TWO (2) additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Tuesday and one yesterday.
The latest P2 testing figures have been released. They cover the week ending 16th December during which time 3962 tests were completed. The proportion positive were 5%. That is double the rate recorded during the previous week.
ONE HUNDRED and THREE (103) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total in City up to 6448
The validated rate /100k population has now reached 127.3. It is expected to reach over 180 within a couple of days. The 91 cases identified on Tuesday was the largest single day figure since 22nd October.
EIGHT (8) additional deaths at the York Hospital Trust announced today. One occurred on Friday, one on Saturday three on Sunday and three yesterday.
The cumulative total since the beginning of September is now 139.
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN (107) additional positive test results announced today. That is the largest total for over 2 months. It brings the cumulative total to 6166.
Rate /100k population rises to 103.5.
The situation is continuing to worsen.
The 63 infections found on Sunday was worst single day figure seen since 2nd November.
The picture at neighbourhood level reflects the general increase in infection rates.
No neighbourhood now has fewer than 3 cases.
Infection rates are growing quickly at national level.
They are fairly stable at regional level much of which has Tier 3 restrictions in place.
Rates at North Yorkshire and City level are growing at approximately the same rate.
Residents will be expecting an early statement from the health authorities.
Infection rates are rising as quickly as we saw in September and October. This led to the early imposition of increased restrictions.
It is still not at all clear which are the major sources of the infection.
The most likely transmission areas are inter household mixing (whether inside or outside) & leisure venues.
More information should by now be available from the contact tracing teams. We hope that the Council will share this information with residents.
Working on behalf of 11 GP Practices, Nimbuscare announced at the weekend that it has opened a COVID-19 vaccination site in York.
They have begun offering the COVID-19 vaccine to invited individuals..
Key things to know about the new site:
Those in the first priority groups will be offered the vaccine first. All those vaccinated will also need to come for a booster jab at a later date. People will be contacted when the time is right to come for their appointment. You will be contacted by letter, text message or phone call. Please don’t contact your local GP practice or hospital to ask about the vaccine and please do not come to the site without an appointment. Getting vaccinated means protecting yourself form the virus so you can be there for your family, friends and patients.
Seasonal surplus food distribution tomorrow (Wednesday)
More on fines for Tier 3 visitors
Shocking number of fines handed to tier 3 visitors ignoring restrictions and visiting York this weekend
City of York police have issued a shocking number of fines to tier 3 residents, who chose to flout regulations and visit the city this weekend.
Local policing teams made proactive visits with City of York Council covid support marshalls and enforcement officers to a number of licensed premises on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to ensure people were acting responsibly and being safe by sticking to the regulations around indoor gatherings and the rule of six outdoors.
However, officers encountered large numbers of visitors from tier 3 areas, who had chosen to ignore the warnings and put local residents at risk by flouting the regulations. Many were found to be from multiple households who were mixing indoors, clearly breaking the tier 3 restrictions which travel with them. When spoken to by officers, some did disperse and leave the area, but some groups were resistant to police advice, resulting in enforcement action being taken.
Over the weekend police have processed 61 tickets issued in York alone, with 55 being handed to tier 3 residents in breach of their tier regulations. However, officers have stated that there are over 100 more tickets in the pipeline, awaiting paperwork completion and processing.
Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading the North Yorkshire Police response to Covid-19 said:
“Looking at the numbers of fines handed out this weekend which are still awaiting processing, we believe that we have handed out over 160 tickets, with the vast majority being issued to tier 3 residents who visited York to mix and socialise indoors, which is in clear breach of their restrictions.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have been very clear about our approach and the action taken this weekend is evidence of it. We have stated our teams would be patrolling, speaking to the public and encouraging them to adhere to the rules. Where we encounter people who refuse to adhere to the regulations and believe their pint is more important than someone’s life, we will use our enforcement powers.
“Some people who were spoken to by officers did go home. However, our teams encountered large numbers of people who were not responsive to the advice, leaving us no option but to enforce through the use of fixed penalty notices.
“We will continue to patrol the city and the wider county and we will be visiting licensed premises and busy shopping areas. People very clearly know and understand the risks, they know that this virus is deadly, they will know about the identification of a new strain and know the serious steps the Government has taken in the South East, so there really is no excuse for acting so irresponsibly.
“If you choose to visit the city of York from tier 3 areas without a justifiable reason to have made your journey – with our extra patrols, chances are you will encounter one of our officers and you’ll be asked about the reason for your visit. It is our responsibility to ask those questions, to determine the truth and take the necessary action, in order to stop the spread and ultimately save lives.
“We remain undeterred from our objective to keep the people of North Yorkshire safe.”
Cllr Denise Craghill, executive member for safer communities at City of York Council said: “We want people to enjoy York safely and in line with Government rules. You should not travel across tier boundaries and in York, tier 2 restrictions must be followed: meet only your household or your bubble, or up to six people outside. Please remember to continue to wash your hands, wear a face covering and give each other 2 metres space.
“No one in the city wants to put loved ones at risk for the sake of a night out and undo the city’s hard work and sacrifice.”
No additional deaths were recorded by the York Hospital Trust today.
FORTY SEVEN (47) additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 6166
The rate /100k population has reached 93.6. Is likely to exceed 100 when tomorrow’s figures are confirmed.
The first wave peak was 96.9 on 5th May.
The second wave peaked at 441 on 15th October.
Infection rates are continuing to rise across most of the City. Only the Clifton North area has fewer than 3 cases
Visitors from Tier 3 areas fined
Supt Mike Walker has told a North Yorkshire resilience forum that 18 fines had been issued by North Yorkshire Police at the weekend to Tier 2 residents and 56 to visitors from Tier 3 areas. He said the big problem had primarily been people gathering indoors, in pubs and houses, where the virus could spread.
Hospitals
The number of Covid patients at York Hospital has risen by 11 in the past week. The hospital currently has 46 patients with the coronavirus, Harrogate Hospital has 14 – down from 21 – and Scarborough has 36, down by two.
FIVE additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Three of these occurred yesterday.
FIFTY (50) additional positive test results have been announced today. That takes the cumulative total to 6070. Some of the positive results have been backdated to November. However 44 positive results were recorded on 15th December – a monthly high.
The rate/100k population has now risen to 69.8. It is expected to rise to 84.0 tomorrow.
The City’s case rate – although now increasing – remains below the county, regional and national averages.
Two neighbourhoods are showing fewer than 3 cases in each today. They are Clifton North and New Earswick
The case rate in Poppleton, Rufforth & the Askhams has jumped to 188.3.
New restrictions imposed – Christmas affected
New tier 4 lockdown restrictions have been imposed on the South East of England.
People should not travel into a tier four area, though support bubbles remain unaffected as do the exemptions for separated parents and their children.
For those in tiers one, two and three, rules allowing up to three households to meet will now be limited to Christmas Day only.
Christmas bubbles for those in tiers one to three will not be able include anyone in tier four.
In tier four, people should not mix with anyone outside their own household, apart from support bubbles.
New covid marshalls start to help protect people and places
New covid support marshalls are supporting the city’s residents, visitors and businesses to maintain covid guidelines and protect the people and places we love.
The new officers will provide advice and help to businesses and people. They will be reminding restauranteurs or licensees about covid guidelines, advising shoppers about face coverings, challenging group sizes or supporting covid-safe queuing to enter busy premises or at bus stops and taxi ranks.
The marshalls will also help discourage people from gathering, including at New Year’s Eve when people will be asked to celebrate at home and not linger in town after closing time. They will also be visiting outlying centres of York too, to help local communities and businesses follow the regulations.
Sharon Stoltz, director of public health at City of York Council, said:
“Helping people stay safe has a direct impact on keeping the places we love open.
“These new officers will play a valuable role in supporting us all to socially distance and to support businesses by signposting them to sources of advice on covid infection control measures, licensing, grants and other matters.”
All our marshalls will carry City of York Council identification and will never ask for money.
Anyone wishing to report concerns about how the covid regulations are being observed should email public.protection@york.gov.uk.
Book essential food and prescriptions now!
With shopping queues building, online slots being booked and bank holidays approaching, residents are reminded to order essential groceries and prescriptions ahead of festive season.
We have sent residents who are clinically extremely vulnerable, details of the link to LiveWellYork website’s list of local food delivers. This was compiled and shared during the first lockdown to support those shielding or self-isolating and is at: www.livewellyork.co.uk/s4s/WhereILive/Council?pageId=5223
Anyone who has repeat prescriptions are asked to check their medication. If they need more to see them through to the new year, please contact their GP.
Cllr Darryl Smalley, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities, said:
We don’t want anyone to find themselves without food or essential medicine over the festive season. So please plan ahead and use the brilliant support networks so many residents have found invaluable over the summer.
“Support for people who urgently need some extra help is still there, but we hope everyone can relax into Christmas and the New Year knowing that they have the essentials they need in advance.”
Dr Nigel Wells, NHS Vale of York CCG Clinical Chair, said:
The lead-up to Christmas can be a busy time for the NHS and local health services, so those on repeat prescriptions are advised to order them well in advance so they can enjoy the festive season in good health.
“Having a medicine cabinet at home with some simple over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and anti-diarrhoea tablets is also recommended so you can treat any common illnesses or ailments yourself, without needing to see a GP.
“Many winter illnesses are self-limiting, which means they will clear up on their own so they can be treated at home using over-the-counter products from your local pharmacy.” In an emergency or if you don’t have any other support, please email covid19help@york.gov.uk or call 01904 551550.
Symptom-free testing expanded
After the successful launch of targeted symptom-free testing in the city this week the council is now expanding its offer to those who support those who are most at risk from Coronavirus.
Since opening the service on Monday to those who work in retail, leisure and transport hundreds of bookings have been made and the council is thanking those who have been tested so far as part of the city’s efforts to slow the spread.
Those who work with, live with or support those most at risk from Coronavirus are now being invited to book their free tests.
Councillor Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Social Care and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board visited the testing site to thank staff for their efforts.
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 1 hour, will be used to proactively test asymptomatic individuals. This will further support the local effort to drive down the city’s infection rate.
Symptom-free tests are 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.
THREE (3) additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Tuesday, two on Wednesday and one yesterday. The cumulative second wave hospital death toll has now reached 126.
FIFTEEN (15) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 6020
The rate /100k population figure has risen to 69.32. That is the highest level seen since 28th November.
It is expected to trend up to at least 83.0 during the next couple of days.
The neighbourhood Figures reveal that, for the first time since 21st November, no areas have fewer then 3 COVID cases.
Case rates are volatile at a local level and may reflect transient household infections
Daily case numbers have fluctuated since the end of lockdown 2 on 2nd December
York Council commentary on pandemic
The York Council has updated its “open data” commentary on the pandemic.
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 14.12.20 there had been 121 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 16.12.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 354.8 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,540 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.
Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)
• As at 17.12.20 York has had 6,005 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 2,851.1 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (2,957.2) and regional (4,246.6) 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 (14.12.20) is Amber.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 9.12.20 to 15.12.20 in York is 78.3 (using data published on Gov.uk on 17.12.20).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 6.12.20 to 12.12.20 was 63.6. The national and regional averages at this date were 206.6 and 151.1 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 17.12.20).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 6.12.20 to 12.12.20 for people aged 60+ in York was 52.4. The national and regional averages were 138.5 and 131.5 respectively.
• The positivity rate in York had fallen since a peak of almost 18% in mid-October down to less than 2% in early December. As at 14.12.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 2.87%. The national and regional averages are 8.1% and 6.5% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 7 days by type of test is 128 positives out of 3,021 lab based (PCR) tests (4.24%) and 0 positive out of 1,435 rapid (lateral flow) tests (0%).
• As at 17.12.20 York University reported 7 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 14.12.20 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 4,866 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 4,298 of the cases have been completed (88.3%). 13,580 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 8,339 of these have been completed (61.4%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 11.12.20, 361 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 360 of the referrals (99.7%) have been actioned and 1 is still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 263 (73.1%) were successful and 97 (26.9%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 16.12.20 there were 2 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 by PHE on 16.12.20 (1 home – not an elderly person’s setting).
• In the 7 days up to 13.12.20 there were 11 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 9 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 16.12.20 there were 41 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 15.12.20 was 34.
• As at 16.12.20 there were 3 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 15.12.20 were 3 and 0 respectively.
• As at 16.12.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
Recovery from Covid-19
• Between 13.4.20 and 13.12.20, 264 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 11.12.20 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 0.9. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 0.9) on 4.12.20.
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 4th December 2020 and registered up to 12th December 2020, 205 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (99 in hospital, 89 in care homes, 12 at home and 5 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 97.33 which is lower than the national average of 116.54. There have been 33 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 9 weeks (Weeks 41 to 49).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). Between week 2 and week 49 there were a total of 138 ‘excess deaths’ in York compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 19 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 53 fewer deaths in weeks 22-49.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 14.12.20 (for deaths occurring up to 9.12.20), a cumulative total of 198 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.4, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 97 of the 198 were male (49%), less than the national average (55.4%). 83 people (41.9%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 26.53%). In addition 16 people (8.08%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
Test numbers and positivity
The government have published updated figures which show the number of COVID tests carried out in York. During the week ending 9th December 6674 P1/P2 test were carried out. 3380 lateral flow tests were conducted. The percentage testing positive was 2.17%.
This is the lowest level seen since September.
However these test were conducted before the recent surge in case numbers which became apparent from 10th December. Next weeks figures may therefore be viewed with some anxiety
NB. Local public health officials are blaming personal interactions, rather than communal activities like shopping, for the most recent increase in case numbers in the City
There have been no further deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today
An unwelcome milestone has been passed with over 6000 positive test results now recorded in the City. Today THIRTY THREE (33) additional infections were announced bringing the cumulative total to 6005.
The projected rate /100k population for Tuesday 15th December is 78.3. That would be the highest since lockdown was relaxed on 2nd.
There is now an urgent need for a fresh statement from local Public Health officials. The spike may be influenced by increased testing using the “lateral flow” system. If so, then an analysis of the source of the “positives” is required.
If not, then the characteristics of any “contact” chains needs to be explored and publicised more fully.
The neighbourhood figures for 11th December (pre expected spike) show three areas with less than 3 cases. In two there were zero infections.
While case numbers are fairly static at regional level (prior to the expected Christmas spike) at national level infection rates are already increasing.
No change to Tier 2 restrictions in York
York and the rest of North Yorkshire will continue with Tier 2 level restrictions at least until the new year. The announcement was made by the government today. It comes as little surprise given the increases in infection rates in the City over the last few days.
According to the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, York will need to have less than 45 cases /100k population before it will be considered for Tier 1 restrictions. Currently York has a case rate of 69.3 (and rising).
TWO further deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Sunday and one on Monday. The total “second wave” death toll at the York and Scarborough hospitals has now reached 122.
The age profile of positive test results has changed significantly over the last couple of weeks. The second wave infection numbers were predominantly to be found in those aged under 60 during October and November.
Now those aged over 60 form about 50% of the cases. This is potentially significant as it is likely to have a greater impact on NHS capacity.
TWENTY SEVEN (27) additional positive test results announced today bringing the cumulative total to 5972.
The infection rate /100k population figure has risen again to 65.5. Last Sunday’s total number of positive test results, at 32, was the highest seen in the City since 1st December.
Unfortunately infection rates are now increasing at City, County, regional and national levels.
At neighbourhood level, Haxby now has significantly higher infection rates than other parts of the City.
Only two areas (Wigginton and Rawcliffe/Clifton South) have fewer than 3 cases each.
Questions answered live on Facebook today
Join the next live #AskTheLeaders Live Coronavirus Q&A’s on the Council’s Facebook page on Wednesday 16 December from 5.30-6.30pm.
Wednesday will see the panel discuss the forthcoming easing of restrictions over the festive period as well as ways we can continue to keep each other safe whilst enjoying the festive season.
The panel includes:
Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care
Sharon Stolz, Director for Public Health
Alyson Scott, Chief Executive Officer, York Mind
Owen Kavanagh, Senior Lecturer in Biosciences & Biomedical Science, York St John University
How can I get involved?
Residents are invited to submit questions in advance by emailing them to YourQuestions@york.gov.ukor commenting on the live video on Facebook.
Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care said:
It has been an exceptionally tough year for everyone across the city and beyond. Whilst the festive period will see a national easing of restrictions, it is vital that we all continue to keep up our collective effort and follow the hands, space, face guidance.
“This week we will be answering your questions focusing on the restrictions, which will be coming into place from 23 – 27 December. I’d encourage people to get involved by sending in their questions to yourquestions@york.gov.uk, or commenting on the livestream.”
For the latest York updates on service changes, online support and how you can get involved in supporting your community visit www.york.gov.uk/Coronavirus
SIX (6) additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust. Five occurred on Saturday and one on Sunday. Brings the cumulative “second wave” death toll, at the York and Scarborough hospitals, up to 120.
COVID related deaths at York and Scarborough hospitals
TWENTY SEVEN (27) additional positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total up to 5945
The rate /100k population has increased to 62.2. It is expected to reach at least 68.4 over the next few days.
Infection rates generally across the country are now increasing again.
It is likely that families will be asked not to mix over the Christmas period while some schools and colleges may decide to take an extended break
Little change to neighbourhood figures although, for the first time since September, Heslington is now recording fewer than 3 cases.
ONE additional death announced by the York Hospital Trust today. The fatality happened on Saturday and brings the second wave cumulative toll at the York and Scarborough hospitals to 114.
NINETEEN (19) positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total up to 5918.
Case rate /100k population increases to 61.3
Case numbers at county and regional level have stabilised although they continue to increase at national level.
There is little change at neighbourhood level.
There has been an increase in the number of cases in Bishopthorpe/Copmanthorpe.
There are less than 3 cases now in Clifton Without/Skelton which, a couple of weeks ago, had the highest rate in the City
New covid support marshalls are supporting the city’s residents, visitors and businesses to maintain covid guidelines and protect the people and places we love.
