Coronavirus York updates; 27th April 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths have been announced today

The latest ONS figures, which show how many York residents have died of COVID-19 related causes, has been updated.

It shows that, for the week ending 16th April (the most recent available), there was one death in a care home and one in a hospital.

They bring the total City death toll up to 377

Test results

Eight additional positive test results were announced today. That brings the cumulative total up to 12,253.

There has been an increase of 6 cases in the City since yesterday. The total is now 48. The last time a figure higher than that was recorded was on 30th March.

The rate per 100k population figure has risen to 22.79. Three weeks ago – before restrictions were eased – the figure had been as low as 9.02.

The infection rate is expected to stay much the same for the next 3 or 4 days at least.

The number of positive test results in the under 60 age group is now ten times more than is being seen in the over 60 age group.

There have been increases in infection rates at regional and national level. The biggest spike has been in parts of North Yorkshire where a surge in Selby has seen 101 cases recorded there. (59 are recorded in the Selby Town MSOA alone)

Neighbourhoods

Seven neighbourhoods now have 3 or more cases.

Vaccinations

Good news on vaccinations with 57% of adults in York now having received their first dose. 22% have now also had their second dose.

It has been announced that 42-45 year olds will receive a text inviting them to get their jab through the national booking service. The move to the next age group, comes two weeks after rolling out the vaccine to those aged 45 and over. The latest figures show that more than two thirds of people aged 45 to 49 had been vaccinated.

Tests

4373 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 22nd April 2021.

Of these, 0.8% were positive. This represents an increase over the previous days figure of 0.7%

3132 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 26th April 2021.

Hospitals

There has been no change in COVID-19 patients numbers at the hospital today

Cheaper car parking and family bus fares

The Council has said that, to aid Economic Recovery and the re-opening the city centre, the following transport incentives will be rolled out.

1) Launch a promotion of the Minster parking badge at £10 to last until March 2022.
The permit will be valid for 24 months after purchase starting at Step 3 of
the Road map to recovery (currently the 17th of May). The badge allows drivers to park at a reduced rate in most council car parks during the day and to park for free after 5.00pm.

2) For the Council to fund a 50% discount on the All York Family Bus Ticket for a period of up to 6 months starting at Step 3 of the Road map to recovery (currently the 17th of May).

3) That the free parking for Critical Workers will end when the governments funding for parking losses in income take effect (end of June). The council will providing a month of noticing vehicles using this service to
mitigate any issues with sudden changes.

“It will also need to be kept under review if car park capacity becomes an issue”.

The decisions were taken at a “behind closed doors” meeting

Business Grants

Over 1500 York businesses will receive further grants over the next fortnight as City of York Council distributes the rest of its COVID grant allocation. 

The council has agreed to distribute the rest of the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) funding as quickly as possible.

ARG is a discretionary scheme, allowing the council to direct funding to help businesses which are severely impacted by the pandemic but don’t qualify for the government’s grants.

Businesses don’t need to do anything to get the grants. There are no newly qualifying business, so the council will automatically pay those that are already receiving ARG payments.

The amount that eligible businesses will receive is dependent on size of business, whether a business has premises and where a business – or those sectors they depend on – can reopen in line with the roadmap. Qualifying businesses can check the amount they should receive at https://www.york.gov.uk/information-businesses/covid-19-business-rates-grants

Notes

Payment amounts are as follows:

For businesses which reopened at Step 2 (non-essential retail, personal care, etc):

  • 11 days payment (1 April to 11 April) plus £200
  • With no fixed premises costs: £396 (including the additional £200)
  • With rateable value less than £15k: £724 (including the additional £200)
  • With rateable value £15k-£51k: £986 (including the additional £200)
  • With rateable value above £51k: £1379 (including the additional £200)

For businesses reopening at Step 3 (leisure, hospitality, taxis, etc):

  • 46 days payment (1 Apr to 16 May)
  • With no fixed premises costs: £821
  • With rateable value less than £15k: £2192
  • With rateable value £15k-£51k: £3286
  • With rateable value above £51k: £4929

For businesses reopening at Step 4 (international travel, etc):

  • 81 days payment (1 Apr to 21 June)
  • With no fixed premises costs: £1446
  • With rateable value less than £15k: £3859
  • With rateable value £15k-£51k: £5786
  • With rateable value above £51k: £8679

Coronavirus York updates; 26th April 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths reported today

Test results

Four additional positive test results have been announced today bringing the cumulative total up to 12,245

For the forth consecutive day, there has been an increase in the number of cases in the City. The total now stands at 42. Up from 38 yesterday

The rate per 100k population figure is now 19.94. It is expected to rise to 22.79 tomorrow, before beginning to stablise.

Case numbers are high in the town of Selby. The infection rate there has surged to 327.0 (44 cases) in recent days.

Neighbourhoods

Six neighbourhoods now have 3 or more COVID-19 cases. The latest to join the list is Fulford Road and Clementhorpe

Vaccinations

click to access

Tests

4,118 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 21st April 2021

Of these, 0.7% proved to be positive. This is more than the previous days figure of 0.6%.

4984 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 15th April. That brought the cumulative total of such tests carried out in the City to 240,473.

Hospitals

COVID-19 patient numbers are stable at the York Hospital Trust

Coronavirus York updates; 25th April 2021

Deaths

There have been no additional hospital deaths announced today

Test results

Five additional positive test results today. Brings the total number of cases to 12,241.

Number of cases in the City rises from 36 yesterday to 37 today

Rate /100k population is now 18.04.

Blip in infection rates at North Yorkshire level today

Neighbourhoods

Still 5 neighbourhoods with above average infection rates.

Vaccinations

High numbers of vaccinations were completed yesterday

Tests

4,004 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 20th April 2021

Of these, 0.6% were positive. This was an improvement on the 0.7% recorded on the previous day

1,107 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 24th April 2021.

Coronavirus York updates; 24th April 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths announced today

Test results

13 additional positive test results announced today. That is the highest for some weeks. The 12 positive tests recorded on Thursday was the highest single day figure recorded for a month.

The cumulative total is now 12,223.

The number of cases has increased from 31 yesterday to 37 today

The rate /100k population figure has risen to 17.57.

Unfortunately we seem to be seeing an upward trajectory with a rate of over 22 likely to be seen over the next few days.

Neighbourhoods

There are now 5 neighbourhoods with above average infection rates. The biggest increase has been in the City Centre which currently has 7 cases.

Vaccinations

Tests

3,936 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 19th April

Of these, 0.7% were positive; the same proportion as the previous day.

In additional 1721 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted.

As York opens up, please stay safe says Council

This week represented a major step forward for York as shops, gyms, hairdressers and pub gardens opened their doors welcoming residents and visitors alike.

While infections rates remain low, the council is still asking all those enjoying our city to stay safe and help protect those around them.

You can play your part by:

  • Washing and sanitising your hands regularly
  • Wearing a face covering in busy public spaces, and respecting the measures put in place by businesses
  • Maintaining social distancing whenever possible
  • Following the rule of six for two households
  • Taking a COVID test twice a week. You can arrange to collect a testing kit or book an in-person appointment online. All Adults are now eligible for these tests symptom-free
  • Download the NHS COVID-19 app, available for both Android and iOS phones

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of York City Council said:

We are now nearly two weeks into the new measures and I want to thank everyone for their efforts to keep the city safe and ask people to keep going.

“The return of many retail, leisure and outdoor hospitality businesses has been an important step forward towards normal life, and we are thankful for the efforts of our local businesses and communities in helping to keep both residents and visitors to our city as safe as possible.

“Our efforts must continue if we are to retain the progress we’ve made together and move further along the roadmap. I would urge all those of secondary school age or older to continue to get tested twice a week while practising hands, face, space and to meet with those we don’t live with outside.”

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

“Businesses, communities and public institutions have done vital work in protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.

Infection rates across York are currently stable, but ensuring the continued recovery of our city will require us all to redouble our efforts and not rest on our laurels.

“Hands, face, space, fresh air remain vital in our fight against the virus. As is getting tested twice a week and answering the call for the vaccine when it arrives.”

Coronavirus York updates; 23rd April 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths announced today

Test results

Six additional positive test results today. Total now 12,223.

One fewer case in York today. Brings total down to 31.

Rate /100k population now 14.72. Expected to increase over the weekend.

Neighbourhoods

Only 4 neighbourhoods have infection rates above 10 today. The rate in Westfield /Foxwood North has now fallen back below 3 cases.

Vaccinations

Tests

3932 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 18th April.

Of these, 0.7% were positive. That is the same proportion as the previous day.

2985 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 22nd April 2021.

Hospital

Council COVID-19 commentary

The York council has updated its “open data” briefing on the pandemic. It is reproduced below for convenience

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 23.04.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 19.4.21 there had been 58 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 22.4.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 19 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,146 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 22.4.21 York has had 12,217 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,801 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,828) and regional (7,103) averages. Cases identified through Lateral Flow Tests will be removed if they have a negative follow up PCR test within 72 hours so the cumulative total of cases can, on occasions, go down.

• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (19.4.21) is Amber. This is due to a higher than ‘expected’ number of cases on 1 occasion(s) in the most recent 14 day monitoring period. In recent weeks the number of cases have been low in York which has an effect on the thresholds used to determine the RAG rating – a small change can mean the difference between a red, amber and green rating.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.4.21 to 20.4.21 in York is 17.6 (37 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 22.4.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 11.4.21 to 17.4.21 in York was 15.2 (32 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 23.8 and 46.7 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 22.4.21).

• York is currently ranked 39th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.

• For the 7 day period 10.4.21.to 16.4.21 the number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 6 and rates varied from 0 to 59.7 per 100,000. 10 wards had zero cases.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 11.4.21 to 17.4.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 2.0 (1 case). The national and regional averages were 10.0 and 14.8 respectively.

• As at 20.4.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 0.86%. The national and regional averages are 1.0% and 2.5% respectively.

• As at 20.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.12%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 20.4.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0%. The national average is 0.6%.

• As at 16.4.21 York University 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 331 on the 19.10.20.

• As at 5.4.21 York St. John reported 0 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 11,406 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,305 of the cases have been completed (90.3%). 26,705 ‘contacts’ of these cases have been identified and 20,263 of these have been completed (75.9%).

• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 16.4.21, 155 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 145 (93.5%) were successful and 10 (6.5%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible. (NB on the 10.3.21 the local CYC team became responsible for contacting all cases rather than just those that the national team could not contact).

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 22.4.21 there were 0 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 19.4.21 there were 7 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 5 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 20.4.21 there were 4 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 20.4.21 there were 0 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.

• As at 20.4.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 20.4.21 there had been 0 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

• Between 5.4.21 and 11.4.21, 4 CYC residents were discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection.

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 16.4.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 9.4.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 21.4.21 a total of 95,215 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 45.2% of the estimated total population of York and 54.7% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 21.4.21 a total of 33,679 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 16% of the estimated total population of York and 19.4% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

Deaths

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

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 14: 3.4.21 to 9.4.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 11, 12 and 13 there had been 4, 0 and 2 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 9th April 2021 and registered up to 17th April 2021, 392 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (227 in hospital, 134 in care homes, 23 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 186.12 which is lower than the national average of 230.22

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 14.4.21), a cumulative total of 372 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.2, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (79.6% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.1% nationally). 178 of the 372 were male (47.8%), less than the national average (54.3%).

Coronavirus York updates; 22nd April 2021

Deaths

There have been no additional hospital deaths today.

Test results

Ten additional positive test results have been announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,217

3 additional cases today, bringing City total up to 32.

The rate /100k population is now 15.19. It is trending to reach over 18 by the end of the weekend. The rate continues to be below the regional and national averages.

Neighbourhoods

Five neighbourhoods now have a rate between 10 and 49. The latest area to join the list is Tang Hall

Vaccinations

Updated neighbourhood vaccination figures have been published today.

56% of York’s 173,993 adult population had received at least 1 dose of vaccine by 18th April.

The neighbourhood with the highest number of vaccinations was Haxby with 3660 people (76.8%)

The lowest rate was in Tang Hall where 3122 (32.5%) of adults had been vaccinated.

The variance from area to area simply reflects the proportion of the population which is aged under 50.

So far, across the City, 23,900 under 50’s have had the jab.

Around 11,000 jabs are being administered in York each week.

Tests

Not yet available

Hospitals

There has been a further reduction in the number of COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust

Coronavirus York updates; 21st April 2021

Deaths

One more death has been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. The fatality occurred yesterday

Test results

Ten additional positive test results today. Brings cumulative total up to 12,201

The number of cases in the City has increased from 24 yesterday to 29 today.

The rate /100k population has risen to 13.77. It is expected to rise to over 17 during the next few days. It remains below the national and regional averages

The infection trend is no longer following the trajectory downwards which was seen last May/June. The trend was slowly downwards then while today numbers are fluctuating at around 5 new cases each day.

The infection rate is also increasing in North Yorkshire which is now has a rate above the national average. The highest rate in North Yorkshire can be found in Selby (51.9)

Neighbourhoods

Still 4 neighbourhoods with case rates between 10 and 49. However, the City Centre has replaced Clifton Without in the list compared to yesterday.

Vaccinations

Tests

3837 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 16th April 2021

Of these, 0.6% were positive. This compares with 0.4% found to be positive the previous day

1764 “lateral flow” tests were also completed on 20th April 2021

Hospital

No change to inpatient numbers today

Coronavirus York updates; 20th April 2021

Deaths

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

The latest fatality stats published today indicate that there were no deaths from COVID-19 involving York residents during the week ending 9th April 2021

Fatality trends among York residents

Test results

Three additional positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,201

The number of cases in the City has fallen from 29 to 24.

The rate /100k population has fallen to 11.40. We expect to see small fluctuations in the rate over the rest of the week.

Neighbourhoods

There are currently no neighbourhoods with a case rate above 50.

Vaccinations

54.60% of York residents have now received their first dose of vaccine.

17.6% have received their second dose.

Tests

3765 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 15th April 2021

The positivity rate is not yet available

3206 “lateral flow” test were also completed on 19th April.

Regular symptom-free testing helps stop the spread

Regular symptom-free testing is now available to anyone secondary school aged or upwards living or working in York. Making sure you are getting tested regularly helps detect the 1 in 3 people with covid that don’t show any symptoms.

Find more information and book at test online at https://www.york.gov.uk/SymptomFreeCOVIDTest

As we start to enjoy the new activities available it’s important that we all get tested regularly. If you’re going shopping, visiting a public place or meeting up with friends, getting tested can help keep you all safe.

Registering for symptom-free testing is easy, you can currently book a test at one of the four testing sites in York:

·         York St John University

·         the University of York

·         York Community Stadium

·         Foxwood Community Centre

You can also order at-home testing kits online and collect them (by appointment) from one of our testing sites.

Testing is voluntary, it will help you make informed decisions to help keep you, your family and friends as safe as possible, and help protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19.

You should not book a rapid test if you have coronavirus symptoms or you’re self-isolating, instead visit https://www.nhs.uk/coronavirus, or telephone 119.

Hospitals

The number of in patients being treated by the York Hospital Trust continues to decline

Coronavirus York updates; 18th April 2021

Deaths

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

Nationwide, only 9 fatalities have been announced – the lowest figure this year.

Test results

Seven additional positive test results were announced today, Brings the total up to 12,192.

The number of cases in the City has increased by 5 to 31.

The rate /100k population figure has increased to 14.72. That is the highest level for 2 weeks. No further increases are forecast over the next few days.

Neighbourhoods

Four neighbourhoods now have three or more cases

Vaccinations

64% of the over 18 age group in the Yorkshire/NE region have now received their first vaccination.

20.3% have received their second dose.

Tests

3789 PCR tests were carried during the week ending 13th April 2021.

Of these, 0.7% were positive. This is higher than the 0.6% recorded the previous day.

In addition 989 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 17th April.

Coronavirus York updates; 17th April 2021

Deaths

Two additional deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred on Thursday.

Test results

Nine positive test results today as total reaches 12,185.

Not such good news as infection rate starts to climb again in the wake of Mondays easing of restrictions

The number of cases in the City has increased from 24 to 26 today

All but one of the positive test results were from people aged under 60.

The rate /100k population is now 12.35. It is set to climb higher tomorrow (Sunday)

Infection levels have also risen in North Yorkshire, in the region and at national level.

Neighbourhoods

There are now 3 neighbourhoods with infection rates above the national average

21, of the City’s 24, neighbourhoods have fewer than 3 cases in each

Vaccinations

Tests

3991 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 12th April 2021

Of these, 0.6% were positive. That is an increase on the previous days rate of 0.5%

1630 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 16th April 2021

York Council warning

Enjoy our city and stay safe

This Monday saw the opening of dozens of pub gardens, hairdressers, shops and gyms right across York.

As people go out and enjoy the sun, City of York council is still encouraging residents and visitors to stay safe and help protect those around them.

You can play your part by:

  • Keeping socially distanced, and following the rule of six or two households
  • Taking a Covid test twice a week, you can arrange to collect a testing kit or book an in-person test online. All adults are now eligible for these tests symptom-free
  • Wear a face covering in busy public spaces, or in retail areas
  • Wash and sanitise your hands regularly
  • If you have any litter, take it home with you or put it in the bin
  • Respect the measures that local businesses have put in place to reduce the spread of Covid, this includes using the NHS Covid-19 app where appropriate (available for iOS and Android phones)

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of York City Council said:

It’s wonderful to see the buzz return to our city’s streets as so many of our local shops and hospitality venues are able to open their doors again.

“York’s businesses and residents have gone to extraordinary efforts to help us take a step closer to life returning back to normal.

“I would urge residents to support local businesses and stay safe whilst enjoying all that our city has to offer. We must recognise the dangers of complacency and not rest on our laurels by continuing to be vigilant and by practicing hands, face, space. This way, we can help protect not only those around us, but also the progress we’ve made.”

Anita Dobson, Nurse Consultant in Public Health, said:

Even as cases fall and the rate of vaccination rises, it’s imperative that we recognise what has allowed us to get to this point.

“The work done by our communities, businesses and institutions is helping to protect the most vulnerable among us, but Covid-19 still poses a very real threat to public health.

“Maintaining hands, face, space and remembering to keep spaces well ventilated is of upmost importance. I would also urge all those of secondary school age and over to get a symptom free test, twice a week. You can do this at home or in-person, and you can get tests by visiting  the council website or by calling 01904 551559.

“Keeping case numbers down and minimising the spread of the virus is crucial to allowing our wonderful city to open up further. Shop local, stay safe, and keep York open.”