Coronavirus York updates; 4th March 2021

Deaths

No additional hospital deaths were announced today

The hospital death rate continues to fall

Test results

Eleven new positive test results announced today. The lowest single day figure for some time. Brings the cumulative total up to 11,917.

The rate /100k population has fallen to 58.4. That is the lowest infection rate seen since 8th December 2020.

On current trends, the rate may fall below 50 next week.

The reduction today represents a drop in case numbers in the City from 139 to 123.

We can now compare current trends with those seen in December. The weekly average case numbers hit a pre Christmas low of 17.43 on 8th December. Thereafter – with the City subject to Tier 2 restrictions – the rate rose steadily.

The latest weekly rate is now 17.57. It is likely to fall again tomorrow before showing a small increase.

The only change to restrictions in the next few days is a general return to school next week.

If the rate continues to reduce over the next two weeks, then that will be good news for everyone.

The infection rate is continuing to fall at all levels. The York rate is once again marginally below the North Yorkshire average.

Neighbourhoods

Fourteen neighbourhoods now have an infection rate of less than 50.

Vaccinations

The government has updated the figures for vaccinations at neighbourhood level.

The figures reveal that, by 28th February, 61,939 York residents had been vaccinated.

The differing numbers at neighbourhood level reflect the MSOA size and the age profile of local communities

Updated regional and national vaccination figures

Tests

4406 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 27th February.

Of these 2.8% were positive. This represents a reduction compared to the previous days figure

2697 “lateral flow” test were also carried out on 3rd March.

Police enforcement

The latest stats from North Yorkshire police reveal that COVIID-19 regulations enforcement action has been taken against 31 individuals in York during recent days.

Coronavirus York updates; 3rd March 2021

Deaths

One hospital death has been announced today. It occurred on Monday.

Test results

Eighteen additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 11,906

Rate /100k population has fallen to 66.0. That is the joint lowest rate recorded this year. Trending to fall below 60 before the end of the week.

The number of cases fell from 153 yesterday to 139 today.

Case numbers continue to fall at all levels

Neighbourhoods

All but 5 neighbourhoods now have below average infection rates

There has been a further increase in cases (3) in the South Bank/Dringhouses area

Vaccinations

Tests

4437 PCR test were conducted during the week ending 26th February 2021.

Of these 3.1% were positive. This is fewer than the 3.3% recorded during the previous 7 days.

2535 “lateral flow” test were conducted on 2nd March

Returning to schools

As part of its roadmap out of the current lockdown for England, the Government has announced that all children should return to school or college from Monday 8 March.

Under the plans, all secondary school pupils and college students will be offered three symptom-free Covid tests before starting home testing (which will be arranged through your child’s school or college). This means they can get tests to make sure they are Covid-free, even if they don’t have any Covid symptoms. Each test should be taken 3 – 5 days apart. Pupils can return to school or college following their first negative test result.

Schools have been in contact with parents and carers about their arrangements, which may include getting a test at one of our symptom-free testing sites. We are encouraging children of secondary school age and their close family members (household bubble) aged 11 years and over to book a symptom-free test. You must book an appointment for each person being tested before arriving at the test centre.

You can find more information on symptom-free testing, and book an appointment, at https://www.york.gov.uk/SymptomFreeCOVIDTest.

Coronavirus York updates; 2nd March 2021

Deaths

Updated ONS figures have been published today which indicate the place of residence of COVID-19 victims.

They reveal that 18 York residents died from the virus during the week ending 19th February.

This was an increase from the 10 fatalities which were seen during the previous week.

Of the deaths, 11 were in hospital, 5 in care homes and 2 were at home.

The cumulative number of deaths of York residents from the virus now stands at 358.

One additional death has been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. It occurred on Saturday.

Test Results

Twenty additional positive test results have been announced today. This brings the cumulative total to 11,873

The rate /100k population has fallen, for the second day running, to 72.65. Is trending to go below 70 tomorrow (Wednesday)

The fall in cases was from 162 yesterday to 153 today.

The infection rate has fallen at every level today. The rate for England has fallen below 100 for this first time this year.

Neighbourhoods

There has been a fall of 5 cases in the Fulford Road/Clementhorpe area.

The largest rise (3) was in Holgate West/Westfield East.

The highest infection rate can still be found in South Bank/Dringhouses although this saw a drop of one case compared to yesterday. This is the only neighbourhood with an infection rate currently over 200.

Vaccinations

Tests

4,422 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 25th February.

Of these 3.3% were positive.

This is an improvement on the previous days figure of 3.6%. It is also the lowest infection rate recorded by PCR tests since 23rd September 2020

2,694 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 1st March

Coronavirus York updates; 1st March 2021

Deaths

One hospital death announced today. It occurred on Saturday. Death rate continues to fall.

Test results

Twenty additional positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 11,873

Rate /100k population has reduced to 76.92 from yesterdays peak of 81.67

This represents a reduction in case numbers in the City from 172 to 162

The rate is forecast to reduce further over the next few days. It is now more in line with the trend seen in early December

York’s infection rate remains above North Yorkshire but is below the national and regional averages

Neighbourhoods

Something of a mixed picture at neighbourhood level.

For the first time since 16th September 2020, the Westfield/Chapelfields. Foxwood North neighbourhood has recorded fewer than 3 cases.

By contrast, there has been a large spike in cases in the South Bank/Dringhouses area with 18 cases and a rate of 230.7 recorded.

Trends by neighbourhood

Vaccinations

Tests

4456 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 24th February 2021.

Of these, 3.6% were positive. That represents a reduction from the previous days figure of 3.8%

1521 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 28th February

Hospitals

The York Hospital Trust is now treating 61 Coronavirus patients. This is down from a peak of 242 at the end of January.

2004 COVID-19 patients have been discharged from hospital since the start of the pandemic

Coronavirus York updates; 28th February 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths have been announced today

Test results

TWELVE positive test results announced today. That is the lowest figure for several days. It brings the cumulative total number of cases to 11.853

As expected, the latest rate /100k population figure has spiked at 81.67. This is the highest figure since 14th February.

This represents an increase in case numbers from 163 to 172

However, on current trends, it is likely that the rate will fall below 80 tomorrow and could edge down to 65 by the middle of the week

Comparing current trends with the similar period in December, the current infection rate is higher.

There is a reasonable expectation that the current number of infections will fall this week, preparing the way for a safer return to school on 8th March.

The number of cases reached a pre Christmas low on 8th December. The rate gradually increased after that.

For the first time this month, York now has a higher infection rate than North Yorkshire. It remains below the regional and national rates.

Neighbourhoods

The increase in case numbers has been spread around the City with no obvious connections

Vaccinations

Vaccination centres are moving on to the 60 -64 age group this week

Tests

4396 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 23rd February

Of these, 3.8% were positive. That represent an increase from the previous days figure of 3.6%

597 lateral flow tests were conducted on 27th February

COVID restriction enforcement

North Yorkshire police are stepping up attempts to enforce COVID restrictions. The move comes after warmer weather increased the numbers on the City’s streets.

It also coincides with a two week high in positive test results.

City was busier on Saturday

Shops are expected to reopen on 12th April. Before that, from 29 March, the Rule of Six will return outdoors. Groups of larger than six from a maximum of two households will also be allowed to meet, although travel restrictions will still be in place.

There seems to be a pent up demand for travel and York is likely to be a magnet for many. Whether the authorities will be able to control access, and sustain hygiene standards, will tell us a lot about whether the further easing of restrictions will follow along the proposed timetable.

Coronavirus York updates; 27th February 2021

Deaths

One hospital death announced today. It occurred on Thursday. Takes the number of fatalities at the York Hospital Trust up to 352 (since 1st September 2020).

Test Results

Eighteen additional positive test results today bringing cumulative total to 11,841

There are a total of 163 cases in the City – the same as yesterday

The rate /100k population has remained at 77.39.

It is forecast to rise to over 81 tomorrow. That would be the highest rate recorded since 14th February.

The rate in North Yorkshire has shown a small increase

Neighbourhoods

Residents can get details of the impact of the pandemic on their local area by entering their postcode at this NHS website click

There is little change at neighbourhood level to report today.

Vaccinations

Tests

4394 York people had a PCR test during the week ending 22nd February

Of these, 3.6% were positive. That is a small improvement on yesterdays figure (3.7%).

1149 “lateral flow” tests were carried out in the City on 26th February

Coronavirus York updates; 26th February 2021

Deaths

One further hospital death has been announced.

It took place on Tuesday

For the first time since mid October, the average daily death rate at the local hospitals has fallen below one.

Test results

Eighteen additional positive test results were announced today. That brings cumulative total to 11,823

The rate /100k population figure has edged higher and now stands at 77.39.

It is expected to rise to over 80 this weekend before, hopefully, falling again next week.

The infection rate is now a couple of points higher than was seen during the equivalent period in December.

The York increase since yesterday represents an additional 8 cases.

Case rates continue to fall at national and county level. They are also now beginning to fall again at regional (Yorkshire) level.

Neighbourhoods

The increased cases are spread round the City with no obvious connection. Huntington, which edged above the 200 case threshold yesterday, has now fallen back into the average rate banding.

There are still 4 neighbourhoods with fewer than 3 cases in each

Vaccinations

The team running the York vaccination centre at Askham Bar say they expect to have offered all over-50s the jab by mid-April.

Vaccinations by neighbourhood

The NHS have started to publish details of the numbers of people who have been vaccinated at neighbourhood level. As with most other stats they report the situation as at 5 days ago, so more progress will have been made since then.

The stats reveal that 55,074 York residents have now (21/2/21) been vaccinated. That represents about 25% of the total population.

The distribution of jabs tends to reflect the age profile distribution across the City. Areas with larger numbers of older people have – as expected – been allocated a larger proportion of available resources.

The figures confirm that local systems are working well and that progress is ahead of target.

When all over 50’s have been vaccinated (expected by mid April) the recommendation, in phase 2, is that priority will be given in the following order:

  • – All those aged 40-49
  • – All those aged 30-39
  • – All those aged 18-29

It is expected that all adults will have been offered a vaccination my Mid July.

Tests

4450 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 21st February

Of these, 3.7% were positive. That represents and increase from the 3.5% figure recorded the previous day.

1438 “lateral flow” test were conducted on 25th February

Hospitals

There are now 67 COVID-19 inpatients at the York Hospital Trust. See council commentary below for York Hospital figures.

The peak number of patients was 242 last month.

11 are in intensive care

A total of 1,992 Covid-19 patients had been discharged since the start of the pandemic

Council commentary

The Council has updated its weekly commentary on the pandemic.

It is reproduced below for ease of access.

“The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 26.02.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 22.2.21 there had been 77 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 25.2.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 225.4 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,653 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 24.2.21 York has had 11,805 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,605 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,466) and regional (6,413) 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 (22.2.21) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 17.2.21 to 23.2.21 in York is 79.8 (using data published on Gov.uk on 25.2.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.2.21 to 20.2.21 was 73.6. The national and regional averages at this date were 118.3 and 154.3 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 25.2.21).

• 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 13.2.21.to 19.2.21, 2 wards in York (Clifton and Osbaldwick & Derwent) has seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 6.2.21 to 12.2.21. For the remaining wards there has been no statistically significant change in rates. No wards have seen a significant increase in rates in this period.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.2.21 to 20.2.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 70.6. The national and regional averages were 83.9 and 106.6 respectively.

• As at 22.2.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 3.55%. The national and regional averages are 5.2% and 7.1% respectively.

• As at 22.2.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.46%. The national and regional averages are 0.3% and 0.3% respectively.

• As at 23.2.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 3.9%. The national average is 3.1%.

• As at 25.2.21 York University reported 9 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 22.2.21 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 10,926 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 9,849 of the cases have been completed (90.1%). 25,408 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 19,152 of these have been completed (75.4%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 19.2.21, 919 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 586 (63.8%) were successful and 333 (36.2%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 25.2.21 there were 5 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 25.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 21.2.21 there were 9 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive. NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 23.2.21 there were 41 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The figure a week ago (16.2.21) was 52.

• As at 23.2.21 there were 11 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The figures a week ago (16.2.21) were 9 and 0 respectively.

• As at 23.2.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 23.2.21 there had been 6 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital

• Between 15.2.21 and 21.2.21, 18 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 19.2.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 0.9) on 12.2.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 24.2.21 58,450 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,095 had received both doses. 27.8% of the total estimated population of York (210,618*) have therefore received the first dose

• As at 24.2.21 15.79M In people in England have received the first dose and 0.54M have received both doses. 28.1% of the total estimated population of England (56,286,961) have 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 6: 6.2.21 to 12.2.21) 10 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (7 in hospital and 3 in a care home). In weeks 3, 4 and 5 there had been 31, 26 and 18 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 12th February 2021 and registered up to 20th February 2021, 348 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (204 in hospital, 119 in care homes, 18 at home and 7 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 165.2 which is lower than the national average of 208.1.

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 17.2.21), a cumulative total of 348 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 (80.5% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.9% nationally). 167 of the 348 were male (48%), less than the national average (54.3%)”.

Coronavirus York updates; 25th February 2021

Deaths

There has been one further hospital death announced today. It occurred on Tuesday

Test results

SIXTEEN additional positive test results today bringing the cumulative total to 11,805

The rate /100k population figure has risen to 73.60. Further increases are in the pipeline for the next few days

Todays figures reflect an increase of two cases which brought the weekly average (on 20/2/21) up to 155 from 153

Comparing daily average case numbers towards the end to Wave 2 (early December) with today shows a similar trend.

Both periods show a spike in case numbers . Wave 2 figures subsequently fell away to 17.43 before steadily rising again as Christmas approached.

This weeks spike has been more pronounced. All eyes will be on trends next week as the easing of restrictions on schooling gets closer.

There has been a small reduction in case numbers in North Yorkshire.

Neighbourhoods

The case rate in Huntington has doubled over the last 5 days. The neighbourhood has now crept back above the 200 case benchmark

Five neighbourhoods have below 3 cases in each

Vaccinations

Over 60’s are now being vaccinated at Askham Bar. You need to book an appointment via the NHS web site

Tests

4386 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 20th February

Of these 3.6% were positive. That is an increase from the previous days figure of 3.4%

1533 “lateral flow” tests were carried out on 24th February

Hospitals

There are now 71 COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust. Ten are in intensive care. Both represent a reduction on previously published figures.

The Trust has discharged 1984 COVID patients since the start of the pandemic

Coronavirus York updates; 24th February 2021

Deaths

The York Hospital Trust has announced one additional death. The fatality took place yesterday (23rd).

The local hospital death rate continues to decline.

York residents deaths

ONS have published statistics showing the number of deaths’ of York residents in the period up to 12th February 2021.

Ten deaths occurred during the latest week.

Seven of the fatalities occurred in hospital and three in care homes.

The previous week had seen 17 fatalities.

The cumulative toll for the last 12 months has now risen to 340.

Of these, 169 have occurred since 1st September 2020.

Test results

TWENTY tWO positive test results announced today. Cumulative number of cases now 11,789.

Rate /100k population rises to 72.65. Set to increase to over 77 before the end of the week.

The increase in York represents 10 additional cases compared to the previous days total. Total infections (at 19/2/2021) were 153. Case numbers are also increasing in North Yorkshire (526 cases) and at regional level.

Neighbourhoods

Looking at the spread of cases by neighbourhood. there is no real clue as to the cause of the spike in infections this week.

The highest increase in cases were an additional three in each of Clifton Without, Huntington, Holgate East and Heworth North. These may simply reflect family group transmissions.

However, for the first time since last summer, we now have a neighbourhood with ZERO recorded cases.

Vaccinations

We understand that the reduced number of vaccinations which we saw earlier in the week was due to temporary supply shortages. Inoculation numbers remain ahead of target.

The rate is ramping up at local and regional level again now.

Tests

4425 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 19th February

Of these, 3.4% were positive (the same figure as the previous 2 days)

1120 lateral flow tests were carried out on 23rd February

York Minster

YORK Minster will reopen from lockdown for worship and private prayer on Sunday March 14, with a number of precautions in place to help keep visitors and staff safe. Only 75 places will be available for the main Sunday services, and admission will be via online booked ticket only. Online booking will open on March 8 at www.yorkminster.org

Coronavirus York updates; 23rd February 2021

Deaths

Three additional hospital deaths have been reported. One occurred on Saturday and two on Sunday.

Test Results

Eighteen positive test results announced. That is the lowest for a few days. Brings the cumulative total to 11,767.

As forecast the infection rate is rising. The rate /100k population now stands at 67.9. That is slightly down on the figure reported yesterday. However the reduction reflects just one case compared to yesterdays figures.

However, positive test results – already in the pipeline – suggest that the rate will rise to 75 before the end of the week.

The current case number spike is not without precedent.

On the day that Lockdown 2 ended (2/12/20) weekly case numbers stood at 23.14. A couple of days earlier they had fallen to 19.43.

Case numbers in North Yorkshire have stared to fall again. However, at regional (Yorkshire) level, for the fifth successive day, an increase in case numbers has been reported

Neighbourhoods

Now five neighbourhoods have fewer than 3 cases in each.

Figures are quite volatile

Vaccinations

Tests

4,435 PCR test were carried out during the week ending 18th February 2021.

Of these tests, 3.4% were positive. That is the same percentage as was reported yesterday.

1546 “lateral flow” tests were carried out on 22nd February.

Hospitals

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is currently treating 80 Covid-19 inpatients.

11 Covid patients are being treated in intensive care.

1,968 Covid patients have been discharged since the start of the pandemic.