Coronavirus York updates; 4th December 2020

Deaths and test results

TWO (2) further Coronavirus deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Tuesday and one on Thursday. The cumulative second wave death toll now stands at 97 for the York and Scarborough Hospitals

FIFTEEN (15) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 5710.

The case rate /110k population figure has now dropped to 68.3. That means that the rate has halved in little over one week.

There have also been improvements in the figures at county, regional and national levels.

Six neighbourhoods are now virtually virus free. Only 4 cases have been recorded between New Earswick, Rawcliffe, Holgate West, Heworth North, Copmanthorpe and Dunnington

Only seven neighbourhoods are now above the 100 case threshold

In some neighbourhoods the infection rates are fluctuating quite a lot. This is partly the consequence of only very small variances in the numbers. One area that has seen a significant reduction in cases is Holgate West/Westfield East.

Manor School

ALMOST 100 pupils at Manor school have been told to self isolate after two cases of coronavirus were confirmed.

Manor CE Academy said it was advised by Public Health England yesterday that there was a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school, and a further case was confirmed this morning.

A total of 96 students have been identified as having direct prolonged contact with the confirmed cases, They have all been contacted and instructed to self-isolate. The school remains open and all other children should continue to attend if they remain well.

York Police go online to listen to public feedback

The officers who keep York city centre residents, businesses and visitors safe are going online to get people’s feedback about policing issues.

With COVID-19 reducing the opportunities for officers to meet and talk to members of the public face-to-face, the team is now turning to video call technology to help.

More people than ever are using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime and other video calling services to keep up with family, friends and colleagues. And in York city centre, they can now do the same with their local police team.

Sergeant Nick Plumb said: “We’re always really keen to listen to your feedback – even when we can’t do this in person. If you visit or work in York city centre, and would like to bring an issue to our attention, or ask us any questions about policing, this is a great opportunity to do so.”

Inspector Andy Godfrey and Sergeant Nick Plumb will be available online between 5pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday 8 December 2020.

To take part, simply email snayorkcity@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Please include your name, address, and contact phone number, as well as a brief idea of what you want to discuss. (If a number of people have the same concerns as you, you may be able to take part in a joint session).

The video calls will take place over Microsoft Teams – attendees will receive a personal invitation via email, which can be used in any web browser, without having to create an account.

Business grants alerts – time running out

Thousands of York businesses that have missed out on Government grants could, be eligible for an Additional Restrictions Grant – but they have to apply before Monday 7 December.

The council is urging businesses, especially those without rateable premises or that operate earlier in the supply chain, to check if they are eligible for support.

Your business may be eligible if it:

operates from a permanent fixed premises in York, with trade impacted by 75% or more due to lockdown restrictions
doesn’t operate from a fixed premises in York, but usually trades in York 75% or more of the time, and you’re a York resident

In addition the business must also:

not qualify for the Lockdown Restrictions Grant
have been unable to provide its usual in-person customer service from the business premises

Your business will not be eligible if:

you started trading on or after 5 November 2020
you’re able to continue to operate during local or national restrictions, because you don’t depend on providing direct, in-person, services from your premises
your business hasn’t seen a reduction in income of 75% or more
your business is in administration, insolvent, or has had a striking off notice made against it
you have already been awarded a Lockdown Restrictions Grant
you’re not a York resident trading in York for 75% or more of the time
you don’t have a fixed business premises in York
you’ve reached the state aid limit

Businesses that receive 100 percent rate relief are eligible to apply.

Alongside this scheme businesses who already qualified at Tier 2 will continue to get payments on a fortnightly basis (Tier reviews are fortnightly). Any business that has not applied yet for tier 2 but believe they will qualify can make a claim.

Businesses can apply for open grants at www.york.gov.uk/COVID19BusinessGrants

To get notification when grant applications open, and up to date info on other business support, sign up for our regular bulletins here www.york.gov.uk/form/EmailUpdates

Coronavirus York updates. 3rd December 2020

Deaths and test results

TWO further deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred on Tuesday.

There were SEVENTEEN (17) additional positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 5695

The number of cases in the City continues to reduce.

The case /100k population figure has now fallen to 76.9.

All neighbourhoods are now below the 200 case rate benchmark. For the first time since September the rate in Heslington has fallen below 100.

Sixteen of the other neighbourhoods are also below that threshold.

It is, however, too early to judge whether coming out of lockdown will have a negative influence on trends.

There were 3209 (P2) tests carried out in York during the 7 days ending on 25th November. Just over 6% produced positive results. The numbers testing positive continue to fall.

Universities

St Johns haven updated their web site, which gives details of current COVID cases. Two are now isolating (down from seven)

York University last updated their web site . “As of the morning of Thursday 3 December, we are aware of 36 individuals within our University community who are currently self-isolating because they have had a positive Covid-19 test”. Also down from yesterday.

Travel between Tiers

Statement from North Yorkshire Police on travel between tiers

Speaking about the introduction of the tier system and travel between tier areas, Superintendent Mike Walker, North Yorkshire Police lead for their Covid response said:

“From today, Wednesday 2 December, we move into the tiered local restrictions and guidance around travel becomes specific to each tier. I would encourage residents to consult the relevant Government guidance for their area and ensure they are aware of what they can and can’t do.

“Those living in tier 3 areas are advised not to travel out of the area unless it is necessary, such as for work or education. I realise there may be some confusion over what is deemed necessary in these circumstances, so I’d like to be clear here; it is neither necessary or acceptable to leave a tier 3 area and enter a lower tier area for a day trip or to visit a pub or restaurant for a meal. Please also be reminded that your tier restrictions travel with you and police can take enforcement action against you, if you should breach those restrictions.

“To those living in tier 3 areas, please do not try to side-step the tighter restrictions in your area by visiting neighbouring tier 2 areas for a day or night out. If you do, you may inadvertently bring the virus in with you and increase the chance of transmission to local residents.

“North Yorkshire Police will be actively patrolling and will have an increased presence in these border areas and we will be policing the Coronavirus regulations. Our safety camera fleet, which are equipped with ANPR, will also be visible along various routes into the region.

“North Yorkshire is well-known for its hospitality and warmth, but right now we have to ask visitors to stay in their own tier area for the health and safety of our most vulnerable residents. If you have a visit planned, please reschedule to a time where we are able to give you a proper welcome to our beautiful county.”

“No smoking” plan for York playgrounds

The York Council is set to implement a ban on smoking in playgrounds.

It says that children are more likely to take up the health threatening habit if they frequently see adults smoking.

A report is being considered next week

The ban will be advisory but the Council hopes that peer pressure will ensure that it is respected.

1 in 10 York adults smoke cigarettes

The Council are to consult on whether the ban should include “e-cigarettes”

NB. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, killing half of all lifetime users.1 Currently, 11.9% of the York adult population smoke (more than 20,000 smokers), which resulted in over 700 deaths in the city (2016-18), nearly 2000 hospital admissions a year, and costs the economy (through healthcare costs and lost productivity) over £34m a year.

Whilst levels of smoking have fallen faster in York than nationally over the last decade (the prevalence of smoking in England is 13.9%), it still ranks as one of the major public health issues facing our population, and one of the key modifiable factors in improving the health and wellbeing of the people of York across the life course.

Coronavirus York updates; 1st December 2020

Deaths and test results

THREE (3) more Coronavirus deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One death occurred on 27th and the other 2 yesterday. Brings the cumulative second wave toll total to 92 at the York and Scarborough hospitals.

ONS have updated today their analysis of COVID deaths that have occurred in the City up to 20th November. These give details of fatalities among people normally resident in the York.

They are lower than figures reported by the York Hospital Trust which covers a wider area than just the City itself.

The ONS figures do lag behind the position “on the ground” and may increase over the next few weeks because of cases in the pipeline.

So far, during the second wave of infections, the City has lost 20 residents to the virus.

The total death toll for the year is now 191.

To provide some context for these figures these are the total deaths – including COVID – this year up to 20th November.

Both Universities have started to “mass test” their students prior to them leaving the City for the winter holiday. They are right to do so. What will happen in January remains to be seen, but we didn’t want a repeat of the spike in infections seen in September/October. Hopefully everyone will be tested before retuning to the City.

THIRTEEN (13) new positive test results have been announced today. This is the lowest figure since the middle of September. This brings the cumulative total to 5659.

The infection rate per 100k population is now 97.34. This is below the benchmark which might allow the City to be placed into Tier 1 from 19th December.

However, all eyes will be on the effect that the end of Lockdown at midnight tonight has on infection rates. This is unlikely to become clear for at least a week.

The majority of neighbourhoods are now below the 100 case threshold.

Four (Heworth North, New Earswick, Dunnington and Copmanthorpe) each having had fewer than 3 cases recorded in the last 7 days.

There is still an upward spike in the Chapelfields/Westfield area.

Case numbers are continuing to reduce at City, county, regional and national levels. North Yorkshire in particular is trending down quite sharply now with the rate in Harrogate having dropped to 97.0.

How other countries keep people informed

Although the York Council has slowly improved the quality and accessibility of the information provided for residents about Coronavirus, it still has a long way to go to achieve the clarity provided in other parts of the world. One local campaigner has rightly pointed to the Washington USA web site which is a model of clarity.

The York “open data” system (which in fairness was not designed as a real time briefing tool) is poor by comparison.

*Click to access Washington DC web site*

It appears that the Council is now seeking new staff for its PR team (click). Hopefully they will find someone who is skilled in digital communications.

The Council communications head has responded, to the call for greater clarity, by saying on Twitter “We will discuss internally and think through options, continuing to take PH advice about which data best prompts safe behaviours”

This does rather suggests that propaganda comes before providing factual information.

Shop opening hours

Some large stores are saying that they will stay open 24/7 in the run up to Christmas. City centre traders have nominated Fridays areas their late closing day.

Extended opening hours are a good way of metering demand and should help with social distancing.

However, some workers, including those in supermarkets plus delivery drivers, are beginning to look pretty tired. Perhaps they should get a break after Christmas and leave the field clear for the independent small shops who have been hit hard by the lockdown?

#Coronavirus York updates; 30th November 2020

Deaths and case numbers

EIGHT (8) additional deaths have been recorded at the York Hospital Trust. 2 occurred yesterday, 5 on Saturday and one on Friday.

This is the largest single day announcement of fatalities made during the whole of the second wave.

It brings the cumulative total at the York and Scarborough hospitals to 89.

Clearly this is very disappointing news.

However, during Wave 1, hospital admissions, and subsequent deaths, followed some two to three weeks behind a change in infection rate levels.

So, if a similar pattern is followed, a downturn in hospital admissions might be hoped for in a week or so’s time.

A further TWENTY (20) positive test results have been announced today. That brings the cumulative total for the City to 5632

The case rate per 100k population figure has now fallen to 100.2 and is therefore on the cusp of the band which might allow the City to move into Tier 1 restrictions, when the next review takes place in 2 weeks time.

100.2 is the lowest infection rate recorded in the City since 29th September but it is also still above the peak recorded during wave 1 (96.9 on 5th May 2020)

By way of comparison, the latest figure for Cornwall, which was one of only 2 areas allocated to Tier one from Wednesday, has a current infection rate of 40.2.

There are, of course, other factors – not least the position at the local hospital – which would also influence a decision to change Tiers.

For the first time for two months, one York neighbourhood has recorded zero cases (understood to be New Earswick or Bishopthorpe)

The highest local infection rate can now be found in the Westfield/Chapelfields neighbourhood.

Vitamin D

The government is now – belatedly – issuing the following advice on Vitamin D supplements. The York Council has been urged previously to make these supplements available at least to vulnerable groups. They could be distributed via many channels not least food banks.

Vitamin D supplements – government statement

“During the autumn and winter months everyone is advised to take a supplement of vitamin D every day to support general health and in particular for bone and muscle health. Many of us have been indoors more than usual this year and so might not have been making enough vitamin D from sunlight. You can find general advice on vitamin D here: https://www.nhs.uk/vitamin-d

This advice is particularly important for people who have been shielding this year due to COVID-19, or who are living in care homes, because they are most likely to have been indoors over the spring and summer and so may not have been able to obtain enough vitamin D from sunlight.

The Government is offering a free 4-month supply of daily supplements of vitamin D for all adults who are clinically extremely vulnerable to support general health and in particular for bone and muscle health. If you would like to opt-in to receive your free supply of vitamin D, you will need register your details between 30 November 2020 and 4 January 2021 at the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/get-vitamin-d

You do not need to opt-in to receive the vitamin D supplements if:

You are already taking, or are prescribed, a vitamin D supplement by your GP or healthcare professional
You are currently living in a nursing or residential care home as we will provide these direct to the home where you live.

We expect to start distributing the vitamin D supplements from January 2021. Further guidance on how to safely take vitamin D supplements will be provided during the opt in process.

I know it has been really hard for you during the pandemic and appreciate the sacrifices that you have made. We will continue to support you in your efforts to keep yourself and others safe”.

Coronavirus York updates; 29th November 2020

Deaths and test results

FOUR more York Hospital Trust deaths announced today. 1 on Friday and 3 yesterday. Brings send wave total fatalities to 81 at the York and Scarborough hospitals.

Hospital admissions usually lag someway behind infection rate increases/decreases so it may be a few days before a downward trend is seen in death rates.

TWENTY (20) additional positive test results today bringing the cumulative total to 5632

All neighbourhoods, including Heslington, are now below the 200 cases per 100k population benchmark.

Overall the City has an infection rate of 106.8. It remains on course to be below the important 100 case milestone before 10th December.

However, the impact – if any – of coming out of lockdown (on Wednesday) will be clear before the next tier review date is reached.

Question and answers

After some prompting, the Council has added information about hospital capacity and sources of infections to its weekly commentary (published here yesterday)

Coronavirus York updates; 28th November 2020.

Deaths and test results

THREE (3) additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Wednesday, one on Thursday and one yesterday. They bring the cumulative second wave York and Scarborough hospitals death toll to 77.

TWENTY TWO (22) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 5612

Latest validated rate per 100k population figure is 116.8

Ten of York’s 24 neighbourhoods now have a case rate below 100.

Only Heslington is now above the 200 case threshold.

Infection numbers in Clifton Without/Skelton have fallen.

Interactive map

Interesting interactive map from https://electionmaps.uk/covid19-tier-map allows single click access to current and historic COVID rates across England and Wales.

Hospital capacity

According to media reports, on November 23rd there were 129 coronavirus patients in the York Hospital Trust’s units – 71 in York, 55 in Scarborough and three in community hospitals – 14 of them in critical care. York Hospital has created space for up to 197 Covid patients, a board of directors meeting heard.

In wave one of the pandemic the hospital admitted 786 coronavirus patients and in wave two so far they have seen 573.

The hospital saw its highest level of staff off sick recently – 6.7 per cent of the workforce – due to people testing positive for coronavirus or being asked to self-isolate by contact tracers. Up to 90 people a day were off because of the test and trace service.

Council commentary

The York Council has updated its commentary on the pandemic. It can be read by clicking here and is reproduced below.

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 24.11.20 there had been 161 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 26.11.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 547.9 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,637 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.

Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)

• As at 26.11.20 York has had 5,576 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 2,647.4 per 100,000 of population. The rate in York is above the national average (2,407.8) but below the regional average (3,773.5).

• 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 (23.11.20) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 18.11.20 to 24.11.20 in York is 105.9 (using data published on Gov.uk on 26.11.20).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 15.11.20 to 21.11.20 was 132.5. The national and regional averages at this date were 209.1 and 297.1 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 26.11.20).

• As at 24.11.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 6.64%. The national and regional averages are 8.2% and 10.5% respectively.

• As at 26.11.20 York University reported 47 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 22.11.20 York St. John reported 9 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 4,413 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 3,889 of the cases have been completed (88.1%). 12,664 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 7,517 of these have been completed (59.4%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 20.11.20, 302 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 301 of the referrals (99.7%) have been actioned and 1 referral (0.3%) is still ‘in progress’. Of the referrals actioned, 225 (74.8%) were successful and 76 (25.2%) were uncontactable.

Cases in Residential Settings / Schools

• As at 25.11.20 there were 4 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 on 25.11.20 (1 home).

• In the 7 days up to 22.11.20 there were 20 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 8 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 25.11.20 there were 52 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 24.11.20 was 58.

• As at 25.11.20 there were 7 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 24.11.20 were 7 and 0 respectively.

• As at 25.11.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 3 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours

Recovery from Covid-19

• Between 13.4.20 and 22.11.20, 236 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 18 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 20.11.20 was estimated to be in the range 1.0 to 1.1. The upper end of the range has fallen since the previous estimate (1.0 to 1.2) on 13.11.20.

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 13th November 2020 and registered up to 21st November 2020, 185 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (91 in hospital, 80 in care homes, 10 at home and 4 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 87.84 which is lower than the national average of 102.48. There have been 13 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 6 weeks (Weeks 41 to 46).

• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). In week 46 (7 Nov to 13 Nov), 19 deaths (all causes) occurred for York residents, which is 15 fewer than the average weekly number for 2014-18. Over the last 25 weeks the total number of deaths in York (all causes) has been 61 fewer than the average for the equivalent weeks in 2014-18.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 23.11.20 (for deaths occurring up to 18.11.20), a cumulative total of 180 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 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 91 of the 180 were male (50.6%), less than the national average (55.3%). 75 people (41.7%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 27.26%). In addition 14 people (7.78%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.

Coronavirus York updates; 27th November 2020

Deaths and test results

Good News

No additional deaths at York Hospital Trust announced today

Only FOURTEEN (14) additional positive test results announced today. That is the lowest since September.

The 7 day case rate p/100k population figure has fallen to 126.8. That is the lowest since 30th September.

If case numbers continue to decline at the present rate then the City will be below the 100 benchmark figure before 10th December.

Eight neighbourhoods are now below the 100 weekly case rate benchmark.

Two neighbourhoods now have fewer than 2 cases each. This includes Wigginton which has gone from having one of the highest rates in the City to lowest in less than a week.

Infection rates are continuing to fall at City, County, Regional and national levels.

Vaccine

It is looking promising for the roll out of some vaccine injections in the City before Christmas

Vaccination centre on Moor Lane is expecting to start taking bookings at the beginning of December

The Authorities have already said that priority will be given to NHS front line workers, Care Homes and the over 80’s.

Most vaccinations are expected to be completed by GPs but a drive though centre at Moor Lane (old park and ride site), which has been used for flu jabs, will adapt to deal with the COVID programme.

For the latest on vaccine approval click here

NB. A rapid response coronavirus testing site will open at York St John University on Monday. The university is working with NHS Test & Trace to set up the Covid test site so that students without symptoms can be tested before the end of term.

Reopening attractions in York

York Minster

YORK Minster will reopen for public worship next Wednesday and for sightseeing visits next Thursday.

The cathedral will reopen in line with guidance and the restrictions in the Government’s new three-tier Covid control system.

York is a Tier 2 location which allows the Minster to reopen for worship and for paying visitors, with appropriate measures in place for social distancing and controlling the spread of the infection.

The cathedral’s reopening schedule is as follows:

For Worship

Public worship will restart at York Minster next Wednesday with the following pattern of services:

Monday – Saturdays

7.30am – Matins – No booking required

7.50am – Holy Communion – No booking required

5.30pm – Evensong or Evening Prayer – No booking required until Christmas Week.

Sundays

8am – Holy Communion – No booking required

10am – Matins – Booking required

11am – Sung Eucharist – Booking required

4pm – Evensong – Booking required.

Reservations for Sunday services and services during Christmas Week

Attendance at the three main Sunday services in December and services during Christmas Week will be by advance online reservation only with a strictly limited attendance. Reservations for the service on December 6 will open on Monday (November 30). The reservation dates for services during December and Christmas weeks will be announced approximately two weeks before the service is due to take place.

Reopening for visitors

York Minster will reopen for paying visitors from next Thursday. Admission by pre-booked online tickets only. Bookings open for visiting on Monday.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

10am until 3.30pm (last timed ticket slot is 3pm).

(York Minster is currently closed on Tuesdays).

Sunday

12.30pm until 2.30pm (last timed ticket slot is 2pm).

The Minster shops inside the cathedral and at Minster Gates will also open daily in line with general visiting times.

Dean’s Park

The popular green space which runs along the north side of the cathedral, is open daily from 10am until 4pm.

Keeping people safe: Covid-19 control measures at York Minster

In line with Government and Church of England guidance, York Minster has implemented a range of measures to help keep visitors and staff safe. These include:

• compulsory wearing of masks inside the Minster

• limiting the number of people allowed inside

• reduced seating

• a one-way system to allow people to physically distance from one another

• hand sanitizer points

• additional cleaning measures

• staff and clergy wearing face masks and visors

• worshippers attending public services will also be asked to leave their name and contact details to assist with the NHS Test and Trace programme, in line with Government guidance.

Changes to services include no singing or sharing of the Peace and the suspension of the Common Cup during Holy Communion will continue. There will also be no plate collection at the end of services, although people are encouraged to make a donation using contactless donation points inside the cathedral.

Parts of the cathedral will remain closed including the Central Tower and Undercroft Museum and there will be no guided tours.

The Minster has been approved for the UK-wide ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard, launched this week by national tourism organisations for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, which demonstrates it is adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance.

York Minster’s arrangements for worship and visiting will come into effect from next Wednesday but may be subject to change following any further Government advice.

For further information visit www.yorkminster.org.

Railway Museum

The museum will be open from 10am – 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday and open in the run up to Christmas but visitors will need to book a free ticket online.

Coronavirus York update; 26th November 2020

Deaths and test results

There has been a big jump in the number of COVID deaths announced today. EIGHT new fatalities have been announced by the York Hospital Trust. Two occurred yesterday, four on Tuesday and two on Monday.

The cumulative total second wave death toll at the York and Scarborough hospitals has now reached 74

TWENTY NINE (29) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 5576

It appears that the threshold used by the government, to determine whether an area could be given a Tier 1 classification, was that the location must have fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 head of population. Very few areas met this criteria (Cornwall, Isle of Wight).

On the last validated numbers (21st Nov) York had 132.47 cases per 100k population.

On the present downward trajectory, York would pass below 100 cases threshold before the next review date. This is expected to be 10th December with any changes in classification effective from 16th December.

During the week ending 19th November, 3530 P2 tests were carried out in York. Of these, 8.6% proved to be positive.

This was a lower positivity rate than was seen during the previous week

Neighbourhood data has now been published. There is little change from yesterday.

We have reordered the table to reflect the cases per 100k of population rate.

This is one of the the figures that the government used to determine which Tier an area was allocated into.

Essentially the City needs to have a rate below 100 to be considered for Tier1 by 10th December.

Two neighbourhoods. Heslington and Clifton Without, are well above this rate at present.

The colour coding now reflects the central government’s presentation key

Tier 2 for York

York has been placed back into Tier 2 restrictions by the government. The new arrangements start on Tuesday.

The main impact is on pubs which will have to serve meals if they are to open while households will not be able to mix indoors.

All shops, hairdressers etc will still reopen from Tuesday.

The situation will be reviewed after a fortnight and may be changed again before Christmas

Outdoor events will be limited to 2000 spectators.

This will affect York City FC who were hoping to move into the new Community Stadium at Monks Cross.

However work at the stadium is still underway today with no sign of completion in sight. The Club may look to reopen Bootham Crescent. Social distancing at an all seater stadium would be easier to manage.

An update from the York Council on the stadium situation is long overdue.

*Work on the new Community Stadium at Monks Cross is far from complete.*

It looks like high case rates in Scarborough may have contributed to York being placed in Tier 2 restrictions. There may be concerns about capacity at the York Hospital Trust which is also responsible for care in Scarborough. More details are available by clicking here

West and South Yorkshire have been placed into the highest TIER 3 category. This includes additional restrictions on travel to, and from, the areas.

COVID Winter Grant Scheme for the needy

The York Council will consider next week how it is to allocate the, government funded, Winter Grant scheme.

On Sunday 8 November 2020, the government announced a package of extra targeted financial support for those in need over the winter period. The COVID Winter Grant Scheme will see new funding issued to councils to support those most in need with the cost of food, energy and water bills and other associated costs.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will provide funding to the council, who will administer the scheme and provide direct assistance to vulnerable households and families with children particularly affected by the pandemic.

This will include some families who normally have access to Free School Meals (FSM) during term time.

The funding allocation for York is £416,729.

Around £200,000 of the fund is set to be used to provide meals for needy children during the Christmas and Easter school holidays (i.e. those who would normally quality for Free School Meals)

There are already many local schemes operating which provide support to local people hit by te pandemic. These include surplus food giveaways

Coronavirus York updates; 25th November 2020

Deaths and test results

FOUR (4) additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. 3 occurred on Sunday and one on Monday. This brings the cumulative second wave fatality total to 66 at the York and Scarborough hospitals

TWENTY NINE (29) new positive test results announced today bringing the cumulative total to 5547

The figures will be looked at with greater interest today as the government is set to announce tomorrow (Thursday) which tier the City will be placed with effect from next Tuesday.

There are some positive indicators

There has been a sustained reduction in case numbers from 57.86 per day when Lockdown was introduced on 5th November to 38.1 today

The City has a lower case rate per 100k head of population than the county, regional and national averages.

Only two neighbourhoods are now above the national average (Heslington and Clifton Without).

On the other hand the case rate at 132.47 is still higher than it was at the peak of the first wave (96.86 on 5th May). 169 residents lost their lives to the virus during the spring and early summer.

We expect the City to be put into Tier1 along with Ryedale and Hambleton. If so we hope it doesn’t encourage the kind of activities which were seen on our streets in September.

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