Deaths

One additional hospital death announced today. It occurred on Thursday

Test results

TWENTY THREE additional positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative number of cases in the City to 11,542.

Rate /100k population figure has reduced to 109.68

The infection rate in York continues to fall more quickly than in other parts of the country

Neighbourhoods

For the first time since 16th December a neighbourhood (South Bank/Dringhouses) in York has recorded fewer than 3 infections.

The area with the highest number of cases in now Osbaldwick

Vaccinations

Over 2 million vaccinations have now been completed in the Yorkshire region

Hospitals

There are currently 133 COVID-19 patients being treated by the York Hospital Trust.

15 patients are in intensive care

Tests

4967 PCR coronavirus test were conducted during the week ending 8th February.

The positivity rate was 5.2%

1074 lateral flow tests were conducted on 12th February

York families urged to ‘stay safe’ this half term

York’s public health chiefs are urging residents to ‘stay safe’ over the coming week, as children and young people across the city start their half term holidays.

The week will mark a welcome break for many parents and carers who have been home schooling, but also presents extra challenges in keeping children entertained within the lockdown restrictions.
The break comes as York’s seven day rate continues to fall:

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 31.1.21 to 6.2.21 was 134.8. 
• York is currently ranked 25th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1, indicating the lowest 7 day rate.
• As at 8.2.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 5.4%. The national and regional averages are 7.1% and 7.6% respectively.
• As at 10.2.21, 45,596 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,049 had received both doses.

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

I know that many parents and carers will be glad of a break this week after their hard work homeschooling over the last half term.

“There are lots of activities that parents can do to keep their children active over the holiday period, but it’s vitally important that we all continue to follow the current national restrictions. The efforts we are all making a real difference, however we still need to keep going.

“With vaccinations continuing to be carried out at pace in York, there is light at the end of the tunnel and we must all keep up our efforts to fight the spread of the virus.”

Thousands of frontline workers are continuing to support York’s efforts against the virus by getting regular symptom free testing.

The city now has three sites offering the testing to residents, workers, students and staff who are eligible. More information about symptom free testing is available online.

York residents aged 70 or over who haven’t yet received their covid-19 vaccination can also now support the city’s fight against covid-19 by arranging a vaccination appointment.

Until now, the NHS asked people not to contact them about their COVID vaccination and wait until they are approached. This remains the case for most people, but local NHS services are encouraging people in priority cohorts 1-4 (over 70s and those on the shielded patient list) to contact the NHS to book their appointment to ensure everyone in this group is offered the vaccine by mid-February.

Eligible residents can book their appointment by contacting the national booking service online. Those who cannot do it online can call a free 119 number, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week. The national system allows patients to pick a convenient location and time.

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

I would urge anyone aged 70 or over who hasn’t yet had their vaccination to make an appointment through the national booking service.

“The uptake of the vaccine so far in the city has been fantastic and making sure as many York residents as possible are vaccinated is one way we can continue to fight the virus and support our local NHS services.

“If you aren’t in one of the priority groups, please wait to be contacted, everyone will get the chance to book an appointment at the right time.

“We can all work together too by looking out for family and friends, particularly during this cold weather, and following the basic rules of regular hand washing, wearing of face coverings in public spaces when 2 metre social distancing is not possible and isolating at home if you have symptoms or have been asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace or our local contact tracing service.

“Whilst the fall in cases is encouraging we can’t let our guard down yet. There are still more people in hospital than the first peak and sadly we have seen a number of deaths in recent weeks.

“This virus isn’t relenting but our efforts and the incredible vaccine rollout is helping to stop the spread and offer real hope that things will get better. Thank you to everyone for their efforts, let’s keep going.”

The council’s Coronavirus helpline offers support including with food, essentials or someone to speak to. Anyone needing help can call 01904 551550 or email COVID19help@york.gov.uk.

There are lots of school holiday ideas and resources available online. Check out York Mumbler and Little Vikings for local resources.