Officers from York’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams are increasing patrols across the city as school’s finish for the summer break tomorrow (Friday 23 July 2021).
Police are issuing a request for young people to be respectful to both the local community and each other at a time of year when antisocial behaviour often reaches high levels.
Inspector Lee Pointon said:
“We don’t want to stop anyone enjoying themselves and relaxing after what has been an incredibly difficult year, we’re just asking people to take responsibility for their behaviour and look out for others.
“Please clear up after yourself if you’re enjoying the warm weather outdoors, put your rubbish in the bin or take it home and please be mindful of playing music near residential properties. We want everyone to be able to make the most of our city’s beautiful green spaces so we must all take responsibility for keeping those spaces clean and free from antisocial behaviour.
“We’ll be out and about patrolling over the next few days and look forward to seeing our local communities enjoying the sun and many outdoor spaces York has to offer.”
We’re appealing for information as part of a rape investigation in York.It happened on Hob Moor at around 4am to 4.30am on Sunday (30 May).
A number of lines of enquiry have been carried out which lead us to believe this was an isolated incident.
A young woman was walking across Hob Moor in a south-eastern direct from the west when she was approached by a man and assaulted.
The man is described as a slim build and wearing black trousers, a black hooded jacket and black gloves.
A full investigation is currently under way, and there has been an increased police presence in the area.
Anyone with information about the incident, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously, is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and select option 1, quoting reference 12210128446.
The have been no further hospital deaths recorded today
Test results
Two additional positive test results. Brings cumulative total up to 12,346
The number of cases in the City has fallen from 27 to 26
The rate /100k population shows a small fall to 12.35
Neighbourhoods
Case numbers are low in all York neighbourhoods except for the Fulford Road/Clementhorpe area.
Vaccinations
Tests
4528 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 16th May 2021.
Of these, 0.5% were positive. This is the same proportion as was found on the previous day
In addition 2804 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 20th May
Hospital
No change today to COVID-19 inpatient cases numbers at the local hospital
Council commentary updated
The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 21.05.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 17.5.21 there had been 60 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 20.5.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 20 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,060 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 20.5.21 York has had 12,344 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,861 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,911) and regional (7,255) averages. Cases identified through Lateral Flow Tests will be removed if they have a negative follow up PCR test within 72 hours so the cumulative total of cases can, on occasions, go down.
• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (17.5.21) is Green. In recent weeks the number of cases have been low in York which has an effect on the thresholds used to determine the RAG rating – a small change can mean the difference between a red, amber and green rating.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 12.5.21 to 18.5.21 in York is 11.9 (25 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 20.5.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 9.5.21 to 15.5.21 in York was 12.8 (27 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 21 and 34.7 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 20.5.21).
• York is currently ranked 49th 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 8.5.21.to 14.5.21, there were no statistically significant changes in ward rates compared with the 7 day period 1.5.21 to 7.5.21. The number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 6 and rates varied from 0 to 55.5 per 100,000. 8 wards had zero cases.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 9.5.21 to 15.5.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 2.0 (1 case). The national and regional averages were 6.0 and 7.2 respectively.
• As at 18.5.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 0.67%. The national and regional averages are 1.1% and 2.0% respectively.
• As at 18.5.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.07%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.
• As at 18.5.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.1%. The national average is 0.3%.
• As at 10.5.21 York University reported 1 individual within the University community who was currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.
• As at 17.5.21 York St. John reported 0 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.
Contact Tracing
• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 14.5.21, 213 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 196 (92%) were successful and 17 (8%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible. (NB on the 10.3.21 the local CYC team became responsible for contacting all cases rather than just those that the national team could not contact).
Cases in Residential Care Settings
• As at 20.5.21 there were 0 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).
• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).
Cases amongst School Aged Children
• In the 7 days up to 17.5.21 there were 6 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 4 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 18.5.21 there was 1 confirmed Covid-19 patient in a General and Acute bed. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.
• As at 18.5.21 there were 0 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.
• As at 18.5.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19, 0 admitted with confirmed Covid-19 and 1 confirmed patient discharged with COVID-19 in the previous 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 14.5.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 1.0) on 7.5.21.
Total Vaccinations
• As at 19.5.21 a total of 111,909 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 53.1% of the estimated total population of York and 64.3% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
• As at 19.5.21 a total of 62,381 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 29.6% of the estimated total population of York and 35.9% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
Deaths
The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 18: 1.5.21 to 7.5.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 15, 16 and 17 there had been 2, 0 and 1 deaths respectively.
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 1st May 2021 and registered up to 15th May 2021, 396 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 135 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.02 which is lower than the national average of 231.84.
• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.5% were aged 75+ compared with 73% nationally). 47.9% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.
Weekend security
Partners support city’s first weekend in Step 3
Officers from the Safer York Partnership will be helping support the city enjoy the first weekend after latest lockdown easing.
City of York Council, York BID, North Yorkshire Police and British Transport Police will be checking that people and businesses are complying with the remaining covid restrictions. These include premises following the rule of 6 indoors, that tables are spaced and customers are giving track and trace details.
The officers, including the council’s covid support marshalls, environmental health and neighbourhood enforcement officers, will be asking businesses to encourage workers to be tested regularly and take up vaccinations when offered. They’ll also be reminding them that action will be taken against open breaches of covid regulations, as has been demonstrated recently.
Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic, said:
“It’s set to be a much busier time in York this weekend now that the restrictions on indoor hospitality and overnight stays, in particular, have been eased as part of the Government’s Roadmap Out of Lockdown.
“Our officers and staff will be on hand to provide a highly visible and reassuring presence. They will also be working alongside City of York Council teams and other partners to ensure the reopening of pubs and restaurants is carried out in a Covid-secure environment.
“The police will only take action against blatant breaches of the health protection regulations.”
Supt Walker added: “The latest easing of the restrictions comes at a time when there is growing concern in other parts of the country regarding the so-called ‘Indian variant’ of Covid-19.
“The situation is being monitored extremely closely, and our residents and businesses can be assured that any necessary action will be taken should it pose a risk to our area.
“Even though limited indoor gatherings and indoor hospitality are now allowed, in line with the Step 3 ‘Rule of Six’ or two households restrictions, we strongly urge people to be very careful until more is known about this variant.
“We have come a heck of a long way since the terrible peaks of this pandemic, which forced the country into three lockdowns.
“We need to tread very cautiously as we move forward and be prepared for whatever may occur over the coming weeks.”
Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of York BID, said:
Thank you to everyone for doing the right thing and being able to open in Step 3. Please carry on following the all-important hands, face, space, fresh air rules and the health protection regulations so you can safely remain open.
“It’s important for everyone to enjoy the best of the city safely while supporting local businesses. Our street rangers will be helping the city do just that this weekend and we’re pleased to be part of this joint operation.”
Hands, face, space and fresh air remain vital. When seeing friends and family, outdoors is better. When seeing friends and family indoors, to help keep them safe:
If you have symptoms of Coronavirus stay at home and arrange a test by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus
Wash your hands regularly (including on arrival) and use hand sanitiser
Open up windows to let the fresh air in
All adults can get tested regularly to ensure they aren’t spreading the virus unknowingly
Don’t share plates, glasses and cutlery
If meeting people at home, clean your surfaces and touchpoints before and after the visit
Have fun and stay safe with friends and family.
In York, we are urging residents, visitors and those working city centre to get take symptom-free tests twice a week and record the result online. In the city centre, testing is available at St William’s College, College Green.
Cllr Denise Craghill, executive member for Housing and Safer Communities, said:
“We’ve all worked hard to protect each other and reduce infection rates.
It’s so important that, as we enjoy this first weekend, we remember hands, face, space and fresh air, while avoiding any unnecessary social contact with those who are not part of your household or support bubble.
“We’re slowly easing up, but we need to remember to be careful. I urge anyone wanting to enjoy the city centre to check in advance with venues to ensure that there is space and that bookings are available.
“Please also avoid any unnecessary social contact with those who are not part of your household or support bubble, and please keep following the ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ advice from the health experts.”
No further COVID-19 deaths at the York hospital were announced today
Test results
Three additional positive test results were announced today. They bring the cumulative case total to 12,201
The number of cases has increased from 63 to 64 today.
The infection rate per 100k population figure has edged up to 30.39 today. However it is now on course to fall below the 25.0 benchmark over the weekend.
Infection rates at all levels across the country have remained fairly stable today
Neighbourhoods
Little change today at neighbourhood level with most areas now having fewer than 3 cases.
We may next week – if the expected decline in case numbers continues – have to introduce exception reporting (listing only those neighbourhoods with over 3 cases). The government stats feed doesn’t list the case numbers by neighbourhood where they are below 3.
Vaccinations
Updated vaccination figures by neighbourhood have been published, They cover the period up to 28th March
+NB. Populations vary in different neighbourhoods
As at 30th March 52,9% (92,113) of the City’s adult population had received their first vaccination and a further 5.70% (9,857) had been given their second jab
Tests
4429 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 27th March 2021.
Of these, 1.7% were positive. That is slightly more than the 1.6% found the previous day.
In addition, 2866 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 31st March 2021
York Hospital Trust COVID-19 patient numbers
Lockdown eases with mixed results
Good weather over the last couple of days, coupled with an easing of lockdown restrictions, has encouraged people to get out and about.
The golf courses have been busy while beauty spots have also attracted crowds.
However, it has been a mixed picture with anti social behaviour an issue in some parts of the City, litter has accumulated on some parks and fly tipping remains a problem.
The authorities will need to be proactive in managing the next stage of the lockdown exit which is scheduled to take place from 12th April. Any spike in visitor numbers to York could be difficult to control and might prompt an increase in COVID-19 case numbers
Police Covid response:
Plea to be extremely careful this Easter – “We have come too far and made too many sacrifices for this effort to be wasted now”
Chief Inspector Charlotte Bloxham is the silver commander for North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic. These are her comments about the past week’s (22-28 March 2021) Covid-19 related issues, including details around Step 1 of the Government’s Road Map Out Of Lockdown…
From Monday 29 March, as part of the new health protection regulations known as the Steps Regulations, there is no longer any restriction on leaving home without a reasonable excuse. The “stay at home” rule has come to an end.
This means the police’s role in helping to tackle the public health crisis has become much more focused on the revised restrictions around indoor and outdoor gatherings.
For indoor gatherings, the regulations remain the same with only members of the same household allowed to be together, subject to some exceptions including support bubbles and providing care.
Our overriding message is that households still must not mix – there remains a high-risk of infection and we must do all we can to avoid community transmission of the virus.
Outdoor gatherings are governed by “the rule of six” or two households, and these can take place in public spaces and in private gardens with social distancing rules remaining in place.
There are a number of exceptions that we have to take into consideration, including the fact that two households may comfortably exceed six people, and that linked-households – for the purposes of providing care and support – only count as one household.
Clearly, the continued “4 Es” approach of the police – to engage with the public, explain the regulations, encourage compliance, and enforce as a last resort – is vital to help our officers and PCSOs determine whether or not there has been a breach of the regulations.
At this stage, restrictions on businesses remain the same. It is expected that these will begin to be relaxed from 12 April, subject to the Government’s conditions being met including the continued reduction in infections and the successful roll-out of the vaccination programme. North YorkshirePolice will continue to support our local authority, licensing and trading standards partners to ensure businesses comply with the regulations at each step.
International Travel Restrictions are also in place. This means holidaying abroad is not allowed until at least 17 May when it will be reviewed by the Government. An enhanced fixed penalty notice of £5,000 is linked to this breach.
Travel…
With regards to travelling within the country and county, people must minimize travel to reduce the risk of infection. This will be subject to change as part of the roadmap out of lockdown, but not until 12 April at the earliest.
The Government has not defined a distance that would constitute a breach of the regulations, so it is down to each and every person to make a judgement call about if a journey is absolutely necessary and the risks it poses in the context of the public health crisis that we are still facing.
From a policing point of view, we will keep using the “4 Es” approach to engage, explain the regulations, encourage compliance and enforce if there is blatant disregard to the regulations.
Easter holidays…
When it is safe to do so, we will welcome visitors to the county again. However, everyone can expect to see an increased policing presence as we work alongside our partners to help keep the virus at bay in the weeks and months ahead.
Our plea to everyone this Easter is to be extremely careful and to keep following the regulations until it is safe to resume a more normal way of living – we have come too far and made too many sacrifices for this effort to be wasted now.
Latest enforcement data
During the past seven days (22-28 March 2021) we have issued 170Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) – the previous week’s total was 149.
This takes the total to1,980 FPNs during the third lockdown, and3,876 FPNs since the first lockdown on March 2020.
82 were issued to local people and 88 were issued to visitors
80 issued for being outside place of living
11 for outdoor gatherings
76 for indoor gatherings
3 for obstruct/contravene/fail to close business
0 for gathering of more than 15
Broken down into districts, the number of FPNs issues are as follows:
Craven – 0
Hambleton – 20
Harrogate – 23
Richmond – 0
Ryedale – 1
Scarborough – 89
Selby – 3
York – 34
*No notable cases have been brought to our attention this week.
North Yorkshire Police say that they have today sent out communication to all those currently signed up to receive our Community Messaging alerts to let you know that we are moving to a new platform.
All you need to do is click here and re-register to ensure you continue receiving our alerts. It’s essential you do this otherwise you won’t be kept up to date with the latest crime appeals, scam alerts and policing work in your local community.
Our current system will cease on 31st March 2021 and there will be a short pause in the alerts we send out whilst we get everything ready on the new system but you can keep up to date with your local policing team through their social media accounts which you can find here.
Thank you for your understanding whilst we make these important changes.
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
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;
the number and percentage of York residents who have been vaccinated locally &
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 Issued
Total Notices Issued
Local Residents
Visitors
Male
Female
Being Outside Place of Living
Outdoor Gathering
Indoor Gathering
Obstruct / Contravene
Craven
19
1
18
16
3
19
Hambleton
4
4
4
4
Harrogate
10
10
9
1
10
Richmond
Ryedale
Scarborough
49
35
14
28
21
15
34
Selby
3
2
1
3
3
York
22
19
3
16
6
7
15
TOTALS
107
57
50
76
31
58
0
49
0
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.”
TWO (2) further Coronavirus deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Tuesday and one on Thursday. The cumulative second wave death toll now stands at 97 for the York and Scarborough Hospitals
FIFTEEN (15) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 5710.
The case rate /110k population figure has now dropped to 68.3. That means that the rate has halved in little over one week.
There have also been improvements in the figures at county, regional and national levels.
Six neighbourhoods are now virtually virus free. Only 4 cases have been recorded between New Earswick, Rawcliffe, Holgate West, Heworth North, Copmanthorpe and Dunnington
Only seven neighbourhoods are now above the 100 case threshold
In some neighbourhoods the infection rates are fluctuating quite a lot. This is partly the consequence of only very small variances in the numbers. One area that has seen a significant reduction in cases is Holgate West/Westfield East.
Manor School
ALMOST 100 pupils at Manor school have been told to self isolate after two cases of coronavirus were confirmed.
Manor CE Academy said it was advised by Public Health England yesterday that there was a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school, and a further case was confirmed this morning.
A total of 96 students have been identified as having direct prolonged contact with the confirmed cases, They have all been contacted and instructed to self-isolate. The school remains open and all other children should continue to attend if they remain well.
York Police go online to listen to public feedback
The officers who keep York city centre residents, businesses and visitors safe are going online to get people’s feedback about policing issues.
With COVID-19 reducing the opportunities for officers to meet and talk to members of the public face-to-face, the team is now turning to video call technology to help.
More people than ever are using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime and other video calling services to keep up with family, friends and colleagues. And in York city centre, they can now do the same with their local police team.
Sergeant Nick Plumb said: “We’re always really keen to listen to your feedback – even when we can’t do this in person. If you visit or work in York city centre, and would like to bring an issue to our attention, or ask us any questions about policing, this is a great opportunity to do so.”
Inspector Andy Godfrey and Sergeant Nick Plumb will be available online between 5pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday 8 December 2020.
To take part, simply email snayorkcity@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Please include your name, address, and contact phone number, as well as a brief idea of what you want to discuss. (If a number of people have the same concerns as you, you may be able to take part in a joint session).
The video calls will take place over Microsoft Teams – attendees will receive a personal invitation via email, which can be used in any web browser, without having to create an account.
Business grants alerts – time running out
Thousands of York businesses that have missed out on Government grants could, be eligible for an Additional Restrictions Grant – but they have to apply before Monday 7 December.
The council is urging businesses, especially those without rateable premises or that operate earlier in the supply chain, to check if they are eligible for support.
Your business may be eligible if it:
operates from a permanent fixed premises in York, with trade impacted by 75% or more due to lockdown restrictions
doesn’t operate from a fixed premises in York, but usually trades in York 75% or more of the time, and you’re a York resident
In addition the business must also:
not qualify for the Lockdown Restrictions Grant
have been unable to provide its usual in-person customer service from the business premises
Your business will not be eligible if:
you started trading on or after 5 November 2020
you’re able to continue to operate during local or national restrictions, because you don’t depend on providing direct, in-person, services from your premises
your business hasn’t seen a reduction in income of 75% or more
your business is in administration, insolvent, or has had a striking off notice made against it
you have already been awarded a Lockdown Restrictions Grant
you’re not a York resident trading in York for 75% or more of the time
you don’t have a fixed business premises in York
you’ve reached the state aid limit
Businesses that receive 100 percent rate relief are eligible to apply.
Alongside this scheme businesses who already qualified at Tier 2 will continue to get payments on a fortnightly basis (Tier reviews are fortnightly). Any business that has not applied yet for tier 2 but believe they will qualify can make a claim.
To get notification when grant applications open, and up to date info on other business support, sign up for our regular bulletins here www.york.gov.uk/form/EmailUpdates
