Coronavirus York updates; 8th March 2021

Deaths

One additional death has occurred at the York Hospital Trust. It took place on Saturday

Test results

Twenty additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total up to 11,979

The number of cases in the City has reduced from the 105 seen yesterday to 96 today.

The infection rate /100k population has fallen to 45.58. This is the lowest rate seen since 21st September 2021.

However, no further fall in the infection rate is expected before the end of the week.

Neighbourhoods

There has been a big reduction in the number of cases in South Bank/Dringhouses.

No neighbourhood now has an infection rate above 200.

Sixteen of York’s 22 neighbourhoods now have fewer than 4 cases in each

Vaccinations

Tests

4070 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 3rd March 2021.

Of these, 2.1% were positive. This represents a reduction on the previous days figure of 2.4%

3403 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 7th March.

Hospitals

York Hospital Trust is treating 50 confirmed and suspected Covid-19 in patients. Case numbers peaked at 242 on January 26. Six Covid patients are in intensive care. A total of 2,036 Covid patients have been discharged since the start of the pandemic.

University Students

There is no general return to in person learning for university students, other than those studying specialist courses such medicine/health, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Education and Social work

Many students have, of course, remained in York during the lockdown.

The only change is that, from today, in-person learning can resume for students who are studying practical or practice-based (including creative arts) subjects and need specialist equipment and facilities.

The Government has said that it will review, by the end of the Easter holidays, the options for timing the return of remaining students.

More here

University of York here

Coronavirus York updates; 7th March 2021

Deaths

For the third consecutive day there have been no COVID-19 fatalities at the York Hospital Trust. The last death occurred on the 3rd March. The death rate has now fallen to a level last seen in September 2020.

Test results

Seventeen additional positive test results have been announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 11,959.

Case numbers have reduced by 11 from 116 announced yesterday to 105 today

The rate /100k population figure has fallen to 49.86. It is the first time the rate has been below 50 since 23rd September 2020. The rate is now expected to reduce dramatically during the next few days.

Neighbourhoods

Ten neighbourhoods now have fewer than three cases in each. All but four areas are now below average infection levels.

Vaccinations

Tests

4259 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 2nd March 2021

Of these 2.4% were positive. That is an improvement on the previous days figure of 2.7%

1562 “lateral flow” test were also conducted on 6th March

96 residents were tested at the Thanet Road site last week. It is open again tomorrow and on Tuesday

York schools open to all pupils from tomorrow

Schools in York fully reopen tomorrow (Monday). It is the first easing of lockdown 3 restrictions. More are scheduled to follow over the next 3 months.

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Coronavirus York updates; 6th March 2021

Deaths

No additional hospital deaths announced today

Test results

Twelve additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 11,942.

As forecast, the rate /100k population figure has edged up to 55.08 today. This is still the second lowest infection rate recorded since last September.

The rate is expected to fall to around 50 tomorrow.

Todays total (116) represents an increase of four cases from yesterdays figure (112)

The current weekly case rate number is better than was seen at the end of the second wave in December. The second wave trough was 17.43 (8/12/20). The current equivalent figure is 16.57.

Neighbourhoods

Ten neighbourhoods now have fewer than 3 cases in each

The largest day on day increase in case numbers was in the Clifton Without and Skelton neighbourhood.

There has been a big reduction in cases in North Yorkshire which now has a rate below 50 for the first time this year..

Vaccinations

People aged 56 and over can now book for their first jab. The Askham Bar vaccination centre expects to increase activity next week following an additional supply of vaccines.

All over 50’s will be vaccinated by the middle of April.

Tests

4209 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 1st March 2021.

Of these, 2.7% were positive. That was a slight increase on the previous day (2.6%)

3027 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 5th March

Tests are available at the Thanet Road Rugby Club car park site on each Monday and Tuesday during March between 9am & 3pm.

Please book a test by visiting: www.nhs.uk/Coronavirus or calling 119 and selecting the option that you were asked to attend by your local council.

Coronavirus York updates; 5th March 2021

Deaths

Two additional hospital deaths have been announced today. One occurred on Monday and one on Wednesday

Test Results

Thirteen additional positive test results were announced today. Brings cumulative total to 11,930

The number of cases in the City has fallen from 123 yesterday to 112 today.

The rate per /100k population has fallen to 53.18. That is the lowest rate recorded since 24th September 2020

After a small hiccup tomorrow, the rate is expected to fall to below 50 next week.

Neighbourhoods

All but two neighbourhoods now have below average infection rates.

Vaccinations

Tests

4325 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 28th February

Of these, 2.6% were positive. That is an improvement on the 2.8% recorded the previous day

3426 “lateral flow” test were also conducted on 4th March

Hospitals

There are currently 54 COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust. 7 are in intensive care.

Since the start of the pandemic 2024 patients have been discharged

Council commentary

The York Councils “open data” commentary on the pandemic is reproduced below

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 05.03.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 1.3.21 there had been 68 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 3.3.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 193.2 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,476 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 4.3.21 York has had 11,917 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,658 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,537) and regional (6,521) 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 (1.3.21) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 24.2.21 to 2.3.21 in York is 48.9 (using data published on Gov.uk on 4.3.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 21.2.21 to 27.2.21 was 58.4. The national and regional averages at this date were 86.4 and 122 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 4.3.21).

• York is currently ranked 43rd 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 20.2.21.to 26.2.21, 1 ward in York (Heworth) has seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 13.2.21 to 19.2.21. 1 ward has seen a significant rise in rates (Dringhouses & Woodthorpe). For the remaining wards there has been no statistically significant change in rates.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 21.2.21 to 27.2.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 70.6. The national and regional averages were 56.9 and 75.6 respectively.

• As at 1.3.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 3.06%. The national and regional averages are 3.6% and 5.5% respectively.

• As at 1.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.23%. The national and regional averages are 0.2% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 2.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 1.9%. The national average is 2.3%.

• As at 4.3.21 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 22.2.21 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 11,047 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 9,956 of the cases have been completed (90.1%). 25,655 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 19,385 of these have been completed (75.6%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 26.2.21, 935 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 599 (65%) were successful and 336 (36%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 4.3.21 there was 1 care home 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 25.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 1.3.21 there were 5 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive. NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 3.3.21 there were 33 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The figure a week ago (23.2.21) was 41.

• As at 3.3.21 there were 9 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The figures a week ago (23.2.21) were 11 and 0 respectively.

• As at 3.3.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 1 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 3.3.21 there had been 6 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital

• Between 22.2.21 and 28.2.21, 21 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 26.2.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 0.9. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 1.0) on 19.2.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 3.3.21 64,230 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,139 had received both doses. 30.5% of the total estimated population of York (210,618*) have therefore received the first dose.

• As at 3.3.21 17.78M In people in England have received the first dose and 0.68M have received both doses. 31.6% of the total estimated population of England (56,286,961*) have therefore received the first dose.

*using Mid-Year 2019 population estimates

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 7: 13.2.21 to 18.2.21) 18 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (11 in hospital, 5 in a care home and 2 at home). In weeks 4, 5 and 6 there had been 26, 18 and 11 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 19th February 2021 and registered up to 27th February 2021, 367 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (215 in hospital, 125 in care homes, 20 at home and 7 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 174.25 which is lower than the national average of 215.06.

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 24.2.21), a cumulative total of 354 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 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (80.5% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.7% nationally). 170 of the 354 were male (48%), less than the national average (54.3%).

York businesses to receive £7.5m in grants next week

March lockdown grant payments will be in York businesses’ bank accounts next week.

  • £7.5m will be in York business bank accounts by Thursday 11 March, taking the total financial support to nearly £150m during pandemic
  • Government has indicated that Restart Grants will not be paid until at least 1 April

March lockdown grant payments will be in York businesses’ bank accounts next week.

Around £7.5m of grants will be issued on Monday 8 March, landing in accounts within 3 days.

The payments relate to ongoing grants to support through the current lockdown, and not to any announcements made in this week’s budget. Following government guidance, City of York Council are paying grants up to 31 March.

Any business which has already received a payment since the new lockdown grants were introduced in November does not need to reapply.

The council is also reminding businesses that it is not in control of the timeline for paying Restart Grants. The government has indicated that payments cannot be made until the start of April at the earliest.  

Coronavirus York updates; 4th March 2021

Deaths

No additional hospital deaths were announced today

The hospital death rate continues to fall

Test results

Eleven new positive test results announced today. The lowest single day figure for some time. Brings the cumulative total up to 11,917.

The rate /100k population has fallen to 58.4. That is the lowest infection rate seen since 8th December 2020.

On current trends, the rate may fall below 50 next week.

The reduction today represents a drop in case numbers in the City from 139 to 123.

We can now compare current trends with those seen in December. The weekly average case numbers hit a pre Christmas low of 17.43 on 8th December. Thereafter – with the City subject to Tier 2 restrictions – the rate rose steadily.

The latest weekly rate is now 17.57. It is likely to fall again tomorrow before showing a small increase.

The only change to restrictions in the next few days is a general return to school next week.

If the rate continues to reduce over the next two weeks, then that will be good news for everyone.

The infection rate is continuing to fall at all levels. The York rate is once again marginally below the North Yorkshire average.

Neighbourhoods

Fourteen neighbourhoods now have an infection rate of less than 50.

Vaccinations

The government has updated the figures for vaccinations at neighbourhood level.

The figures reveal that, by 28th February, 61,939 York residents had been vaccinated.

The differing numbers at neighbourhood level reflect the MSOA size and the age profile of local communities

Updated regional and national vaccination figures

Tests

4406 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 27th February.

Of these 2.8% were positive. This represents a reduction compared to the previous days figure

2697 “lateral flow” test were also carried out on 3rd March.

Police enforcement

The latest stats from North Yorkshire police reveal that COVIID-19 regulations enforcement action has been taken against 31 individuals in York during recent days.

NHS moves to Community Stadium on Monday

From Monday, March 8 the NHS blood taking service for York will be based at the Monk’s Cross stadium.

It is the first in a range of NHS outpatient’s services that will move to the community setting.

The blood service (Phlebotomy) is currently based at Peppermill Court.

The service, run by York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, offers both booked appointments and a drop in service weekly from Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm.

Parking is free for two hours and the stadium can be easily reached on public transport.

In the coming months the blood taking service will be followed by outpatients clinics for rheumatology, musculoskeletal, ophthalmology and sleep services.”

Coronavirus York updates; 3rd March 2021

Deaths

One hospital death has been announced today. It occurred on Monday.

Test results

Eighteen additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 11,906

Rate /100k population has fallen to 66.0. That is the joint lowest rate recorded this year. Trending to fall below 60 before the end of the week.

The number of cases fell from 153 yesterday to 139 today.

Case numbers continue to fall at all levels

Neighbourhoods

All but 5 neighbourhoods now have below average infection rates

There has been a further increase in cases (3) in the South Bank/Dringhouses area

Vaccinations

Tests

4437 PCR test were conducted during the week ending 26th February 2021.

Of these 3.1% were positive. This is fewer than the 3.3% recorded during the previous 7 days.

2535 “lateral flow” test were conducted on 2nd March

Returning to schools

As part of its roadmap out of the current lockdown for England, the Government has announced that all children should return to school or college from Monday 8 March.

Under the plans, all secondary school pupils and college students will be offered three symptom-free Covid tests before starting home testing (which will be arranged through your child’s school or college). This means they can get tests to make sure they are Covid-free, even if they don’t have any Covid symptoms. Each test should be taken 3 – 5 days apart. Pupils can return to school or college following their first negative test result.

Schools have been in contact with parents and carers about their arrangements, which may include getting a test at one of our symptom-free testing sites. We are encouraging children of secondary school age and their close family members (household bubble) aged 11 years and over to book a symptom-free test. You must book an appointment for each person being tested before arriving at the test centre.

You can find more information on symptom-free testing, and book an appointment, at https://www.york.gov.uk/SymptomFreeCOVIDTest.

Coronavirus York updates; 2nd March 2021

Deaths

Updated ONS figures have been published today which indicate the place of residence of COVID-19 victims.

They reveal that 18 York residents died from the virus during the week ending 19th February.

This was an increase from the 10 fatalities which were seen during the previous week.

Of the deaths, 11 were in hospital, 5 in care homes and 2 were at home.

The cumulative number of deaths of York residents from the virus now stands at 358.

One additional death has been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. It occurred on Saturday.

Test Results

Twenty additional positive test results have been announced today. This brings the cumulative total to 11,873

The rate /100k population has fallen, for the second day running, to 72.65. Is trending to go below 70 tomorrow (Wednesday)

The fall in cases was from 162 yesterday to 153 today.

The infection rate has fallen at every level today. The rate for England has fallen below 100 for this first time this year.

Neighbourhoods

There has been a fall of 5 cases in the Fulford Road/Clementhorpe area.

The largest rise (3) was in Holgate West/Westfield East.

The highest infection rate can still be found in South Bank/Dringhouses although this saw a drop of one case compared to yesterday. This is the only neighbourhood with an infection rate currently over 200.

Vaccinations

Tests

4,422 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 25th February.

Of these 3.3% were positive.

This is an improvement on the previous days figure of 3.6%. It is also the lowest infection rate recorded by PCR tests since 23rd September 2020

2,694 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 1st March

Coronavirus York updates; 1st March 2021

Deaths

One hospital death announced today. It occurred on Saturday. Death rate continues to fall.

Test results

Twenty additional positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 11,873

Rate /100k population has reduced to 76.92 from yesterdays peak of 81.67

This represents a reduction in case numbers in the City from 172 to 162

The rate is forecast to reduce further over the next few days. It is now more in line with the trend seen in early December

York’s infection rate remains above North Yorkshire but is below the national and regional averages

Neighbourhoods

Something of a mixed picture at neighbourhood level.

For the first time since 16th September 2020, the Westfield/Chapelfields. Foxwood North neighbourhood has recorded fewer than 3 cases.

By contrast, there has been a large spike in cases in the South Bank/Dringhouses area with 18 cases and a rate of 230.7 recorded.

Trends by neighbourhood

Vaccinations

Tests

4456 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 24th February 2021.

Of these, 3.6% were positive. That represents a reduction from the previous days figure of 3.8%

1521 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 28th February

Hospitals

The York Hospital Trust is now treating 61 Coronavirus patients. This is down from a peak of 242 at the end of January.

2004 COVID-19 patients have been discharged from hospital since the start of the pandemic

Coronavirus York updates; 28th February 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths have been announced today

Test results

TWELVE positive test results announced today. That is the lowest figure for several days. It brings the cumulative total number of cases to 11.853

As expected, the latest rate /100k population figure has spiked at 81.67. This is the highest figure since 14th February.

This represents an increase in case numbers from 163 to 172

However, on current trends, it is likely that the rate will fall below 80 tomorrow and could edge down to 65 by the middle of the week

Comparing current trends with the similar period in December, the current infection rate is higher.

There is a reasonable expectation that the current number of infections will fall this week, preparing the way for a safer return to school on 8th March.

The number of cases reached a pre Christmas low on 8th December. The rate gradually increased after that.

For the first time this month, York now has a higher infection rate than North Yorkshire. It remains below the regional and national rates.

Neighbourhoods

The increase in case numbers has been spread around the City with no obvious connections

Vaccinations

Vaccination centres are moving on to the 60 -64 age group this week

Tests

4396 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 23rd February

Of these, 3.8% were positive. That represent an increase from the previous days figure of 3.6%

597 lateral flow tests were conducted on 27th February

COVID restriction enforcement

North Yorkshire police are stepping up attempts to enforce COVID restrictions. The move comes after warmer weather increased the numbers on the City’s streets.

It also coincides with a two week high in positive test results.

City was busier on Saturday

Shops are expected to reopen on 12th April. Before that, from 29 March, the Rule of Six will return outdoors. Groups of larger than six from a maximum of two households will also be allowed to meet, although travel restrictions will still be in place.

There seems to be a pent up demand for travel and York is likely to be a magnet for many. Whether the authorities will be able to control access, and sustain hygiene standards, will tell us a lot about whether the further easing of restrictions will follow along the proposed timetable.