Deaths and test results

There have been 3 additional positive test results in the City. That brings the cumulative total to 938.

There have been no additional hospital deaths

The Council has updated its commentary on how the pandemic is progressing. It is reproduced below

DIAGNOSED CASES (Pillar 1 and 2 combined)

• As at 13.8.20 York has had 935 cases, a rate of 443.9 per 100,000 of population. The England rate is 481.4. The Yorkshire & Humber rate is 610.3. The most recent case in York had a test specimen date of 10.8.20 (1 case).

• 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 (11.8.20) is Amber. The rating was triggered by a higher than ‘expected’ number of cases per 100 tests once in the last 14 days (2 cases with a specimen date of 9.8.20). We know that 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 exceedance report should not be considered in isolation but in context alongside other factors such as the recent total number of cases, COVID related deaths, outbreaks as well as changes in the local testing regime and local hotspot analysis.

• The latest weekly National Covid-19 Surveillance Report released on 7.8.20 and covering the week up to 4.8.20, showed that the 7 day rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population tested under Pillar 1 and 2 was 1.43 for York. York was ranked 12th out of 150 local authorities (with 1 being the lowest rate).

• The latest validated 7 day rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population for York is 2.9. This is for the 7 day period up to 7.8.20. This excludes cases with a sample date in the last few days due to partial data and lags in reporting. The national average is 9.9 and the regional average is 16.3

• As at 11.8.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 0.55% (8 positives out of 1,449 tests). The positivity rate in York is lower than national (1.3%) and regional (2.0%) averages.

Deaths

The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 31st July 2020 and registered up to 8st August 2020, 171 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (83 in hospital, 75 in care homes, 9 at home, 3 in a hospice and 1 in an ‘other communal establishment’). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 81.19 which is lower than the national average of 87.38

• ‘Excess’ deaths (ONS). In week 31 (25 July to 31 July), 27 deaths occurred in York, which is 3 fewer than the average weekly number for 2014-18. The number of deaths has now been lower than the 2014-18 average for 7 out of the last 10 weeks.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 10.8.20 (for deaths occurring up to 5.8.20), a cumulative total of 162 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 82.47, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is slightly older than the national average. 86 of the 162 were male (53.1%), slightly less than the national average (55%). 81 of the deaths occurred in hospital and 81 were community deaths (e.g. at home or in a care home or hospice). 70 people (43.2%) died in nursing /care homes (the national average is 29.6%). In addition 13 people (8%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.

Data on deaths occurring in hospital are shown below. Deaths are initially reported for York NHS Foundation Trust which includes Scarborough Hospital and the further breakdown by site can be delayed. From local registrar data, 58.5% of COVID-19 deaths occurring at York Hospital have been CYC residents. (NB NHS Trusts record deaths following a positive covid-19 test whereas ONS record deaths where covid-19 in mentioned on the death certificate so the totals are not the same).

• Deaths at York Hospital: As at 12.8.20, 134 deaths of people who had tested positive for COVID-19 and were being cared for at York Hospital have been reported. 214 deaths have been reported by the wider York NHS Trust.

More businesses reopen tomorrow

• Indoor theatre, music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences.
• The piloting of spectators at sporting events will resume, with a limited number of fans expected to be allowed to watch the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre over the weekend.
• Casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and soft play centres will be allowed to reopen.
• “Close contact” beauty services such as facials, eyebrow threading and eyelash treatments will resume.
• Wedding receptions for up to 30 guests will be permitted.
• Pilots will take place at conference venues ahead of the expected resumption of business events from October 1 at the earliest.

Hairdressers will have to wear a face mask AND a clear visor New guidance will also mean that staff offering “close contact” services, including hairdressers, will now have to wear a face mask as well as a clear visor. The move, which follows new evidence from the scientific advisory group for emergencies (Sage) is aimed at protecting customers and staff from respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, coughing, or speaking.

Music event cancelled

An outdoor music event due to be held at the Acomb Cricket Club Ground on The Green on Sunday has been cancelled. Nearly 500 tickets for the event had been sold but Council officials have now stepped in to halt the socially distanced event.

Stay safe and shop local

As more businesses are able to open from tomorrow, Saturday 15 August, the council is thanking residents for supporting local businesses and reminding people to stay safe and follow health guidance.

From tomorrow, bowling alleys, casinos and soft play centres will be allowed to open their doors, face coverings will be mandatory at all these locations unless you are exempt . Alongside this more beauty treatments, small wedding receptions and live indoor performances will be able to take place.

Executive Member for Economy and Strategic planning, Cllr Andrew Waller, said: “The response to our ‘Let’s be York’ campaign has been great with people once again enjoying the city, but in a safe, considerate and responsible way. It has been great to hear how people are continuing to shop local and support York’s wide range of independent businesses that help to animate the city.

I’d urge people to follow the recently updated guidance for wearing face coverings, where possible.  I would like to thank staff in the many shops and traders for the efforts that they are undertaking to work with the new requirements and advice, to help to keep us all safe and keep the city open for business.”

Johnny Hayes Chairman of Indie York, said: “York’s Independent businesses are really pleased that numbers visiting their businesses have been increasing day by day since lockdown was lifted. Things are still far from normal but without doubt the support of local residents is crucial to small local businesses. Shopping local and supporting Independents is I know very much appreciated by local business owners. So thank you and please keep on supporting our local independents. “

For the latest Government update on the easing of restrictions visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

The latest government advice on where, when and how you should wear a face covering, along with an exemption card template is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own