Coronavirus York updates; 20th January 2021

Deaths

SEVEN additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Two occurred yesterday, three on Monday and two on Sunday.

The 11 fatalities seen on Sunday was the largest single day death toll recorded during the pandemic.

Test Results

ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY TWO (142) new positive test results today. That is the largest total seen during the last 7 days. It mainly reflects test results counted on Monday (which is usually the highest daily figure).

The case rate trend remains downward. The current figure is 456.77 /100k population. It is still trending to go below 400 by the end of the week.

The infection rate in York is falling faster than the decline at national level.

It remains above the county and regional average.

7755 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 15th January. The positivity rate was 13.4%

915 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 19th January.

Hospital

227 patients are now being treated for Coronavirus at the York Hospital Trust. That is a record high number.

However, the Trust also reports that since the start of the pandemic 1503 COVID patients had been treated and discharged from their hospitals

Neighbourhoods

For the first time this month the number of COVID cases has fallen below 1000.

Only 5 of the 22 neighbourhoods in York saw an increase in case numbers during the seven days ending 15th January.

The highest rate can now be found in Wigginton

The lowest rate is in Holgate East

Vaccinations

There were reports today of some minor delays at the Regional Vaccination hub at Askham Bar (Moor Lane).

Nationally 4,609,740 people have received their first dose vaccination to date. 460,625 people have received their second dose.

The 343,163 first doses administered on 19th January was the highest ever daily figure

York Council increases support for York businesses

More of York’s businesses are now eligible for lockdown support payments, following an extension to the ‘Additional Restrictions Grants’ on Monday.

Senior councilors today approved proposals to extend grant payments to businesses severely impacted by current national restrictions. These are:

  • Offering grants to businesses which trade almost exclusively in York, but are not residents of the area, including many York-licensed taxi drivers and market traders who missed out on previous grants
  • Giving the small number of B&Bs and hotels who legitimately pay council tax, rather than business rates, the same level of grant as other accommodation businesses
  • Adding the childcare sector to the list of eligible businesses, and allowing nurseries to qualify for the highest level of grant
  • Supporting supply-chain businesses who are dealing with the closures of their customers.

Applications for eligible businesses are now open via the City of York Council online form, which can be found here. For those who apply successfully for the first time, a grant for November’s lockdown period will automatically be received.

Any business which has already successfully applied for the schemes does not need to reapply. Grants will automatically be distributed and this is being managed by the council’s payments team, who are aiming to process the grants quickly.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance, said:

Like before, we are working swiftly to ensure that local businesses receive the financial support they need to get through this difficult period.

“I would like to thank Council officers who are working around the clock to distribute these grants as quickly as possible. I would also like to thank our local business community in the city for helping us keep businesses informed and to reassure them that this support is on its way.

“Whilst we have made this process as simple as possible by automatically paying businesses which have previously received grants, we know that there will be some businesses who have not applied. I would strongly encourage these businesses to check the criteria and if you qualify, put in an application via www.york.gov.uk/COVIDBusiness .”

Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for economy and strategic planning, said:

These new changes extend the support businesses we know have missed out on the latest government grants. We’ve listened to the city’s businesses and adapted these grant schemes in response, to protect jobs and the city’s wider economy.

“The Additional Restrictions Grant has already allowed to help hundreds of York small businesses who have seen their income dry up, and these adjustments have enabled more businesses operating in the city to get some assistance.

“We know that the need across the city continues to grow, and we remain committed to lobbying for more from central government. We realise that as situations change others are likely to fall through the cracks, and if that is you, please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk. We appreciate those who have already contacted us, and for continuing to work with us to get recognition for sectors who need assistance.

At this time, many people are feeling overwhelmed and may feel unable to cope with day-to-day life. For those who feel in need of emotional support, a variety of resources can be found via Live Well York.

The decision session of the Executive Member for Finance and Performance took place at 2pm on Monday. You can view the agenda and find details of how to live stream it here .

Coronavirus York updates; 19th January 2021

Deaths

There has been a dramatic rise in the number of coronavirus deaths at the York Hospital Trust.

An additional ELEVEN fatalities were announced today. Nine of these occurred on Sunday.

That brings the total number of fatalities, recorded at the York and Scarborough hospitals since the 1st September, up to 218.

Eight York residents died in hospital during the week ending 8th January 2021.

-The latest figures published today indicate that there were no additional deaths’ in other settings including care homes during the same period.

However, figures issued by the Care Quality Commission indicate there were subsequently 2 care home deaths in York. One occurred on the 10th and the other on 12th January. The cumulative number of coronavirus deaths in care homes in the City now stands at 93.

The cumulative overall total number of York residents who have succumbed to Coronavirus now stands at 235, with 64 of the fatalities having occurred since 1st September 2020.

ONS have produced an interactive map which shows the number of deaths due to COVID-19 in local neighbourhoods. Covers the period between March to December 2020. The size of the circle represents the number of deaths.

click to access

Test Results

NINETY (90) new positive test results have been announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 10,232.

The case rate /100k population has fallen to below 500 for the first time since the beginning of the month. The rate is now 483.86 and is trending to go below 400 within the next few days.

Further confirmation of the decline in Coronavirus case numbers in the City is provided by the detailed test results which have been published

The latest figures confirm that large numbers of tests continue to be conducted in the City.

Daily around 700 tests, using the “lateral flow” technique, are being undertaken.

In addition, each week, around 9000 PCR (Lab. based) tests are also conducted.

Significantly the percentage of positive test results has fallen from a peak of 18.25% seen on 3rd January to the latest figure of 13.8% recorded during the week ending 13th January.

Hospital

York Hospital Trust said this morning that there were now 211 confirmed and suspected Covid-19 patients Trust-wide, compared with 203 yesterday morning.

It said there was now a total of nine Covid patients in intensive care, compared with eight yesterday.

A trust spokeswoman said yesterday that York Hospital had 154 Covid patients on seven wards but it was not at capacity.

Deaths of York residents in hospital. NB. This figure differs from the totals notified by the hospital as the latter serves a larger area than just the City.

Neighbourhoods

Infection rates in most areas are continuing to fall.

Spike in Wigginton area

Vaccinations

Around 700 vaccinations are being carried out each day at the Moor Lane (Askham Bar) centre. Most 80+ York residents have now received their first jab and the programme is now understood to be moving onto those aged 75 and over.

No local figures on vaccination numbers have been published on government web sites

Nationally 4,266,577 first doses have been given.

456,866 second doses have been administered.

Around 210,000 doses are being administered each day

Coronavirus York updates; 18th January 2021

Deaths

THREE additional deaths have been reported by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Friday and two on Saturday.

Test Results

EIGHTY-EIGHT additional positive test results have been announced today. That is the lowest daily figure since Christmas. It brings the cumulative total to 10,142.

The rate /100k population has now reduced to 513.75 and is trending down to reach around 400 cases by the end of the week.

The graph below demonstrates how each of the three infection waves hit the City.

Wave THREE, which started in early December, pretty much followed the same rising profile as was seen in September/October.

However, it kept on going to a higher level peaking at an average weekly rate of 671.39 cases on 8th January.

This was significantly higher than the peaks seen in the spring first wave (96.9 on 5th May) or the autumn second wave (444.9 on 16th October)

7 day rolling case rate average

The York case rate has now fallen below the national average again.

Neighbourhoods

No York neighbourhoods now have infection rates of more than 1000.

Numbers are falling steadily – particularly in west York.

The highest case rate can be found in Clifton Without/Skelton (999.1)

The lowest rate is in the City Centre (237.5).

The number of cases in the City has fallen by 331 (25%) over a period of 6 days.

Hospital

Some 2 weeks after the peak in case numbers in the City (245 on 4th January) the hospital is reporting that over 200 beds are now occupied by COVID patients.

Eight patients are occupying intensive care beds

The hope, and expectation, is that the reduction in positive test numbers that we have seen during the last week, will result in progressively fewer admissions to hospital.

The vaccination programme should also begin to help to reduce bed occupancy from later this week (see below).

Vaccinations

According to NHS sources, almost 4 million vaccinations have now been competed.

681,371 of these were in the Yorkshire and North East region

No local figures have been confirmed as yet although the new “hub” at Moor Lane is now in operation.

Coronavirus York updates; 17th January 2021

Deaths

FIVE (5 ) additional deaths recorded by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Wednesday, one on Thursday and three on Friday. The cumulative death toll since 1st September at the York and Scarborough hospitals is now 204.

The current average death toll lies between 3 and 4 cases per day and is rising.

Test Results

ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT (108) additional positive test results announced today

COVID case numbers top 10,000 milestone in York as total hits 10,054

Infection case rate continues to fall.

The current figure is 550.78 /100k population. It is set to fall below 450 on Tuesday on current trends.

The rate now seems to be falling as steeply as it was rising a couple of weeks ago

NB. The highest figure recorded, during the Autumn second wave, was 444.9 on 16th October 2020.

By 16th January 19,154 “lateral flow” tests had been completed in the City. Around 700 a day are currently being undertaken.

PCR (lab based) test numbers are currently averaging around 1200 per day.

Neighbourhoods

The majority of areas are now showing a declining infection rate

Infection rates continue to reduce at all levels

Hospital

COVID patients in York Hospital Trust

Vaccinations

3,857,266 people in the UK have now received their first COVID vaccination.

No sign of any activity at the vaccination centre on Moor Lane today. However, according to the media, it will open as a regional hub tomorrow (Monday).

Since December 2020 residents within the City of York have been invited by their GP practice to have their vaccination at the Askham Bar site. The new extension to the vaccination centre, which will give vaccinations to people within a 45 minute drive, will operate in addition to the GP-led vaccination service. York residents will continue to receive their vaccinations in line with the Government’s priority groups.

Both services will be managed by a collaboration of local GPs called Nimbuscare which has already been running the Local Vaccination Service from the site since before Christmas, on behalf of 11 York GP Practices. The site is also used as a flu vaccination site which Nimbuscare opened in October.

The NHS Vaccination Centre will be capable of delivering thousands of jabs each day. York people will continue to be vaccinated at the site.

This is NOT a drive-through site. People will be asked to park before being directed to go inside one of the new Vaccination Centre buildings.

What’s new?

The current five Vale of York Local Vaccination Services will now be strengthened by the opening of the Vaccination Centre to cover a wider area – available for people living within a 45-minute radius of the York site.

Coronavirus York updates; 16th January 2021

Deaths

TWO additional hospital deaths announced today. Brings the cumulative death toll at the York Hospital Trust since 1st September to 199.

Test results

ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE new positive test results announced today. Cumulative total is now 9946.

Rate /100k population reduces to 580.7. That is the lowest rate seen in the City since 3rd January.

The infection rate is trending to go below 500 within the next two days.

Case numbers are reducing at all levels although York remains above the national, regional and county averages.

Hospitals

The latest available figures show that the York Hospital Trust was caring for 156 COVID patients on 12th January. Of these 6 were in mechanical ventilation beds.

Neighbourhoods

Further reduction in case numbers across the City. Down from1271 to 1223.

Infection rate now reducing in west York.

Vaccinations

Nationwide 3,559,179 people have received a doze of vaccine. The second dose total is 447,261

York Council commentary on COVID trends

The Council progress report on open data has been updated

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 11.1.21 there had been 317 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 13.1.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 958.5 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,772 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 14.1.21 York has had 9,722 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 4,615.9 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (5,035.5) and regional (5,284.7) 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 (11.1.21) is Red.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 6.1.21 to 12.1.21 in York is 541.26 (using data published on Gov.uk on 14.1.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.1.21 to 9.1.21 was 657.6. The national and regional averages at this date were 622.3 and 318.7 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 14.1.21).

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.1.21 to 9.1.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 500.3. The national and regional averages were 465 and 240.7 respectively.

• As at 11.1.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 14.62%. The national and regional averages are 15.5% and 10.5% respectively.

• As at 11.1.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.7%. The national and regional averages are 1.7% and 0.9% respectively.

• As at 12.1.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 15.6%. The national and regional averages were 16.7% and 11.6% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 8.1% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 17.1% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE

• As at 14.1.21 York University reported 35 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 12.1.21 York St. John reported 17 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 8,673 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 7,747 of the cases have been completed (89.3%). 21,364 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 15,398 of these have been completed (72.1%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 8.1.21, 597 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 574 of the referrals (96.1%) have been actioned and 23 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 399 were successful and 152 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Settings / Schools

• As at 14.1.21 there were 15 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 by PHE on 13.1.21 (2 homes).

• In the 7 days up to 10.1.21 there were 95 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 38 different schools). NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 13.1.21 there were 121 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 12.1.21 was 116

• As at 13.1.21 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 11.1.21 were 5 and 0 respectively.

• As at 13.1.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 6 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 13.1.21 there had been 0 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours

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 8.1.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.1 to 1.4. The previous estimate was (0.9 to 1.1) on 23.12.20.

Vaccinations

• In England between 8.12.20 and 13.1.20, 2,910,027 vaccinations had been administered (2,494,371 first dose and 415,656 second dose). Data at Regional level is available for the period 8.12.20 to 10.1.21 and 433,045 vaccinations were administered in this period in the North East and Yorkshire Region.

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: For deaths occurring up to 1st January 2020 and registered up to 9th January 2021, 230 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (120 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 13 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 109.2 which is lower than the national average of 135.6. There have been 58 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 13 weeks (Weeks 41 to 53).

• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS): Between week 2 and week 53 there were a total of 165 ‘excess deaths’ in York in 2020 compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 18 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 27 fewer deaths in weeks 22-53.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 11.1.21 (for deaths occurring up to 6.1.21), a cumulative total of 225 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 81.96, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 109 of the 225 were male (48.4%), less than the national average (55.2%). 83 people (36.49%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 24.85%). In addition 19 people (8.3%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.

Stay home and save lives this weekend

City of York Council would like to thank local residents, businesses and communities for doing their part to stop the spread of the virus in York.

The council is urging everyone to stay at home, where possible, to protect the NHS and save lives in our city.

With cases still high in the city, residents are being reminded to act as if they and others have the virus, in order to prevent further transmission from those who do not have symptoms.

This weekend, residents are advised to avoid congregating to chat in crowds or groups outdoors and to avoid queues where you can’t socially distance. Our best defence against COVID-19 is to minimise our contact with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. If you need to leave the home for essential reasons, please remember hands, face, space to protect yourself and those you love.

Avoiding unnecessary journeys doesn’t mean we can’t also support our hard working local businesses. Many businesses now offer delivery of food and goods, and a list can be found on the Live Well York website which residents are encouraged to share and print if neighbours can’t access it online at www.livewellyork.co.uk/fooddeliveries

About 1 in 3 people with coronavirus have no symptoms, and will be spreading the virus without realising. The Council has recently expanded its symptom-free testing offer to include anyone living or working in York who is unable to work from home during the lockdown and who come into contact with other people during the course of their work, including staff working in education and early years settings and those in factories or working in construction. Symptom-free testing continues to be offered to those who support the most vulnerable in the city, to school pupils who are eligible to attend school and to teachers who will be working in schools.

Find out if you are eligible and book a test at https://www.york.gov.uk/SymptomFreeCOVIDTest

You should not book a rapid test if you have coronavirus symptoms, instead you should self-isolate and book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus , or calling 119.

Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of the council, said;

“I would like to thank local residents and businesses for yet again rising to the challenge and demonstrating the strong community spirit in York.

“We must continue to work together the stop the spread of the virus, in order to keep the people we love safe and not overwhelm our NHS.

“With the new variant of COVID-19 now apparent in the majority of new positive cases in York, we must all remain vigilant. Our collective efforts of following public health guidance will help flatten the curve of cases in York.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said;

“In York, around 75% of all new positive cases of COVID-19 are of the new variant.

“What we know about this new variant is that it is thought to be around 70% more transmissible than what we were dealing with earlier last year. This means that everyone needs to practice extra caution with hygiene and ask themselves if their journey or interaction is absolutely essential, even if it is within the current rules.

“With news that more than one third of people aged 80 and over in England have received at least one dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine as of this week, we can remain hopeful that there is in an end in sight to the current restrictions. However, we still have a fair way to go to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and that case rates are at a much lower level – and this is down to our united efforts to carefully follow the current guidance and stay home.”

Be aware of Covid-related scams

People in York are being urged to guard themselves against a recent spate of scams relating to Covid-19.

Residents have reported receiving fake mobile texts, calls or emails offering vaccine appointments or claim to be about Test and Trace. In most cases the texts and emails contain a link that asks for payment or further personal details.

People in York and the region are being invited to be vaccinated when it’s their turn. They will be invited by the NHS, their local GP practice, or in York by Nimbuscare, a local consortium of 11 GP practices.

NHS vaccines and tests are free, so they will never ask for payment or for an individual’s bank details. Because they already hold individual’s personal details they won’t ask for them either.

Residents are being asked to remember these ways to protect themselves and other people from scams:

Be wary of people selling or offering:

  • Vaccines or ‘miracle cures’
  • People calling at your door offering to sell you and give you a vaccine
  • Shopping or medication collection services
  • Overpriced or fake goods
  • Offers to clean your home of coronavirus.

Don’t be rushed but check out what’s being offered:

  • If you’re unsure, ask family and friends before accepting offers of help
  • It’s OK to refuse or ignore approaches. If someone tries to pressure or rush you, they are unlikely to be genuine
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
  • Only buy goods or services from trusted sellers
  • Think carefully before parting with money or personal information

Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Chair of NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“COVID-19 vaccines are available only on the NHS for free.

“Our staff are currently working their way through vaccinating priority groups in York and the surrounding areas, and people are being invited directly by the local NHS when it’s their turn.

“Anyone asking you to pay for a vaccine is committing a crime. The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and we’ll never ask for payment or for your bank details.”

Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member with responsibility for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:

The NHS will contact you direct when it is your turn to be vaccinated.

“Preying on people’s worries about Covid-19 at this time is despicable. We understand that people want to do all they can to protect themselves and their loved ones, and we advise caution and checking before sharing any personal information or handing over money.

“If you think you have identified a scam or are suspicious about an approach, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133, or report scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.”

Thousands get symptom free testing in York

Public health leaders in York have thanked the thousands of people who have already accessed symptom-free covid tests in the city.

The latest data shows that 500 secondary school pupils are amongst those who have already taken the tests, who are also attending school.

The tests are one way of helping to reduce the spread of coronavirus, and they are available to anyone (living or working in York) who is unable to work from home and is still going to work.  This includes staff working in education and early years, those in factories and construction and other essential sectors.

Testing continues to be offered to those who support the most vulnerable in the city, to secondary school pupils who are eligible to attend school and to teachers who will be working in schools.

The free testing is voluntary and tests are available at sites across the city, all of which have access to good transport links and parking.

Testing appointments are available over the next few days to those eligible and can be booked online.

The tests should be booked regularly (every week), with individuals being tested twice, three days apart.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council:

We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of residents who have booked a test and are continuing to get tested regularly.

“This is of course incredibly important in our efforts to reduce the spread of the virus and I am pleased that we have expanding our testing offer in the city.”

“Alongside testing, we must all continue to follow the latest national guidance in order to relieve pressure from our NHS and ultimately,  protect our loved ones.”

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

With around one in three people with coronavirus not showing any symptoms, symptom free testing is a great way of helping to reduce the spread of the virus.

“Working together with partners across the city has enabled us to provide a number of testing sites across the city, so it’s convenient for residents to pop along to get their test. Spaces are available over the next few days and I’d urge anyone who is eligible to get a regular test to help keep people safe.”

Grant boost for York businesses as council deliver grants

York’s businesses will be among the first in the country to receive the latest lockdown grants as the amount of coronavirus business relief distributed by the council tops £140m.

York’s businesses will be among the first in the country to receive the latest lockdown grants as the amount of coronavirus business relief distributed by the council tops £140m.

The council has also published proposals which could extend grant support to even more York-businesses. 
Hundreds of York business can expect payments by next Wednesday (20 January) after the council issued another £14.5m of grants today, including one-off top-up payments of between £4000 and £9000 for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses.

This means that the council has processed all payments for businesses which it knows are eligible for Local or Lockdown Restrictions Grants until 15 February, the government’s first review date of the current lockdown.
The council hopes to complete the Additional Restrictions Grant payments next week. This grant is designed to meet the needs of businesses not forced to close but severely impacted by the lockdown.

On Monday 18 January, the executive member for finance and performance, Cllr Nigel Ayre, and Executive member for economy, Cllr Andrew Waller, will consider proposals to extend support to even more businesses falling through the cracks of government schemes.

Changes include:

  • Offering grants to businesses which trade almost exclusively in York but are not residents of the area, including many York-licensed taxi drivers and market traders who missed out on previous grants
  • Giving the small number of B&Bs and hotels who legitimately pay council tax rather than business rates the same level of grant as other accommodation businesses
  • Giving businesses classed as essential but whose income has disappeared, such as food suppliers to hotels, the same level of grant as retail hotel and leisure businesses forced to close

Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance, said:

We promised York businesses that our team were once again ready to get grants paid faster than the rest of the country. 

“Having received the government guidance and funding on Wednesday, the payments have been processed without the need to apply within 48 hours, and will be in business bank accounts by Wednesday.
“I’d like to thank our payments team for their commitment to getting this money where it belongs, and our business partners across the city for helping us keep businesses informed and reassure them that the payments and support is on its way.

“While we’ve made the process as simple as possible by automatically paying businesses which have received grants, we know that there will be some who have never applied – I urge them to check the criteria and apply if you qualify on our website.”

Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for economy and strategic planning, said:

Making sure grants get to businesses as quickly and simply as possible has been central to our pandemic response. This protects jobs, the supply chain and the city’s wider economy.

“We’ve also been listening to the city’s businesses and shaped grant schemes to support those which miss out. The Additional Restrictions Grant has helped hundreds of York businesses not forced to close but whose income is devastated by the restriction.

“The changes we’re considering on Monday could extend the support to many new businesses, and offer parity for many more.

“We also know this won’t cover all the need in the city, and we continue to demand more from central government on behalf of York’s business community. I would urge businesses who have fallen through the cracks, to please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk . Thanks to all those who already have – you have already helped us to convince government to improve the support, including extending grants to those in higher value premises.”

The decision session of the executive member for finance and performance takes place at 2pm on Monday. You can view the agenda and find details of how to live stream it here.

Coronavirus York updates; 14th January 2021

Deaths

Two additional deaths were announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred on Tuesday. The cumulative total number of fatalities at the York and Scarborough hospitals since 1st September now stands at 196.

Test results

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY NINE additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 9722.

Rate /100k population falls to 657.42 and is expected to reduce to below 600 over the next couple of days.

The Council has said that 2.5% of asymptomatic people taking lateral flow tests in York had positive results.

This compares with 17.3% (latest 7 day rolling figure to 4th January) who took P1 & P2 tests.

The Thanet Road test site has been closed today because of the weather

It is scheduled to reopen on Saturday

Neighbourhoods

Caser numbers are now beginning to fall across most of the City.

They are also falling at county, regional and national levels.

Vaccinations

Not available at local level

Some regional figures were published today as below

The COVID-19 vaccine roll-out is based on decades of experience of delivering large-scale vaccination programmes. We will prioritise those who need it most.

Outbreak Management Board meeting

A recording of the meeting can be viewed by clicking below

It was claimed at the meeting that local authorities had not been advised by the government of;

  1. the number and percentage of York residents who have been vaccinated locally &
  2. the numbers and details of people who have not responded to an invitation to be vaccinated.

That seems to us to be a major system failing (given that progress numbers ARE aggregated and published at a national level.)

The meeting did hear that arrangements had been made to ensure that people who were unable to go “on line” to book jabs would still be able to arrange an appointment.

The meeting heard that 144 (2.5%), of the 5888 lateral flow tests carried out so far in the City, on asymptomatic residents, had produced a positive result.

This is the equivalent of an “R” value of 1.4 and could help to explain the rapid rise in cases over the last two weeks.

No information was provided on the percentage of positive test being recorded at the mobile test sites (Bishopthorpe, Thanet Road).

NB. The mobile test site uses the PCR laboratory based system which is generally regarded as being more accurate than the lateral flow option)

Acorn Rugby Club event

The media are reporting that some of those who attended an event at the Acorn Rugby Club before Christmas have contracted Coronavirus. To read the media report please click here

Please remember that the mobile testing centre on Thanet Road will remain open for another week. Book a test here www.nhs.uk/Coronavirus

Letter to parents from York Council

A letter to parents and carers with children at schools in York.

Dear parents/carers,

Following the announcement of the third national lockdown on 4 January, City of York Council has been working with the city’s schools to ensure that they are able to provide a vital service for critical workers and vulnerable children in the city whilst continuing to operate safely. 

At a time when the rates of infection both nationally and locally are rising it is very important that we work together to protect frontline services. At the same time we need to continue to prevent the spread of the virus by keeping the number of household contacts to a minimum.

Last week, the Government followed up its initial guidance on who qualifies as a critical worker. The Government is now asking parents and carers who are critical workers to keep their children at home if possible and only use a school place if they have no other options available. 

If you qualify as a critical worker but can manage to have your children at home we would urge you to do so. The fewer children we have in schools, the more it will help in our collective efforts to stop the spread of the virus.

Our schools have risk assessments in place which allow them to work safely and to minimise the risk of transmission of Covid19. For this to work as effectively as possible schools need to have the capacity to support home learning as well as having sufficient staff to supervise children on site. For these reasons they need to keep the numbers in school at a safe level. 

We appreciate that this is a difficult time for parents and carers. We know that this situation is causing considerable disruption to your personal and working lives.  Schools are also working extremely hard to ensure that places are available for frontline workers and for vulnerable children.

We would also, like you, much prefer to have children in school. However, in order to reduce the rates of infection, and following the latest Government advice, we would ask you to think carefully about your individual circumstances, particularly if you or your partner is able to work from home.  If you can, it would be really helpful for the safe management of our schools and the suppression of the virus if you could make arrangements to keep your child at home. Where this proves impossible then we will work with parents and carers to find access to provision.  

To help support families during the coronavirus pandemic, our educational psychology team has created a booklet with information about how parents can look after their own emotional health, and support their children, which you may find useful. You can find it on our website

You can also keep up to date with the latest information about the coronavirus response in York:

We are incredibly grateful for all you have done already and on behalf of the city, thank you for all you are doing to reduce the spread of the virus.

Stay safe and best wishes

Councillor Keith Orrell                  
Executive Member for Children,                 
Young People and Education
City of York Council                     


Amanda Hatton
Corporate Director of People
City of York Council 

Fixed Penalty Notices issued from 6 January 2021

North Yorkshire Police have issued 107 FPNs for breaches of the Coronavirus regulations since the new national lockdown commenced on 6 January 2021.

Local Authority Area where Notice IssuedTotal Notices IssuedLocal ResidentsVisitorsMaleFemaleBeing Outside Place of LivingOutdoor GatheringIndoor GatheringObstruct / Contravene
Craven1911816319
Hambleton4444
Harrogate10109110
Richmond
Ryedale
Scarborough49351428211534
Selby32133
York22193166715
TOTALS10757507631580490

Speaking about the number of fines issued in the first week of the national lockdown, Superintendent Mike Walker, lead for the force’s Covid-19 response said:

“We have issued 107 fixed penalty notices since the national lockdown commenced on 6 January 2021, which is more than double the number we issued in the first week of the first national lockdown last year.

“Sadly we are seeing a minority of people flouting the rules and who are making unnecessary journeys into or across the county or who are gathering indoors and holding house parties.

“I cannot emphasis enough the risk this behaviour presents at this current time and I urge people to think about their actions and very carefully consider the decisions they make about leaving home. You should only leave home for essential reasons and if you do go out, you should stay local.

“Currently within North Yorkshire and the City of York we have some of the highest infection rates across the Yorkshire and Humber region. So it isn’t just about the risk of people bringing the virus in with them. It’s about the risk that you could pick up the virus here and take it home with you, spreading it wider to your family and loved ones.

“So please follow the rules – stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

COVID-19 VACCINE FACT CHECK 

The COVID-19 vaccine will always be available free of charge. 

The NHS will never ask you to share bank details to confirm your identity.