Coronavirus York updates; 11th June 2021

Hospital patients and deaths

Test results

Twenty-five positive test results today brings case total up to 12,562

The 24 cases recorded on Tuesday was the highest single day total seen since 20th February.

Case numbers remain at 65 but with a significant trend upwards expected from tomorrow

The rate /100k population is still 30.86 but the spike is in the pipeline will see the rate increase to over 50 next week.

The rate of increase in infection rate has similarities with the surge seen last September/October, but is not yet as severe.

The R rate in the region is now estimated to be over 1 meaning that the pandemic is growing again. This seems to have been caused by the arrival of the more virulent “Delta ” variant coupled to the relaxation of restrictions, school half term etc.

Over 90% of positive test results are being recorded by people aged under 60. The heatmap below shows a high infection rate in the 10 -19 age groups

Infection rates are increasing significantly at all levels.

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

775 vaccinations were completed on Thursday in York. That is the lowest this month and down from a peak of 2,322 jabs last Saturday.

Tests

4871 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 6th June 2021
Of these, 1.3% were positive. That is the same proportion as that found during the previous period
In addition, 2380 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 10th June.

Council commentary updated

The York Council’s commentary on the pandemic, which can be found on “open data” has been updated. It is reproduce below.

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 11.06.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 7.6.21 there had been 70 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 10.6.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 331 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,954 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 10.6.21 York has had 12,537 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,953 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (7,040) and regional (7,404) averages.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 2.6.21 to 8.6.21 in York is 46.5 (98 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 10.6.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 30.5.21 to 5.6.21 in York was 30.9 (65 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 50.3 and 54 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 10.6.21).

• York is currently ranked 65th 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 29.5.21.to 4.6.21, the number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 7 and rates varied from 0 to 96.5 per 100,000. 3 wards had zero cases.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 30.5.21 to 5.6.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 2.0 (1 case). The national and regional averages were 10.3 and 12.0 respectively.

• As at 8.6.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 2.66%. The national and regional averages are 3.3% and 3.9% respectively.

• As at 8.6.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.26%. The national and regional averages are 0.3% and 0.3% respectively.

• As at 8.6.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.2%. The national average is 0.4%.

• As at 4.6.21 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 7.6.21 York St. John reported 2 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

• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 4.6.21, 291 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 273 (93.8%) were successful and 18 (6.2%) 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 10.6.21 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 7.6.21 there were 14 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 8 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 8.6.21 there were 2 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General/Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 8.6.21 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.

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 4.6.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.9 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 28.5.21.

Variants of Concern

• Published data from Public Health England shows that in York, up to 2.6.21, there had been less than five confirmed cases of the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India. More recent provisional data is available on cases where the test was processed in a laboratory which can identify Variants of Concern. This shows that over half of new cases in the most recent month in York were likely to be the Delta Variant.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 9.6.21 a total of 123,812 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 58.8% of the estimated total population of York and 71.2% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 9.6.21 a total of 85,501 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 40.6% of the estimated total population of York and 49.1% 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 provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 21: 22.5.21 to 28.5.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. The last death from Covid-19 for a CYC resident occurred in Week 17 (24.4.21 to 30.4.21)

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 28th May 2021 and registered up to 5th June 2021, 396 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 135 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.02 which is lower than the national average of 232.44

• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.5% were aged 75+ compared with 73% nationally). 47.9% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.

Coronavirus York updates; 10th June 2021

Hospital patients and deaths

Test results

Nineteen additional positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,518

The number of cases in the City has increased from 62 to 65.

The rate /100k population is now 30.86. This is the first time it has been over 30 since late March.

However, following another 24 positive test results on Tuesday, the rate is expected to hit around 47 over the weekend.

Neighbourhoods

12 neighbourhoods now have 3 or more cases in each

Vaccinations

Little progress has been made with first jabs in the City over the last few days. Only 159 injections over 3 days. It has been suggested that inadequate supplies of the Moderna/Pfizer vaccine are to blame. This is the preferred jab for the younger cohort (Under 30’s) who are currently next on the list for an injection.

Second dose vaccination numbers are holding up well, with more than 50% of the population likely to have been inoculated by the end of the weekend.

The neighbourhood level progress reports on vaccinations have been published today. We are publishing both the first dose and the second dose outturns.

The second dose table is probably the most important given government advice that both doses are needed to get maximum protection.

There is a wide variance between the area with the highest proportion of vaccinated adults (Haxby, 70.5%) and the lowest (Tang Hall 27.1%).

This can mostly be explained by the variance in age profiles with those neighbourhoods with large student populations (aged under 25) not due to get most of their first doses until towards the end of the month

Tests

4763 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 5th June
Of these, 1.3% proved to be positive. This is an increase on the previous figure of 1.2%
In addition 3124 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 9th June

Outbreak Management Board

Some new information emerged at yesterday’s COVID management board meeting.

There has been a substantial growth in the City of cases of the COVID-19 variant which originated in India. It is expected, like elsewhere, to become the dominant strain over the next few days.
The Council are not advised of the vaccination status of those testing positive for the virus. They rely on national stats which say that only small numbers of vaccinated people fall victim to the virus.
The largest number of new cases are currently being found in the 10 -19 age group
Most tests currently involve school children.
The Council cannot say what proportion of positive tests are from people who are asymptomatic.
There is a lack of public awareness that free home testing kits are available.
There has been no local follow up of people who may have come into contact with someone who has the disease. More extensive tracing will start shortly. There will be an option for contacts to have daily tests rather than have to quarantine at home.
There may be a dedicated vaccination centre set up at the University of York when the programme moves on (possibly next week) to the 18 – 25 age group.
Consideration is being given to setting up a vaccinate hub in the City centre (although take up rates in the City are relatively high)

Coronavirus York updates; 9th June 2021

Hospital patients and deaths

One additional COVID-19 patient being cared for by the Hospital Trust. This bings the total back up to three.

There is now one patient in intensive care; the first placed there for over 10 days.

The latest government figures, covering the period up to 28th May, confirm that there have been no deaths from COVID-19 in any setting in York since April

Test results

Twenty-four new positive test results were announced today. That is the largest for over two months. It brings the total up to 12,518

19 of the “positives” were recorded at tests conducted on Monday. That may be linked to the return to school after the half term. The authorities have not commented so far on the spike. The 19 positive test results are the highest single day figure seen since 8th March – ironically that was the same day as schools re-opened to all pupils

Two additional cases today bring total up to 62. That figure relates to the week ending 4th June and so precedes the surge in case numbers seen this week.

The spike in case numbers means that the case rate /100k is 29.44 and is, unfortunately, trending to reach 39.4 before the end of the week.

The increase in infection rates in York mirrors a similar trend at North Yorkshire, regional and national levels.

A council spokesperson has commented “we have seen the bulk of transmissions occur within homes and between people who do not maintain social distance”

Neighbourhoods

Eleven neighbourhoods now have 3 or more cases

Vaccinations

We have heard from the Council who say that they “don’t know” what proportion of the current positive cases in the City had previously received one or two doses of vaccine. Most cases are apparently in the younger age groups and are therefore less likely to have been vaccinated (but the authorities really should know what proportion of victims have had a jab)

Tests

4482 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 4th May 2021
Of these, 1.2% were found to be positive. That is less than the 1.3% found during the previous period.
In addition, 1735 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 8th June.

On street testing in York

Council to hand out more tests to York residents

City of York Council has announced the latest streets it will be handing out testing kits to as part of efforts to keep the city safe and open.

Council staff will be once again visiting communities in the city offering testing kits to residents and encouraging them to test themselves twice a week. This will support the Council’s efforts to increase the number of people being tested for COVID to identify symptom-free cases and stop the spread of the virus.

It is not as the result of increased cases in that area or the presence of a variant of concern. It represents the latest drive to make testing more accessible and frequent. As they have done throughout this project, staff will have Council ID cards for identification and will be handing out free tests and advice, so residents will never be asked to pay.

The team will be going out and about on Wednesday 9 June and Friday 11 June this week.

On Wednesday 9 June the teams will visit properties in Eldon Street, Eldon Terrace, Markham Crescent, Neville Street, Neville Terrace, Nelson Street, Stanley Street.

On Friday 11 June the teams will be out on Warwick Street, Walpole Street, Haxby Road north of Walpole Street, White Cross Road, Vyner Street, Fountayne Street, Briggs Street, Scaife Street, Scaife Gardens.

This work further supports Council’s other efforts to get people tested:

Continuing to offer testing kits to employers in the city so that staff can get tested.
Continuing to offer in-person testing and collection service at the University of York, York St John University, York Leisure Centre at the York Stadium Leisure Complex, Acomb Explore and Foxwood Community Centre.
Continuing to offer in-person testing at St William’s College with residents, employees and visitors able to access this service.

Coronavirus York updates: 3rd June 2021

Hospital patients and deaths

There has been no change to the number of COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust. There have been no deaths at the hospital since 20th April 2021.

However, the historic records have now been updated to record a death that occurred in May 2020. This means that the cumulative death toll now stands at 592.

The latest government figures confirm that there have been no deaths of York residents during May in any setting.

Test results

Eleven new positive tests today. Brings cumulative total up to 12,439

The number of cases in the City has increased to 52. That is the highest level seen since 26th April

The rate /100k population rises to 24.69.

Case numbers continue to rise at all levels.

Neighbourhoods

Detailed figures are not yet available. However, nine neighbourhoods now have 3 or more cases in each. They are;

Holgate West
Holgate East
Rawcliffe and Clifton South
City Centre
Tang Hall
Heworth South & the Groves
Heworth North & Stockton
Strensall
Wigginton

Vaccinations

The latest neighbourhood vaccination figures have been released. They show a big jump in the number of under 30’s who have had their first jab. 8205 had been vaccinated up to 30th May 2021.

The area with the highest vaccination rate (92.0%) is still Wigginton, but the area with the lowest vaccination rate (Tang Hall) has seen the proportion who have has their 1st jab increase from 39% to 41% over the last week.

Tests

4652 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 29th May 2021
Of these, 1.2% were positive. That is an increase from the 1.0% found during the previous period. It is the highest infection rate found since 29th March 2021.
In addition, 2340 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 2nd June 2021.

Coronavirus York updates; 1st June 2021

Deaths and hospital patients

No further hospital deaths have been announced. The last occurred on 20th April.

However, the number of COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust has edged up today to two .

Test results

Only two positive test results have been announced today. The cumulative total is now 12,424

The number of cases in the City has increased from 40 to 46.

The rate /100k population has risen to 21.84. It is now trending to peak at 26.6 on Friday.

Neighbourhoods

There are now 7 neighbourhoods with 3 or more cases in each

Vaccinations

68% of York adult residents have now had their first vaccination.
44.7% have also had their second jab

Tests

4689 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 27th May.
Of these, 0.9% were found to be positive. That is an increase on the 0.7% positives found during the previous period. (NB. the 0.9% positivity rate is the highest found in the City since 26th April)
In addition, 1822 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 31st May.

Lockdown 4?

There has been speculation that the spike that we are currently seeing in case numbers may lead to further restrictions.

It is important to note that there are differences between the increase in case numbers that we saw in the lead up to Christmas and the current position.

The vaccination programme is now well advanced, hospital patient numbers are very low and there have been no COVID-19 deaths recorded for over a month.

Coronavirus York updates; 28th May 2021

Hospital patient numbers and deaths

Test results

Five additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative case total up to 12,389

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

The rate /100k population is 14.72. However it is expected to rise to peak at over 19.5 on Monday.

Neighbourhoods

There are now five neighbourhoods with 3 or more cases.

Vaccinations

66.5% of adult York residents have now had their first vaccination
42.8% have also had their second jab.

Tests

4562 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 23rd May 2021
Of these, 0.5% were found to be positive. That is lower than the 0.6% found during the previous period
In addition, 2537 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 29th May 20921

Council commentary

The Council has updated is commentary on the pandemic. It can be found on the “open data” web site and is reproduced here for convenience

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 28.05.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 24.5.21 there had been 79 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 27.5.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 33 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,017 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 27.5.21 York has had 12,384 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,880 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,938) and regional (7,292) 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 (24.5.21) is Green. 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 19.5.21 to 25.5.21 in York is 18 (38 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 27.5.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 16.5.21 to 22.5.21 in York was 14.2 (30 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 23.6 and 37.5 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 27.5.21).

• York is currently ranked 69th 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 15.5.21.to 21.5.21 the number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 4 and rates varied from 0 to 71.9 per 100,000. 6 wards had zero cases.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 16.5.21 to 22.5.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 2.0 (1 case). The national and regional averages were 6.7 and 8.5 respectively.

• As at 25.5.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 1.02%. The national and regional averages are 1.3% and 2.0% respectively.

• As at 25.5.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.09%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

• As at 25.5.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.2%. The national average is 0.3%.

• As at 21.5.21 York University reported 6 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 17.5.21 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

• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 21.5.21, 224 referrals (cases) had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 207 (92.4%) were successful and 17 (7.6%) 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 21.5.21 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 24.5.21 there were 8 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 5 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 25.5.21 there were 0 confirmed Covid-19 patients in a General or Acute bed. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 25.5.21 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.

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 21.5.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 14.5.21.

Variant of Concern

• Data from Public Health England shows that in York, up to 26.5.21, there have been less than five cases of the Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 26.5.21 a total of 115,555 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 54.9% of the estimated total population of York and 66.4% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 26.5.21 a total of 73,167 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 34.7% of the estimated total population of York and 42.1% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

Deaths

• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 19: 8.5.21 to 14.5.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 16, 17 and 18 there had been 0, 1 and 0 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 8th May 2021 and registered up to 22nd May 2021, 396 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 135 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.02 which is lower than the national average of 232.10

• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.5% were aged 75+ compared with 73% nationally). 47.9% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.

Coronavirus York updates; 27th May 2021

Hospital patient numbers and deaths

It is now over two weeks since the last, COVID-19 related, death of a York resident occurred in any setting

Test results

Ten additional positive test were reported today. That is the largest single day increase for some time. The cumulative total has risen to 12,384.

Case numbers have reduced by one today to 30.

The rate /100k population is 14.24, but this is set to rise to over 18 during the next few days. That would be the highest level seen in the City since the end of April.

We are currently seeing a spike in infection rates in the City and elsewhere in the country

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

66.3% of York residents have at least had their first dose of vaccine.
42.1% have also had their second dose.

The latest progress reports on vaccination rates at neighbourhood level have been published. They cover the period up to 23rd May.

The neighbourhood with the highest rate is Wigginton with 89.6% having received their first dose. The lowest is Tang Hall, where 39.3% have now received at least their first dose.

Tests

4585 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 22nd May
Of these, 0.6% were positive
3194 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 26th May.

Coronavirus York updates; 11th August 2020

Deaths and test results

The latest government figures confirm that there have been no more deaths recorded in York care homes this week. The cumulative total remains at 78.

There have been no additional COVID-19 related deaths recorded in the City. The cumulative total remains at 169

The York Councils public heath director has been quoted in the media saying that there are four Coronavirus patients currently in the York hospital. Two of these are in the Intensive Care Unit. The figures have not yet been added to the Open Data web site.

As predicted earlier in the week, the York Council are to undertake their own “track and trace” system. It will be in place before the new school term commences. A meeting yesterday was told that “there have been 97 positive Covid-19 cases registered with the test and trace scheme in York – with 82 of them contacted, leading 176 contacts to be identified. Of those, 113 have been traced“. Again these figures haven’t been added to the Open Data web site

The test and trace system is to “go local” as the Government appears to acknowledge that the national system, described as “world beating”, is not fit for purpose.

It follows intense criticism over the reach of the national centralised service, which was set up an awarded to private companies, and its failure to tap into local knowledge to tackle outbreaks of the coronavirus in England.

Last month, it was revealed the system was failing to reach more than half the contacts named by infected people in areas battling acute outbreaks of the virus.

On Monday this week, DHSC announced the NHS Test and Trace programme will now provide local authorities across England with a dedicated team of contact tracers to ensure that as many people as possible are being reached, in what the department described as a “new way of working” and a “more tailored service”.

This could mean people who have been in contact with confirmed coronavirus cases may get a knock on their door if tracers are unable to reach them over the phone.

“As the approach becomes more locally targeted the national service will adjust,” DHSC said. “NHS Test and Trace will reduce current extra capacity and reduce the number of non-NHS call handlers.”

They continued: “Data on the virus continues to be actively monitored through PHE and the Joint Biosecurity Centre so that staff numbers can be quickly scaled up, or down, depending on requirements for the national service and as part of winter preparations.”

An effective system of contact tracing is widely viewed as critical in keeping down the transmission rate of the virus by reaching out to those who have come into close contact with an individual who has tested positive, and urging them to self-isolate for 10 days.

However, last week’s figures showed that thousands of people are still not being reached by the test and trace program mme and the head of outsourcing company Serco, which employs over 10,000 of the tracers, admitted up to a fifth of contacts may be untraceable.

The data added that the national call centers were struggling to reach contacts, with only 56 per cent of close contacts handled online or by call centers being reached and told to self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus.

In stark contrast, a local contact tracing system set up in Blackburn with Darwen Council had reached 90 per cent of the people the Government’s national system was failing to contact in an area with one of the worst Covid-19 infection rates.

Council to tackle digital exclusion in Coronavirus response

City of York Council will be hosting a digital inclusion workshop with Citizens Online and Explore Libraries this week, to bring city partners together to share insight and best practice .

Going forward in partnership the aim is to join up activity, share information and resources and encourage collaboration.

Throughout lockdown, the Council have been working in partnership with organisations across the city to promote digital inclusion for residents and tenants who lack connectivity or access to digital devices.

As facilities such as libraries and the council’s West Offices were required to close at the beginning of lockdown, residents who did not have internet access or computers at home were no longer able to access these public facilities. As part of our emergency response to the impact of Coronavirus, the council and partners expanded and initiated a variety of schemes and work to address the growing need for internet access. These schemes included:

Eligible residents who lack internet access at home have been supported through lockdown with devices such as smart phones and laptops (plus data) through York’s emergency funding scheme. Households in need of devices were identified in partnership with support workers and charities across the city.
Around 50 laptops have been loaned by York Learning to learners wanting to continue their studies during lockdown who didn’t have the equipment to do so. Those already on accredited courses such as apprenticeships, computer skills and functional skills courses in maths and English have been prioritised.
Independent Living Centre tenants without online devices have been provided with smartphones and three months of mobile data to keep in touch with friends and family, and to ensure they can order any food and prescriptions they need. Where they have been allocated, the tenants are regularly video calling, ringing and texting friends and family members which, they say, has been a lifeline. When the time-limited contract expires, tenants can continue to use the phone when they buy and add their own sim cards. This means they and staff can also keep in touch which helps break down isolation.

Throughout lockdown, York’s superfast broadband network has also been further extended to now reach 72% of the city.

Residents and businesses reminded about financial support

City of York Council is reminding residents and businesses that support is available for those who are currently in council tax or business rates arrears due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Over the next week we will be contacting people who are currently in arrears with their council tax or business rates offering support and information

Revenue from council tax and business rates is essential to ensure the council can continue to provide a wide range of services to support residents, our most vulnerable citizen and businesses across the city.

Several support schemes are currently in place, including:

Council Tax Support – the amount people get is based on their household income and savings, so are likely to qualify if on welfare benefits or a low income.
Council Tax Discretionary Reduction Scheme – provides extra assistance for people who are unable to pay their council tax bill. People can apply for this reduction whether or not they are eligible for, or receive Council Tax Support.
Some people can get a discount on their Council Tax bill, to check what discounts are available please visit www.york.gov.uk/counciltax