Coronavirus York updates; 20th March 2021

Deaths

The have been no more COVID-19 hospital deaths announced today.

Test results

Eight additional positive test results today. Brings cumulative total to 12,197

The number of cases drops by eleven from 81 to 70.

Rate /100k population has fallen to 33.24. A small further reduction is expected before the rate stabilises for a couple of days early next week.

Infection rates at county and regional level still increasing

Neighbourhoods

Only one neighbourhood now with more than 5 cases (Heworth South/The Groves). 20 areas now below national infection rate.

Vaccinations

A record number of vaccinations were completed yesterday. 50% of the adult population has now been immunised

Tests

3986 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 15th March 2021

Of these, 1.3% were positive. That is less than the 1.4% positivity rate recorded on the previous day

1768 “lateral flow” tests were also completed on the 19th March

“Stay safe and follow the guidance this weekend”

The York Council issued the following statement yesterday (Friday)

As the weekend begins, city leaders are thanking residents for their continued efforts to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

They are also asking everyone to continue to follow the current Public Health guidance and lockdown restrictions to keep our loved ones safe.

The latest figures for vaccination numbers, and case numbers, in York are:

  • As at 17.3.21, 79,375 CYC residents had received the first dose and 5,724 had received both doses.
  • The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.3.21 to 13.3.21 was 42.3. The national and regional averages at this date were 58.3 and 107.6 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.3.21).

With case numbers in the city decreasing, many residents will be looking forward to the planned changes in the roadmap plan, and the lifting of some of the current restrictions. To stop the spread of the virus, and keep the people of York safe, it is essential that the current guidance is followed.

These include:

  • Stay local and do not travel outside of your local area unless for essential reasons
  • Wash your hands, wear a face covering and maintain a 2m distance from others
  • You can enjoy your daily exercise as a household, but do not mix with people outside your support bubble

Residents looking for ways to enjoy the city safely with their household or alone with one person they do not live with, can visit the iTravel website and download a family-friendly illustrated map in the new Exploring York walking maps collection from their website.

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

It is encouraging to see the number of residents who have had their first dose of the vaccine.

“The Nimbuscare-led vaccination site has now administered over 100,000 jabs and I want to pay tribute to all the volunteers and staff who have made this possible. We are aware though that some people are yet to have their first jab and who are eligible. The Council and its partners are looking at ways we can help our communities to help those eligible to get the vaccine as soon as they can.”

“Whilst many of us are looking forward to a time where we can see our friends and families safely, it is more important than ever that we continue to follow the rules. As we get closer to potential milestones in the Government’s Roadmap, we must not be complacent and continue to follow public health guidance to stop the spread of the virus. If we continue to working together in this effort, we can expect to safely enjoy our city once again.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director for Public Health said:

We continue to be grateful for the efforts of everyone in stopping the spread of the virus. Our collective efforts are making a difference and saving lives, so let’s keep going.

“Thanks too must go to everyone having the vaccine and those making it possible. Each jab in the arm takes us closer to where we want to get to. We can’t change our behaviours just yet though. Whilst having the vaccine greatly reduces the risk of serious illness from Coronavirus, people can still catch and spread the virus. Hands, Face, Space remains vital as ever for us all.”

“We are still keen to see cases fall further, we cannot afford to be complacent yet so please keep going with Hands, Face, Space. Every time you wear a face covering or video call a friend or family member has an impact so thank you. I would strongly encourage anyone eligible to take up the offer of regular symptom-free testing, or carry out home testing, as an important way to stop the spread of the virus.”

Coronavirus York updates; 20th February 2021

Deaths

Five deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. However there has been some “catching up” done, with 3 of the fatalities having occurred in January but only now being reported.

Two local hospital COVID-19 deaths occurred on Thursday

Test results

THIRTY TWO positive test results announced today. That is the largest single day figure for over a week. Brings the cumulative case total to 11,692

The rate /100k population has fallen to 74.07. That is the lowest figure seen since 14th December 2020.

A further fall is expected tomorrow, although the case number spike may then delay further improvements for a couple of days.

The spike in case numbers mainly comes from the results of tests carried out on Wednesday and Thursday. It mans that the daily average number of new cases may stall at around 20 for a short time. Something similar happened towards the end of Lockdown 2 (see below)

The authrities may be looking anxiously to see whether any increased social mixing over the half term has an effect on next weeks figures.

While national and City figures continue to show a gradual decline, regional figures are remaining stubbornly high.

Neighbourhoods

Only one neighbourhood (Holgate East) currently has a infection rate (marginally) above the English average.

Vaccinations

Tests

4536 PCR test were carried out during the week ending 15th February.

3.7% of the tests produced a positive result. That is the lowest positivity rate recorded since 12th December 2020

907 “lateral flow” test were conducted on 19th February

Council urges residents not to be complacent as rates fall

The York Council issued the following statement yesterday (Friday). Please note the figures quoted are no longer the latest available.

“As the number of Coronavirus cases across the city continues to fall, City of York Council is thanking residents and businesses for their continued efforts and asking them to keep going.

The latest local data:

  • The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.2.21 to 13.2.21 was 86.4. The national and regional averages at this date were 137.8 and 152 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.2.21)
  • As at 17.2.21 54,289 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,077 had received both doses. 

With daylight lasting longer and the weather starting to warm up City of York Council is asking everyone to keep up their efforts and continue to follow the national restrictions to keep the people we love safe.

This includes not gathering in groups when exercising, as crowds give the virus the chance to spread.

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

Our collective efforts are making a difference and is saving lives, so thank you for all you are doing.

We cannot afford to let our guard down and must keep going. We know this is incredibly challenging, so please continue to keep in touch with friends and family and look after each other. The Council’s helpline is there for anyone who needs it, get in touch on 01904 551550 or by emailing COVID19help@york.gov.uk.

“The success of the vaccine rollout offers us real hope that better times are around the corner. Until then let’s keep going and look after each other.”

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

Whilst we have seen a significant fall in the rate of infection thanks to everyone’s efforts, case rates are still higher than we would like. The fewer cases we have means less pressure on our hospital and fewer families worried about what is happening to someone they love.

“The way we are all behaving is making a massive difference, so thank you. Keeping our distance, wearing a face covering and washing our hands regularly gives the virus less chance to spread.

“These restrictions are challenging for us all, please continue to look after yourself and each other. Exercise and fresh air can improve our physical and mental health, as can catching up with friends and family online.

Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic and chairs the multi-agency North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, urged people to avoid gathering in the public spaces in and around York. He said: 

We’re still in a precarious position as the infection rate can fluctuate. We must continue to do all we can to abide by the health protection regulations which are designed to limit the spread of the virus. 

“This is not the time to become complacent about the virus. We’ve got to keep going and make sure all the hard work and sacrifice has been for the worthwhile purpose – protecting our loved ones and returning to the lifestyle we have taken for granted in the past. 

“As for the reckless minority who think the regulations do not apply to them, we will continue to actively target these blatant breaches, while providing a highly-visible and reassuring presence for the wider community who are doing the right thing and helping to tackle this public health crisis.”

Reporting suspected breaches of the health protection regulations

Incidents should primarily be reported via the home page of the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101.

Shielding update

Earlier this week, government research identified more individuals who may be at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell from coronavirus and are being asked to shield, which will affect a number of residents in the city. These individuals should soon be receiving a letter from the government and the council will be in touch too. Our COVID helpline remains open to help anyone who needs it, whether that is collecting food or prescriptions or someone to talk to. The helpline is contactable on 01904 551550 or by emailing COVID19help@york.gov.uk

The latest update of data for York is available online. “