The figures detailing the number of deaths of York residents due to COVID 19 have been updated.
They show that, during the latest week for which information is available (W/E 2/4/21), two York residents died.
One fatality occurred in a care home and one at a hospital.
Cumulatively 375 York residents have now lost their lives to the disease.
One additional death has been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. It occurred on Sunday.
After a period with no fatalities, the latest case was one of four deaths that occurred last week.
Test results
Three additional positive test results were reported today. They bring the cumulative total up to 12,170
The number of cases in the City has risen from 19 to 28.
The rate /100k Population figure has, as expected, risen to 13.29 today.
This is largely due to the 10 positive test results which were recorded on 8th April (shortly after the Easter Bank Holiday) The rate is expected to fall below 10 tomorrow before fluctuating around that level for the rest of the week.
Despite the uptick today, case rate figures in York remain below the regional and national averages
Neighbourhoods
The spike in case numbers has been restricted to just 5 neighbourhoods in York.
Vaccinations
A vaccination can now be booked by anyone over 45.
There have been no further hospital deaths announced today
Test results
Eight additional positive test results have been announced today. This brings the cumulative total up to 12,167.
The number of cases in the City remains stable at 19
The infection rate /100k population figure remains at 9.02. It is expected to increase to over 13.0 tomorrow before falling back to around 10 where it may remain for the rest of the week.
The hiccup predates todays easing of restrictions and may reflect a more casual attitude towards controls during the Easter Bank Holiday.
Neighbourhoods
No major changes in distribution of cases today
Vaccinations
Tests
3692 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 7th April 2021.
Of these, 0.5% were positive. That is the same proportion as the previous day.
5420 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 11th April 2021
Hospitals
The number of COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust continues to fall.
The latest ONS figures, covering the number of deaths of York residents attributable to COVID-19, have been published.
During the week ending 26th March NO fatalities were recorded.
This is the first week since 2nd October 2020 when there has been a zero death toll.
Since the start of the pandemic there have been 125 deaths in care homes in the City, 219 in hospitals, 21 at home and 8 in a hospice.
In total the pandemic has seen 373 fatalities among York residents.
One additional death was announced by the York Hospital Trust today. The fatality occurred on Tuesday (6th April)
Test Results
Six more positive test results gave been announced today. That brings the cumulative total up to 12,225
Case numbers in the City have fallen from 39 to 33.
As anticipated the infection rate /100k population figure has fallen back to 15.67 today. Further reductions are likely over the next two or three days
We seem to have established a virtuous circle now now with fewer opportunities for transmission of the virus – a result of good social distancing and the vaccination programme.
As a result, the decline in case numbers is paralleling the rate of reduction seen in May and June last year (towards the end of “Wave 1” of the pandemic).
See comparator graph below.
Neighbourhoods
Only two neighbourhoods now have a case rate over 50. In addition, there is one neighbourhood with a rate between 10 and 50.
The 21 other areas all now have fewer than 3 cases. Several now have zero cases.
Vaccinations
People in the 40 -49 age group should start to get invitations to be vaccinated from next week
3799 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 3rd April 2021.
Of these, 0.7% proved to be positive. This is the same proportion as was recorded on the previous day.
2828 “lateral flow” tests were also undertaken on 7th April 2021
Hospitals
More good news as the number of COVID-19 patients, being cared for by the York Hospital Trust, has fallen below 20. The number in intensive care has halved to just one.
Police praise for Bank Holiday behaviour in North Yorkshire
Covid response: Please keep up “amazing effort” as we move to Step 2 of the Road Map Out of Lockdown on 12 April
Superintendent Mike Walker is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the Coronavirus and he also chairs the multi-agency North Yorkshire Local Resilience Partnership. These are his comments about the past week’s Covid-19 related issues including the Easter weekend…
Whilst the long bank holiday weekend was busy throughout the area, there was very little in way of police incidents or issues linked to Covid-19.
We only had to issue 11 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) during this period. All were for indoor gathering breaches, of which 10 occurred in Scarborough.
In total since the easing of the lockdown on 29 March, 14 FPNs have been issued. No incidents of note have been flagged-up during the past week.
It is pleasing that the rightfully careful and cautious Step 1 of the Government’s Road Map Out of Lockdown has gone well in our area.
This is testament to the outstanding partnership working we have in North Yorkshire and the City of York, plus the invaluable support from our communities who have experienced the collective effort to keep everyone safe during the pandemic.
As we move to Step 2 of the road map on Monday 12 April, it is now more important than ever to keep following the health protection measures while the vaccination programme is rolled out.
There is still no mixing of households allowed indoors until at least 17 May under Step 3, and the ‘rule of 6’ or two households remains in place regarding outdoor gatherings, including in private gardens.
Our policing teams will be promoting adherence to these rules while on targeted and highly visible patrols.
We will continue to use our ‘4 Es’ approach to engage with the public, explain the regulations, encourage compliance, and enforce only as a last resort when a blatant breach has occurred.
Officers and PCSOs will also be on hand to support our local authority, trading standards and licensing partners during checks on businesses such as pubs and restaurants, who be able to provide outdoor hospitality from 12 April.
This is clearly very welcome progress from the extremely worrying situation we faced just a few short months ago.
Our message to everyone is to keep up this amazing effort. Please keep doing all you can to reduce the risk of catching Covid-19 or unwittingly spreading the virus to others.
No further hospital deaths have been announced today.
Test results
Only one positive test result today. The cumulative case total is now 12,218
The number of cases in the City has increased from 33 to 39
The infection rate has, as forecast, edged up today. The rate /100k population is now 18.52. The rate is expected to resume its downward trend from tomorrow.
The 3 waves graph has been remodeled to facilitate easier comparisons of the effects of easing restrictions
Case numbers continue to fall across Yorkshire
Neighbourhoods
There have been infection rate increases in South Bank and Fulford Road today.
Vaccinations
Tests
3752 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 2nd April 2021
Of these, 0.7% proved to be positive. That is slightly up on the previous days figure of 0.6%
In addition, 1598 “lateral flow” tests were completed on 6th April 2021
York Hospital Trust COVID-19 patients
There has been a fall today in the number of COVID-19 patients being treated by the York Hospital Trust
There were no further hospital deaths announced today
Test results
No additional positive test results recorded today.
The cumulative total remains at 12,219
The number of cases in the City has fallen from 46 yesterday to 33 today
The rate /100k population figure has fallen to 15.67. This is the lowest figure seen since 6th September 2020.
A small upturn is expected tomorrow but, thereafter, there are hopes that the rate may fall below 10 before restrictions are further relaxed on Monday
One word of caution though is that the impact (if any) of the Easter weekend – and some increased social mingling – won’t be known until later in the week.
The reduction in case numbers in York since 1st March has been very significant.
Infection rates are falling at all levels
Neighbourhoods
Only 5 of York’s 24 neighbourhoods now have 3 or more cases.
Vaccinations
53.5% of York residents have now had their first vaccination.
8.4% have had both doses.
Tests
3926 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 1st April 2021.
Of these, 0.6% provided to be positive. That represents an improvement over the previous days figure of 1%
1952 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 5th April.
Hospitals
The latest figures from the York Hospital Trust show a declining number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care
Six positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,211.
The number of cases in the City has fallen by 12 from 61 yesterday to 49 today.
The case rate /100k population figure has fallen to 23.27.
That is the lowest rate seen since 9th September 2020
Infection rates continue to fall across the region
Neighbourhoods
Only one neighbourhood (Holgate West) now has an infection rate above 50. It is also the only area with a rate above the national average.
Most neighbourhoods now have fewer than 3 cases
Vaccinations
Tests
4231 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 29th March 2021
Of these, 1.3% were positive. That is the lowest percentage seen for over two weeks.
1128 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 2nd April 2021
City quiet today
Not many people ventured into the City today on what is usually one of the busiest Saturdays in the year.
Most shops were closed of course, and the weather was cool
Those that did venture out, made their way to the areas near the Minster and the Museum Gardens. The latter was quite busy with some taking the Council’s advice to have a picnic.
Davygate
York Minster
Parliament Street
No alcohol warning
Museum Gardens
Wedding party
The real test will come on 12th April when shops, hairdressers and some hospitality will reopen.
LNER seems to have got the message that it needs to promote the empty spaces in its car parks.
The Council on the other hand still stubbornly cordons off a section of the busier Marygate car park in a futile attempt to promote “social distancing”,
New testing centre in Foxwood opens on 12th April
City of York Council is making it even easier for residents and workers in the city to get tested.
Workers in York and residents can benefit from a new testing site set to open soon, along with more opportunities for residents to collect home testing kits.
Foxwood Community centre is the latest symptom-free testing site in the city opening on Monday 12 April. It joins the existing sites at University of York, York St John University and the York Leisure Centre at the York Stadium Leisure Complex. Symptom free tests are available for anyone secondary school or college age and above. Symptom-free tests can be booked at any of York sites online or by calling 01904 551559.
Each of these testing sites will now act as a collection point for home testing kits by appointment only. A slot can be booked online or by calling 01904 551559 and spaces are available from 7 April. Home tests should not be taken if you are experiencing symptoms and school and college pupils should continue to collect from their education settings.
Residents of any age who have Coronavirus symptoms can book a test online or by calling 119 and self-isolate until receiving results. The symptoms of Coronavirus are a continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of or change in the sense of taste or smell.
Councillor Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Social Care said:
We all have a part to play in stopping the spread of Coronavirus and helping us along the road back to normal. Getting tested regularly really does make a difference and protects those around you.
“The testing service is a huge city-wide effort and we are always looking at ways to make it easier for people to get tested. By opening more sites and introducing a collection service we hope this further aids our collective efforts to keep our city and each other safe.
“We are grateful to partners for their support as well as to residents who are getting tested regularly.”
Fiona Phillips, Assistant Director of Public Health said:
1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus have no symptoms. Having regular symptom-free tests helps us to identify those who could be spreading the virus unknowingly and protects people.
“We are hugely grateful to those taking regular tests and ask that more do as we continue to move along the roadmap.
“Even if you have had the vaccine we are asking you to get tested to stop you from giving the virus to others. These symptom-free tests are available to anyone secondary school age and above but anyone with symptoms of any age should self-isolate and book a test online or calling 119.
“We all have a part to play in the coming weeks and months. Getting tested regularly and practice hands, face, space will help us beat the virus.”
Why are symptom-free tests important and who should get one?
1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus has no symptoms so you could be spreading COVID to those you love without knowing it.
Getting tested, and self-isolating if necessary, stops the spread of the virus and will help us get back to seeing the people we love and going to the places we love.
We all still need to follow the rules and practice hands, face, space. Testing is another tool in our fight against the virus.
Symptom-free testing is now available to all adults and pupils from secondary school and college age and above.
I’ve had the vaccine, why should I get tested?
Whilst the vaccine reduces the risk of you having serious complications if you catch it, you could still spread Coronavirus to those around you, putting others at risk.
Not everyone has been vaccinated so getting tested regularly will help keep others safe and stop you from spreading the virus to those you love.
My test has come back negative, what can I do after this?
If you receive a negative test result you can continue as you were.
Remember:
a negative test result provides information about the level of the virus at one point in time
there’s the potential for the test result to be ‘false negative’ if you’re infected with COVID-19 but don’t yet have a high enough level of the virus to register on the Lateral Flow Device (LFD)
it’s possible to become infected in the hours or days after taking a rapid test – so you must continue to follow government guidance on social distancing, good hand hygiene, and practice ‘Hands, Face, Space’
this type of testing will only be effective if people continue to follow the guidance
My symptom-free test has come back positive, what should I do next?
If you receive a positive test result you must self-isolate for 10 days. In order to detect the maximum number of cases with variants, the government is reintroducing confirmatory PCR testing for positive LFD test results in England. Confirmatory tests are used to validate the result of the initial rapid test. If you get a positive result on your first test you should not go for a second rapid results test – cancel your second test appointment by following the cancellation link in your booking confirmation email.
I have symptoms. Why can’t I use a home testing kit to check?
These tests are provided for those who are symptom-free to get regular tests. There are two testing sites in the city for people with symptoms of Coronavirus, please use them if you need it.
If you have symptoms, the probability of you having Covid is increased. Given that a home test requires a confirmatory PCR anyway, this way will save you time and use the testing offer for those with symptoms.
My home test came back negative, why do I need to fill in the form?
Completing the form helps us to understand how many people are getting tested in the city and better understand the positivity rate (how much spread there is within a community).
Completing the form no matter the result provides us with valuable information about where we are as a city
One death was announced by the York Hospital Trust today. It occurred on Wednesday and was the first Coronavirus related fatality since 17th March
Test Results
Four positive test results have been announced today. They bring the cumulative total up to 12,205
The number of cases in the City has fallen from 64 yesterday to 61 today
The rate /100k population has fallen to 28.96 today. It is likely to fall below 25.0 tomorrow and should remain there for the following few days at least.
There has been a fall in case numbers in North Yorkshire today and the small but steady decline at regional level is being sustained.
Neighbourhoods
Most neighbourhoods continue to have fewer than 3 cases.
Vaccinations
The vaccination programme is continuing over Easter. The Askham Bar site was busy earlier today
Tests
4406 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 28th March.
Of these, 1.7% were found to be positive. That is the same proportion as the previous day
2297 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 1st April
Council pandemic commentary
The Council has updated is commentary which can be found on open data. It is reproduced below for convenience
The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Thursday 01.04.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 28.3.21 there had been 58 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 653 in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.
• As at 31.3.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 41.3 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,302 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 31.3.21 York has had 12,198 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,792 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,752) and regional (6,931) 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 number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (28.3.21) is Red. This is due to a higher than expected number of cases on two occasions: specimen date 22.3.21 (13 cases) and specimen date 25.3.21 (15 cases). 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 23.3.21 to 29.3.21 in York is 23.3 (using data published on Gov.uk on 31.3.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 20.3.21 to 26.3.21 was 29.9 The national and regional averages at this date were 54.9 and 112.4 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 31.3.21).
• York is currently ranked 29th 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 19.3.21.to 25.3.21, 1 ward (Strensall) has seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 13.3.21 to 18.3.21. 1 ward (Westfield) has seen a significant rise in the rate. The remaining wards have shown no significant change. Ward rates currently vary from 0 to 78.1 per 100,000. 5 wards had zero cases in the latest period.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 20.3.21 to 26.3.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 24.2. The national and regional averages were 7.9 and 34.8 respectively.
• As at 29.3.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 0.71%. The national and regional averages are 2.3% and 4.7% respectively.
• As at 29.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.12%. The national and regional averages are 0.2% and 0.3% respectively.
• As at 29.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 2.1%. The national average is 0.9%.
• As at 31.3.21 York University 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 331 on the 19.10.20.
• As at 29.3.21 York St. John reported 3 individuals 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 11,321 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,220 of the cases have been completed (90.3%). 26,358 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 19,974 of these have been completed (75.8%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 26.3.21, 1,062 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 708 (66.7%) were successful and 354 (33.3%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Care Settings
• As at 31.3.21 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 29.3.21 there were 6 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive across 6 schools.
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 30.3.21 there were 10 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.
• As at 30.3.21 there were 3 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.
• As at 30.3.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
• As at 30.3.21 there had been 3 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.
• Between 22.3.21 and 28.3.21, 12 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 26.3.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 0.9) on 19.3.21.
Total Vaccinations
• As at 30.3.21 a total of 92,113 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 43.7% of the estimated total population of York and 52.9% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
• As at 30.3.21 a total of 9,857 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 4.7% of the estimated total population of York and 5.7% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
Deaths
The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it enables a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 11: 13.3.21 to 19.3.21) 2 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 8, 9 and 10 there had been 6, 6 and 3 deaths respectively.
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 19th March 2021 and registered up to 27th March 2021, 386 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (226 in hospital, 131 in care homes, 21 at home and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 183.3 which is lower than the national average of 227.7
• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 17.3.21), a cumulative total of 369 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 (79.9% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.2% nationally). 178 of the 369 were male (48.2%), less than the national average (54.3%).
The have been no further hospital deaths today. It is now 13 days since the last COVID fatality was announced by the York Hospital Trust
Test results
Three additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,193
Case numbers in the City are up from 62 yesterday to 67 today. They are expected to fall to around 63 tomorrow.
The rate per 100k population figure climbs to 31.8. The rate has been stable at around 30 since the middle of the month. It is expected to remain at around that level at least until Easter.
Infection rates in North Yorkshire have spiked again and rate continues to grow steadily across the region as a whole
Neighbourhoods
Case numbers in Holgate East are now falling while those in Holgate West are rising! Overall there is little change
Vaccinations
Tests
4467 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 25th March 2021
Of these, 1.8% were positive. That is the fifth successive day on which increased infection rates have been found.
693 “lateral flow” test were also conducted on 29th March
Hospital
The York Hospital Trust is now treating fewer COVID patients
There have been no further hospital deaths announced today.
Test results
11 additional positive test results have been announced today bringing the cumulative total up to 12,190
The number of cases in the City has increased from 61 yesterday to 62 today. It is likely that we will see a further increase of a around 4 cases tomorrow below the level stabilises.
The infection rate /100k population has increased to 29.44. The infection rate has fairly consistently hovered around 30 for the last 10 days.
Infection rate at regional level continuing to creep up
Neighbourhoods
No major changes at neighbourhood level today, although the rate in Holgate East has now fallen back below the 100 case threshold.
Vaccinations
Tests
4560 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 24th March 2021
Of these, 1.6% were found to be positive. That represents an increase on the previous days figure of 1.5%. There has been a steady increase in positivity since the 1.2% low seen on 21st March.
In addition, 3599 “lateral flow” test were carried out on 28th March
Hospitals
The number of COVID patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust in their intensive care units has fallen to 4.
Two additional hospital deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Tuesday and one on Wednesday
Test Results
Five positive test results today bringing the cumulative total to 12,099.
The number of cases in the City has fallen by 8 from 89 to 81. Further reductions are in the pipeline
The rate /100k population figure has fallen to 38.46. This is the lowest seen in the City since 19th September 2021
The infection rate is clearly now following a different trajectory from that seen when restrictions were eased at the end of Lockdown 2. The real test will come on 12th April when a more general easing of restrictions are expected
Infection rates are continuing to rise at North Yorkshire and Yorkshire levels. They are stable at a national level.
Neighbourhoods
Good news today as, for the first time since last summer, no York neighbourhood has an infection rate above 100.
Vaccinations
Good progress with vaccinations
Tests
3977 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 14th March 2021
The positivity rate was 1.4% – the same as the previous day.
3100 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 18th March 2021
Hospitals
The number of COVID-19 patients being treated by the York Hospital Trust has fallen to 30. Four are in intensive care. 2069 patients have been treated for coronavirus since the start of the pandemic and subsequently discharged from hospital.
Council commentary
The York Council has updated its commentaryon the pandemic
It is reproduced below
The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 19.03.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 15.3.21 there had been 74 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 18.3.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 87.3 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,459 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 18.3.21 York has had 12,094 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,742 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,656) and regional (6,735) 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 (15.3.21) is Green.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 10.3.21 to 16.3.21 in York is 31.8 (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.3.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.3.21 to 13.3.21 was 42.3. The national and regional averages at this date were 58.3 and 107.6 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.3.21).
• York is currently ranked 61st 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 6.3.21.to 12.3.21, 1 ward in York (Micklegate) has seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 27.2.21 to 5.3.21. 2 wards (Dringhouses and Woodthorpe and Hull Road) have seen a significant rise in rates. For the remaining wards there has been no significant change in rates.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.3.21 to 13.3.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 6.1. The national and regional averages were 28.0 and 41.9 respectively.
• As at 15.3.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 1.28%. The national and regional averages are 2.6% and 5.1% respectively.
• As at 15.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.16%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.
• As at 16.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.9%. The national average is 1.4%.
• As at 18.3.21 York University reported 10 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 15.3.21 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 11,229 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,126 of the cases have been completed (90.2%). 26,095 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 19,760 of these have been completed (75.7%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 12.3.21, 981 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 632 (64.4%) were successful and 349 (35.6%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Care Settings
• As at 18.3.21 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 15.3.21 there were 22 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive across 10 schools.
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 17.3.21 there were 17 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.
• As at 17.3.21 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.
• As at 17.3.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
• As at 17.3.21 there had been 1 confirmed patient discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.
Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital
• Between 8.3.21 and 14.3.21, 9 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 12.3.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 0.9. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 1.0) on 5.3.21.
Total Vaccinations
• As at 17.3.21 79,375 CYC residents had received the first dose and 5,724 had received both doses. 37.7% of the total estimated population of York (210,618*) had therefore received the first dose.
• As at 17.3.21 21.88M In people in England had received the first dose and 1.31M had received both doses. 38.9% of the total estimated population of England (56,286,961*) had 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 9: 27.2.21 to 5.3.21) 4 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 6, 7 and 8 there had been 11, 19 and 6 deaths respectively.
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 5th March 2021 and registered up to 13th March 2021, 378 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (220 in hospital, 129 in care homes, 21 at home and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 179.5 which is lower than the national average of 223.5
• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 10.3.21), a cumulative total of 365 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 (80.3% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.4% nationally). 174 of the 365 were male (47.7%), less than the national average (54.3%).
Council plans to “safely reopen city”
The Council has issued the following statement in advance of a general reopening of facilities including retail on 12th April. More clarity is needed on the availability of testing services.
With infection rates in the rest of the region currently higher than in York, the Council must make representations about what – if any – recreational travel will be permitted.
There are similar questions to be answered by the Universities about their timetable for increased “on campus” learning.
“With the publication of the roadmap to recovery, the City of York Council has started planning to safely reopen the city.
In doing this, the Council will focus on prioritising the health and wellbeing of the residents of York, and supporting the economic recovery of the city.
Public Health guidance will play a key role in all decisions made for the future of the city and the council focus is on protecting residents against the immediate threat of coronavirus.
Learning from reopening activities that took place during summer 2020, when the city enjoyed a large number of visitors and relatively low number of cases, together with recognising challenges from Christmas and that reopening in 2021 is taking place in a different environment, where testing and vaccinations is more the norm.”
Keith Aspden, Leader of the Council, said:
We are working with businesses and organisations across the city to make sure that when the time comes, residents have the confidence to enjoy our city centre safely.
The health and wellbeing of residents and businesses is our immediate focus, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to our beautiful city once restrictions are lifted. We know that York has a lot to offer, and our amazing range of independent businesses are working hard to ensure that their customers can look forward to safe services at their next visit.”
Extra measures introduced in the city will include:
The installation of temporary public toilets in the city centre
Extending the Covid Support Marshalls programme until the end of June
Submitting planning applications required for temporary managed outdoor spaces
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said:
Whilst many people will be looking forward to the easing of restrictions we must all remember that COVID-19 remains a part of our lives.
“We want to make sure that York is a safe city for all our residents to enjoy, and we need the support of residents and communities to make that happen. We are working closely with the Public Health England Behavioural science team to iteratively improve how we can keep residents, staff and visitors safe.
“For now we must carry on with ‘hands, face, space’, comply with the COVID-Secure measures that remain in place, meet outdoors when we can and keep letting fresh air in. We should get tested when needed and get vaccinated when offered. If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar.”
To help businesses safely manage outside space and better understand how to keep their consumers and staff safe by prompting COVID-19 safe behaviours, the council are working with Public Health England’s behavioural insight team in the run up to reopening the city.
They will be hosting a free webinar on Thursday 25 March, where the Public Health team will answer questions from businesses. Tickets can be booked online.
Plans to meet York’s post-pandemic skills needs to be considered
Plans to address the skills and training needs of York residents and businesses as they recover from the covid-19 pandemic will be discussed next week at a Decision Session for the Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning (23 March).
Cllr Andrew Waller will be asked to endorse proposals put forward by the city’s Skills and Employment Board* to tackle the immediate impact of the pandemic.
One-year plan: Skills for Employment in York, sets out how the city needs to respond to the changing skills and training needs of the city post-pandemic. The aim is to ensure that residents and businesses have the necessary skills and training support to meet their needs, helping York’s economy to recover, and grow, over the coming years. The plan builds on a wide range of skills support that has been developed since the early stages of the first lockdown. Skills and education partners across the city have been working together to help people through change; aligning, adapting and communicating the support available to both individuals and businesses.
Skills for Employment in York sets out five shared commitments: • York works – skills support for individuals Supporting those entering, re-entering or displaced from the workforce to re-train or upskill and connect them with good jobs in sustainable and growth sectors. • Empowered employers – skills support for businesses Supporting businesses of all sizes to access national, regional and local skills provision to help them plan, diversify and grow. • Pioneering provision – productive partnerships Working in partnership to make the most of national, regional and local initiatives and adapt local skills provision in response to emerging needs. • Education to employment and self-employment – York’s pipeline Supporting positive progressions for all by preparing those transitioning from education or re-entering the world of work for a culture of lifelong learning and entrepreneurship. • York shares – communicating the offer Developing a coherent and effective marketing and communications strategy to ensure information advice and guidance is provided at the point of need in a timely and effective way.
Cllr Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said: The economic impact of the pandemic is being felt across many sectors in the city, and some have been severely hit, leading to job losses.
“As York’s employment changes it is vital that support and training is available to help individuals who need it. This includes those joining the workforce from school or college, or who are older and have lost their job and are looking to find a new career. Businesses are looking to get ready for new opportunities, especially with cleaner greener jobs, and we need to make sure the local workforce has the skills needed for this.
“The one year plan is part of a wider ten year strategy which aims to ensure that York, its residents and businesses, are well placed to recover from the impact of the pandemic. “I’d like to thank the city’s Skills and Employment Board for developing the one year plan, and their ongoing work on the ten year skills strategy. Their hard work engaging with businesses, council and skills providers underlines the commitment of partners across the city to supporting York’s future skills and training needs. “
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