had been 133 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 9.12.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 320.2 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,538 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.

Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)

• As at 10.12.20 York has had 5,831 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 2,768.5 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is above the national average (2,721.3) but below the regional average (4,093).

• 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 (7.12.20) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 2.12.20 to 8.12.20 in York is 57 (using data published on Gov.uk on 10.12.20).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 29.11.20 to 5.12.20 was 60.8. The national and regional averages at this date were 153 and 156.2 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 10.12.20).

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 28.11.20 to 4.12.20 for people aged 60+ in York was 76.7. The national and regional averages were 113.2 and 141.9 respectively.

• The positivity rate in York has fallen since a peak of almost 18% in mid-October. As at 9.12.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 1.95%. The national and regional averages are 6.1% and 5.9% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 7 days by type of test is 124 positives out of 2.975 lab based (PCR) tests and 3 positives out of 3,537 rapid (lateral flow) tests.

• As at 10.12.20 York University reported 11 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 9.12.20 York St. John 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 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 4,680 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 4,137 of the cases have been completed (88.4%). 13,212 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 7,992 of these have been completed (60.5%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 4.12.20, 339 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 339 of the referrals (100%) have been actioned. Of the referrals actioned, 247 (72.9%) were successful and 92 (27.1%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Settings / Schools

• As at 10.12.20 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 was reported on 25.11.20 (1 home).

• In the 7 days up to 6.12.20 there were 10 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 7 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 9.12.20 there were 31 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 8.12.20 was 34.

• As at 9.12.20 there were 3 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 8.12.20 were 4 and 0 respectively.

• As at 9.12.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 1 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours

Recovery from Covid-19

• Between 13.4.20 and 6.12.20, 257 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 7 people were discharged in the most recent week.

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 4.12.20 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 0.9. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 27.11.20.

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 27th November 2020 and registered up to 5th December 2020, 196 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (95 in hospital, 86 in care homes, 11 at home and 4 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 93.06 which is lower than the national average of 111.88. There have been 24 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 8 weeks (Weeks 41 to 48).

• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). Between week 2 and week 48 there were a total of 137 ‘excess deaths’ in York compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 18 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 55 fewer deaths in weeks 22-48.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 7.12.20 (for deaths occurring up to 2.12.20), a cumulative total of 193 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 82.5, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 96 of the 193 were male (49.7%), less than the national average (55.4%). 82 people (42.5%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 26.53%). In addition 16 people (8.29%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.

Shop local and continue to protect your loved ones

City of York Council thank residents for continuing to follow guidelines, resulting in a steady decline in local COVID-19 cases.

Councillors are urging residents to continue in their efforts to stop the spread of the virus and support local businesses this festive weekend.

The latest figures for York, as of December 5, show 60.8 cases per 100,000 compared to a national average of 153 and a regional average of 156.2 per 100,000. For a daily update on the latest case data, residents can visit the council’s Facebook and Twitter pages or the Open Data COVID-19 Daily Data Tracker.

Nationally, this week has marked the start of the biggest vaccination programme that the NHS has ever undertaken, and is a positive move towards overcoming the virus. However, to keep York’s local COVID-19 case rate low, residents are being urged to keep up their efforts and to remember the essential steps we must each take to keep our loved ones safe:

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
  • Wear a face covering in busy public spaces.
  • Give people space and keep apart from people you don’t live with (2m is best).
  • If you have symptoms you should stay at home, only leaving to get a test.
  • Self-isolate when asked to by test and trace as well as if you have symptoms.
  • Meet those you do not live with outdoors but not in groups of more than six

Next week, on Wednesday 16 December, at 5:30pm, the Council will be hosting their next ‘Ask the Leaders’ Facebook Live Q&A session. The panel will be discussing the Coronavirus Vaccine, Christmas guidance and  emotional wellbeing support.

Residents are invited to submit questions in advance by emailing YourQuestions@york.gov.uk or asking them live during the session at www.facebook.com/cityofyork.

Recordings of previous Q&A sessions are available here:  www.york.gov.uk/AskTheLeaders

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

“I’d like to once again thank all York residents and businesses who continue to work hard to help bring the city’s case rate down.

“As the vaccine roll-out commences, we cannot afford to be complacent and must continue in our efforts to keep our city and each other safe.

“In York we are lucky to have such an amazing variety of local independent businesses, who have all played a key role in our efforts against the virus. The best way we can say our thanks is by shopping local and supporting them this festive season.”

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

“As our attention has been draw to the hope of the vaccine roll-out this past week, myself and York’s Public Health team look forward to helping colleagues in the NHS with the delivery of programme. In the meantime, Hands, face, space remains the best defence against the virus for York residents, and we must all make sure we continue to follow government guidance.

“Over the coming weeks it’s important we look after both our physical and emotional health. Simple steps can make a great difference and I encourage residents to look out for vulnerable friends and family this winter season. Winter health tips include:

  • Keep warm – The temperature in your home should be at least 18 degrees. If you need help with fuel bills, grants may be available.
  • Get a flu vaccine – Many people, including those aged over 65, are entitled to a free flu jab – your GP will contact you if you are eligible.
  • Eat a healthy diet and try to ensure you have regular meals and warm drinks throughout the day.
  • Keep well stocked up with prescription medicines, especially as the festive season approaches. Ask your pharmacist for advice if you aren’t sure what you need.

Check on elderly or medically vulnerable neighbours and relatives, particularly in icy weather. This can be done in a Covid-safe way, either by telephone or a socially distanced doorstep chat.”

If you’re struggling to manage, or you don’t have any support, but need it because of COVID-19, the council’s COVID-19 Helpline for York may be able to help you through this difficult time. Please call 01904 551550 or email COVID19help@york.gov.uk . Residents can also visit www.york.gov.uk/Coronavirus to find out the most recent support and advice available for the area.

Coronavirus York updates; 28th November 2020.

Deaths and test results

THREE (3) additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Wednesday, one on Thursday and one yesterday. They bring the cumulative second wave York and Scarborough hospitals death toll to 77.

TWENTY TWO (22) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 5612

Latest validated rate per 100k population figure is 116.8

Ten of York’s 24 neighbourhoods now have a case rate below 100.

Only Heslington is now above the 200 case threshold.

Infection numbers in Clifton Without/Skelton have fallen.

Interactive map

Interesting interactive map from https://electionmaps.uk/covid19-tier-map allows single click access to current and historic COVID rates across England and Wales.

Hospital capacity

According to media reports, on November 23rd there were 129 coronavirus patients in the York Hospital Trust’s units – 71 in York, 55 in Scarborough and three in community hospitals – 14 of them in critical care. York Hospital has created space for up to 197 Covid patients, a board of directors meeting heard.

In wave one of the pandemic the hospital admitted 786 coronavirus patients and in wave two so far they have seen 573.

The hospital saw its highest level of staff off sick recently – 6.7 per cent of the workforce – due to people testing positive for coronavirus or being asked to self-isolate by contact tracers. Up to 90 people a day were off because of the test and trace service.

Council commentary

The York Council has updated its commentary on the pandemic. It can be read by clicking here and is reproduced below.

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 24.11.20 there had been 161 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 26.11.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 547.9 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,637 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.

Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)

• As at 26.11.20 York has had 5,576 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 2,647.4 per 100,000 of population. The rate in York is above the national average (2,407.8) but below the regional average (3,773.5).

• 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 (23.11.20) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 18.11.20 to 24.11.20 in York is 105.9 (using data published on Gov.uk on 26.11.20).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 15.11.20 to 21.11.20 was 132.5. The national and regional averages at this date were 209.1 and 297.1 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 26.11.20).

• As at 24.11.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 6.64%. The national and regional averages are 8.2% and 10.5% respectively.

• As at 26.11.20 York University reported 47 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 22.11.20 York St. John reported 9 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 4,413 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 3,889 of the cases have been completed (88.1%). 12,664 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 7,517 of these have been completed (59.4%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 20.11.20, 302 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 301 of the referrals (99.7%) have been actioned and 1 referral (0.3%) is still ‘in progress’. Of the referrals actioned, 225 (74.8%) were successful and 76 (25.2%) were uncontactable.

Cases in Residential Settings / Schools

• As at 25.11.20 there were 4 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 was reported on 25.11.20 (1 home).

• In the 7 days up to 22.11.20 there were 20 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 8 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 25.11.20 there were 52 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 24.11.20 was 58.

• As at 25.11.20 there were 7 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 24.11.20 were 7 and 0 respectively.

• As at 25.11.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 3 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours

Recovery from Covid-19

• Between 13.4.20 and 22.11.20, 236 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 18 people were discharged in the most recent week.

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 20.11.20 was estimated to be in the range 1.0 to 1.1. The upper end of the range has fallen since the previous estimate (1.0 to 1.2) on 13.11.20.

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 13th November 2020 and registered up to 21st November 2020, 185 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (91 in hospital, 80 in care homes, 10 at home and 4 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 87.84 which is lower than the national average of 102.48. There have been 13 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 6 weeks (Weeks 41 to 46).

• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). In week 46 (7 Nov to 13 Nov), 19 deaths (all causes) occurred for York residents, which is 15 fewer than the average weekly number for 2014-18. Over the last 25 weeks the total number of deaths in York (all causes) has been 61 fewer than the average for the equivalent weeks in 2014-18.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 23.11.20 (for deaths occurring up to 18.11.20), a cumulative total of 180 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 82.3, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 91 of the 180 were male (50.6%), less than the national average (55.3%). 75 people (41.7%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 27.26%). In addition 14 people (7.78%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.

Coronavirus York updates; 6th Nov. 2020

Deaths and test results

Number of Coronavirus cases in City passes 4000

There have been no additional deaths at York Hospital Trust announced today.

56 (FIFTY SIX) additional positive test results announced today bringing the cumulative total to 4040. The 3000 case milestone was passed on 19th October.

The rate of infection has now stabilised at 56 new cases each day. To put this into figure context the highest new case rate number record during the first wave was 29.1 on 5th May. (There has been a higher testing rate recently).

The infection rate in the City is still below the county, regional and national rate.

Only two wards (Heslington and Strensall) are above the national average infection rate.

All the figures predate the lockdown period which started yesterday. It will be at least a week before the impact of the new restrictions on infection rates can be monitored.

Updated Council briefing

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 06.11.20. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 2.11.20 there had been 199 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 5.11.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 677.8 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 5,058 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.

Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)

• As at 5.11.20 York has had 3,984 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 1,892 per 100,000 of population. The rate in York is above the national average (1,697.1) but below the regional average (2,666.9).

• 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 (2.11.20) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 28.10.20 to 3.11.20 in York is 178.05 (using data published on Gov.uk on 5.11.20).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 25.10.20 to 31.10.20 was 184.2. The national and regional averages at this date were 231.0 and 410.5 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 5.11.20).

• As at 2.11.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 11.8%. The national and regional averages are 11.3% and 17.3% respectively. The number of Pillar 2 tests being carried out in York has fallen by about a quarter in the last week.

• As at 5.11.20 York University reported 66 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test.

• As at 4.11.20 York St. John reported 22 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 3,418 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 2,943 of the cases have been engaged. 10,486 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 6,174 of these have been traced.

Deaths

The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 23rd October 2020 and registered up to 31st October 2020, 176 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (84 in hospital, 78 in care homes, 10 at home and 4 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 83.56 which is lower than the national average of 93.06. The most recent death reported for a York resident occurred in week 43 (17 to 23 October).

• ‘Excess’ deaths (ONS). In week 43 (17 Oct to 23 Oct), 37 deaths occurred for York residents, which is 4 more than the average weekly number for 2014-18. Over the last 22 weeks the total number of deaths in York has been 36 fewer than the average for the equivalent weeks in 2014-18.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 2.11.20 (for deaths occurring up to 28.10.20), a cumulative total of 168 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.6, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is slightly older than the national average. 88 of the 168 were male (52.4%), slightly less than the national average (55.2%). 72 people (42.9%) died in nursing /care homes (the national average is 28.6%). In addition 13 people (7.74%) 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, 55.1% of COVID-19 deaths occurring at York Hospital have been CYC residents. (NB NHS Trusts record deaths following a positive covid-19 test (within 28 days) whereas ONS record deaths where covid-19 in mentioned on the death certificate so the totals are not the same).

• Deaths at York Hospital: As at 5.11.20, 149 deaths (awaiting confirmation of breakdown by hospital site for recent deaths) where the person had tested positive for COVID-19 and were being cared for at York Hospital have been reported. 237 deaths have been reported by the wider York NHS Trust.

Economic support

The Government has announced a series of economic support measures to coincide with the national measures:
• Business premises forced to close in England due to local or national restrictions are to receive grants worth up to £3,000 a month under the Local Restrictions Support Grant.
• For properties with a rateable value of £15k or under, grants to be £1,334 per month, or £667 per two weeks;
• For properties with a rateable value of between £15k-£51k grants to be £2,000 per month, or £1,000 per two weeks;
• For properties with a rateable value of £51k or over grants to be £3,000 per month, or £1,500 per two weeks.
• £1.1 billion is being given to local authorities, distributed on the basis of £20 per head, for one-off payments to enable us to support businesses more broadly.

The LGA and councils are engaging closely with central government officials on what these business support measures mean for councils, including new burdens payments and what happens with grants previously announced such as the discretionary support for ‘Tier 2’ areas. We will update you on this in future bulletins as we receive further information.
The Government has also announced –
•The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until December with employees receiving 80 per cent of their current salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500. The LGA guidance on the scheme has been updated. The Government has confirmed that partially publicly funded bodies may be eligible to access the scheme where their private revenues have been disrupted.
•The Government announced today that support for self-employed people will rise to 80 per cent of trading profits during November.
•Mortgage holidays will also no longer end. The Financial Conduct Authority will announce further information today.

If the new government schemes have missed your business that needs help please email economicgrowth@york.gov.uk

For more information visit https://www.york.gov.uk/BusinessSupport?mc_cid=af5d308e56&mc_eid=b6a0c91609#grant

Extension to furlough

The national furlough scheme has today been extended by The Chancellor until March 2021. The scheme will continue to pay up to 80% of a person’s wage up to £2,500 a month. The scheme will be reviewed in January 2021.

As part of the revised scheme, anyone made redundant after 23 September can be rehired and put back on furlough.

The next self-employed income support grant will also increase from 55% to 80% of average profits – up to £7,500

For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-extends-furlough-to-march-and-increases-self-employed-support

Coronavirus York updates; 9th October 2020

Deaths and test results

There have been no further hospital deaths reported today.

The number of new cases announced today is 46 (FOURTY SIX). That is the lowest, single day, total announced this week.

The cumulative total number of cases is now 1884

The number of new cases in the last 7 days – expressed pro rate to 100,000 of population – is 201.32. This is higher than the regional and national average.

The worst affected neighbourhood is still Heslington, Fulford and the University. There have been 61 confirmed cases there in the last week.

We have looked at how the number of tests being carried out may be influencing the reported number of cases. The governments figures (click) only cover the period up to 30th September and cover pillar 2 tests only. . They don’t yet cover the period after the new Heslington test centre had ramped up to full capacity. The figure do however show that the recent surge in cases is not solely down to increased testing.

York Council commentary

The Council has updated its “open data” commentary on the pandemic. It is reproduced below

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways /111 triages – as at 5.10.20 there had been 406 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The numbers have just started to fall in the last few days after a very steep rise over the previous 2-3 weeks with a peak of 653 triages in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.

• As at 7.10.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 733.2 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 5,352 people). The peak estimated rate was 1,029.4 on 29.9.20.

Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)

• As at 8.10.20 York has had 1,838 cases, a rate of 872.7 per 100,000 of population. The rate in York is above the national average (853.9) but below the regional average (1193.4) average.

• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the no. of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (5.10.20) is Amber

• The provisional rate for the last seven days of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population in York as at 6.10.20 is 203.69. The provisional national and regional averages are 124.68 and 220.24 respectively.

• The latest local “validated” 7 day rate at 2.10.20 was 161. The national and regional averages at this date were 109.3 and 190.1 respectively.

• As at 5.10.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 11.57% (447 positives out of 3,864 tests). The national and regional averages are 7.1% and 10.7% respectively. The number of Pillar 2 tests being carried out in York is increasing.

• The Fulford, Heslington and University MSOA is in the top 5% in the Yorkshire and Humber Region for new cases per 100,000 in the seven day period up to 2.10.20. Other MSOAs in the region (e.g. Leeds and Bradford) which contain university premises within their boundaries are also on this list.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 1,003 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 703 of the cases have been engaged. 2,609 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 1,699 of these have been traced.

Deaths

The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 25th September 2020 and registered up to 3rd October 2020, 172 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (83 in hospital, 77 in care homes, 9 at home and 3 in a hospice. The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 81.66 which is lower than the national average of 89.10. The most recent death reported for a York resident was in week 38 (12 to 18 September).

• ‘Excess’ deaths (ONS). In week 39 (19 Sept to 25 Sept), 21 deaths occurred in York, which is 8 fewer than the average weekly number for 2014-18. Over the last 18 weeks the total number of deaths in York has been 53 fewer than the average for the equivalent weeks in 2014-18.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 5.10.20 (for deaths occurring up to 30.9.20), a cumulative total of 163 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 82.5, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is slightly older than the national average. 87 of the 163 were male (53.4%), slightly less than the national average (55.1%). 81 of the deaths occurred in hospital and 82 were community deaths (e.g. at home or in a care home or hospice). 71 people (43.6%) died in nursing /care homes (the national average is 29.43%). 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, 58.1% of COVID-19 deaths occurring at York Hospital have been CYC residents. (NB NHS Trusts record deaths following a positive covid-19 test (within 28 days) whereas ONS record deaths where covid-19 in mentioned on the death certificate so the totals are not the same).

• Deaths at York Hospital: As at 8.10.20, 136 deaths of people who had tested positive for COVID-19 and were being cared for at York Hospital have been reported. 216 deaths have been reported by the wider York NHS Trust.

Coronavirus York updates; 2nd October 2020

Deaths and test results

There have been EIGHTEEN additional positive test results announced today bringing the cumulative total to 1352.

There have been no additional hospital deaths

The worst affected neighbourhoods over the last 7 days have been Clifton Without/Skelton and Poppleton/Rufforth/Askhams

Council commentary updated

The York Councils commentary on the crisis has been updated on the “open data” website

It is reproduced below (NB The clarity of the report has been improved this week but still lacks hospital capacity data)

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 2.10.20. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways /111 triages – as at 28.9.20 there had been 433 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The numbers have just started to fall in the last few days after a very steep rise over the previous 2-3 weeks with a peak of 653 triages in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.

• As at 1.10.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 483.9 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 5,302 people). This represents the second daily fall in the prevalence estimate after a month where the figures rose each day.

Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)

• As at 1.10.20 York has had 1,334 cases, a rate of 633.4 per 100,000 of population. The rate in York is lower than national (699.9) and regional (925.9) averages.

• 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 (28.9.20) is Green.

• The provisional rate for the last seven days of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population in York as at 29.9.20 is 62.20. The latest local “validated” 7 day rate at 25.9.20 was 57.6. The national and regional averages at this date were 59.6 and 84.1 respectively

• As at 28.9.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 5.21% (161 positives out of 3,092 tests). The national and regional averages are 4.4 % and 6.0% respectively. The number of Pillar 2 tests being carried out in York is increasing.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 475 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 377 of the cases have been engaged. 1,295 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 842 of these have been traced.

Deaths

The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 18th September 2020 and registered up to 26th September 2020, 172 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (83 in hospital, 77 in care homes, 9 at home and 3 in a hospice. The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 81.66 which is lower than the national average of 88.74. The most recent death reported for a York resident was in week 38 (12 to 18 September).

• ‘Excess’ deaths (ONS). In week 38 (12 Sept to 18 Sept), 25 deaths occurred in York, which is 5 fewer than the average weekly number for 2014-18. Over the last 17 weeks the total number of deaths in York has been 47 fewer than the average for the equivalent weeks in 2014-18.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 28.9.20 (for deaths occurring up to 23.9.20), a cumulative total of 163 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 82.5, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is slightly older than the national average. 87 of the 163 were male (53.4%), slightly less than the national average (55.1%). 81 of the deaths occurred in hospital and 82 were community deaths (e.g. at home or in a care home or hospice). 71 people (43.6%) died in nursing /care homes (the national average is 29.49%). 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, 58.1% of COVID-19 deaths occurring at York Hospital have been CYC residents. (NB NHS Trusts record deaths following a positive covid-19 test (within 28 days) whereas ONS record deaths where covid-19 in mentioned on the death certificate so the totals are not the same).

• Deaths at York Hospital: As at 1.10.20, 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.

New testing site

The Council and government have issued the following media release.

A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility is to open for those with symptoms to book appointments at Wentworth Way Car Park, the University of York, in York.

This is as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.

Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. From the start of the pandemic, testing has been prioritised for the most vulnerable, including patients in clinical settings and care home residents, vital health and care staff and to manage outbreaks.

The new site is situated so as to be easily accessible without a car. Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Testing at the new site has started, with appointments made available each day.

The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history, which now comprises 76 drive-through sites, 133 walk-through sites, 258 mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and five mega laboratories.

Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book at test if they develop symptoms.

There follows a series of quotes from the great, the good and the not so good!

Coronavirus York updates; 12th September 2020

Deaths and test results

An additional TEN positive test results have been announced today. That brings the cumulative total number of cases in the City up to 1027.

There have been no additional deaths

There is currently a spike in cases in the Westfield, Strensall and Osbaldwick neighbourhoods

Council commentary

The Council has updated its commentary on the pandemic which can be found on the open data web site. It is reproduced below.

Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)

• As at 10.9.20 York has had 1,008 cases, a rate of 478.6 per 100,000 of population. The rate in York is lower than national (549.2) and regional (704.8) averages. The most recent cases in York had a test specimen date of 7.9.20 (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 (7.9.20) is Red. The rating was triggered by a higher than ‘expected’ number of cases per 100 tests four times in the last 14 days (5 cases with a specimen date of 25.8.20, 6 cases on 1.9.20, 7 cases on 2.9.20 and 7 cases on 3.9.20). 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 rating 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 4.9.20 and covering the week up to 30.8.20, showed that the 7 day rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population tested under Pillar 1 and 2 was 7.15 for York. York was ranked 42nd out of 149 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 14.72. This is for the 7 day period up to 4.9.20. 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 increasing but remains lower than national (21.9) and regional (31.2) averages.

• As at 7.9.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 1.65% (35 positives out of 2,117 tests). The positivity rate in York is increasing but remains lower than national (2.4%) and regional (3.1%) averages.

• As at 8.9.20 the latest 14 day positivity rate in York was 1.3% overall (2.0% for Pillar 2 and 0.2% for Pillar 1). The rate in York is lower than national (2.4%) and regional (3.4%) rates.

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 28st August 2020 and registered up to 5th September 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 88.25. The most recent death reported for a York resident was in week 31 (25 to 31 July).

• ‘Excess’ deaths (ONS). In week 35 (22 August to 28 August), 24 deaths occurred in York, which is 6 fewer than the average weekly number for 2014-18. Over the last 14 weeks the total number of deaths in York has been 46 fewer than the average for the equivalent weeks in 2014-18.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 7.9.20 (for deaths occurring up to 2.9.20), 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 9.9.20, 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.