Coronavirus York updates; 1st January 2021

Deaths and positive test results

ONE additional death has been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. It occurred on 30th December.

The “positivity rate” (the proportion of P1 & P2 tests producing a positive result) has risen to 9.2%. That is now higher than the regional average

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY THREE (163) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total number of infections to 7404.

The infection rate is now 297.1 and is set to rise to at least 406.4 over the next few days.

With the increase showing no signs of slowing, it seems inevitable that the 2020 peak of 444.9 (16/10/20) infections /100k population will be exceeded before the end of next week.

The growth in case numbers is mainly in the under 60 age group.

There is a new, third wave, record high infection rate in the Woodthorpe/Acomb Park neighbourhood where the rate /100k population figure is now 749.3.

In total there were 627 cases in the City on 27th December. The post Christmas spike has yet to show in the neighbourhood figures.

Neighbourhood infection trends

Latest York Council commentary

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 28.12.20 there had been 191 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 30.12.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 553.2 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,572 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.

Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)

• As at 30.12.20 York has had 7,039 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 3,342.1 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national average (3,713.9).

• 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 (27.12.20) is Red.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 22.12.20 to 28.12.20 in York is 312.4 (using data published on Gov.uk on 30.12.20).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 19.12.20 to 25.12.20 was 235. The national and regional averages at this date were 374 and 175.6 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 30.12.20).

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 19.12.20 to 25.12.20 for people aged 60+ in York was 123.1. The national and regional averages were 232 and 131.8 respectively.

• As at 28.12.20, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests) was 9.2%. The national and regional averages were 11.6% and 8.2% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 day is a 5.5% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 10.3% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 5,901 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 5,181 of the cases have been completed (87.8%). 15,936 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 10,397 of these have been completed (65.2%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 25.12.20, 396 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 390 of the referrals (98.5%) have been actioned and 6 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 280 were successful and 104 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Settings / Schools

• As at 29.12.20 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 24.12.20 (2 homes).

• In the 7 days up to 20.12.20 there were 23 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 16 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 22.12.20 there were 39 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 21.12.20 was 44.

• As at 22.12.20 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 1 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 21.12.20 were 5 and 0 respectively.

• As at 22.12.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

Recovery from Covid-19

• Between 13.4.20 and 20.12.20, 276 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 12 people were discharged in the most recent week.

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 23.12.20 was estimated to be in the range 0.9 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (0.9 to 1.1) on 18.12.20.

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 18th December 2020 and registered up to 26th December 2020, 211 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (102 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 12 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 100.18 which is lower than the national average of 125.89. There have been 39 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 11 weeks (Weeks 41 to 51).

• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). Between week 2 and week 51 there were a total of 145 ‘excess deaths’ in York 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 47 fewer deaths in weeks 22-51.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 28.12.20 (for deaths occurring up to 23.12.20), a cumulative total of 207 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 82.2, with an age range of 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 102 of the 207 were male (49.3%), less than the national average (55.3%). 83 people (40.1%) died in nursing /care homes (the national average is 25.68%). In addition 18 people (8.7%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.

Coronavirus York updates; 31st December 2020

Deaths and test results

THREE additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. Two occurred on Tuesday and one yesterday. Brings the total number of fatalities since 1st September at the York and Scarborough hospitals to 157.

Local COVID related hospital deaths since September

TWO HUNDRED AND TWO (202) new positive test results announced today.

That is a record high.

The 209 infections reported on 29th December is also the highest single day figure ever recorded in the City.

The previous highest was 159 recorded on 13th October.

The Tuesday figure may have been influenced by delayed results from a Christmas backlog, but this does not entirely explain the surge in cases.

The rate /100k population stands at 266.8. It is set to rise to at least 370.8 within the next three days.

The neighbourhood figures do not yet include the large post Christmas spike in infections. They are likely, therefore, to get worse over the next few days.

End of shuttle service for disabled

Following feedback from service users the temporary Blue Badge shuttle service from Monk Bar car park is set to end on 31 December.

The service will be replaced with improved city centre access arrangements and more parking locations.

Feedback on the shuttle service and single drop off from Monk Bar was that it was not popular and viewed as inadequate by some blue badge holders. To make it easier for those who used the shuttle service to visit the city centre, vehicle access and Blue Badge parking is being reinstated from Monk Bar to Deangate, and College Green.. 

Free blue badge parking will be available in locations including:

•    in ten dedicated spaces at Monk Bar Car Park
•    in 4 additional dedicated bays at Bootham Row Car Park (Off Bootham next the BBC Radio York building)
•    as well as on double yellow lines on Monk Bar to Deangate and College Green (up to and past the Cross Keys pub)


The original changes were brought in quickly at the start of the pandemic to allow for social distancing and the opening of pavement cafes. This helped York’s city centre to recover more strongly than most other cities in the UK, including giving many pubs and cafes the outdoor space which allows them to keep trading.

The latest plans follow extensive engagement with disabled residents and advocacy groups. It revealed broad support for the increased safety of the footstreets but dissatisfaction with the arrangements put in place to replace the lost Blue Badge parking. The proposed changes included:

•    Vehicle access and Blue Badge parking would return from Monk Bar to Deangate, and College Green.
•    The taxi shuttle service for which feedback was poor will finish at the end of December.
•    Ten Blue Badge spaces would be retained at Monk Bar Car Park, and four created at Bootham Row to add to the additional free on-street spaces at Dundas Street, Carmelite Street, St Saviourgate, Duncombe Place and the existing spaces on Piccadilly, Tower Street, Castle Car Park and all other council car parks.
•    A single information point for disabled people to plan journeys.
•    Explore ways to allow disabled people who use cycles as a mobility aid to use them with care on the footstreets.
Following the announcement that York will be in Tier 3 from 00.01 on 31 December footstreets will be open to traffic from 5pm as bars, pubs and cafes will only be able to open for takeaway service due to the restrictions.

Councillor Andy D’Agorne, deputy leader and executive member for transport, said:

We recognise that there is a balance to be struck between re-opening the city by extending footstreets whilst also ensuring disabled residents are able to access the city centre.

“Following further engagement we have looked to adapt these changes to better reflect the needs of everyone. We think this strikes the balance realising the benefits of footstreets for businesses and most of their customers whilst mitigating the negative impact for blue badge holders.

“When we no longer need to protect the people in our city centre from coronavirus, we will have to protect the large crowds which will return from the very different threat of terrorism.  It is right that we look now at the long-term footstreets arrangements as part of that protection working with businesses and all types of users to find the most appropriate solutions.” 

Council simplifies Tier 3 support grants for businesses

We will make Tier 3 grant support as simple and smooth as possible for York’s businesses – and urged qualifying companies who have not yet made a claim to make sure they are not missing out.

All businesses that have applied for and are receiving grants in Tier 2 do not need to reapply for Tier 3 grants. The council will automatically process the grants under existing schemes.

The council will automatically register and pay the appropriate grants to any business which has successfully applied for:
•    The Local Restrictions Grants brought in to support business through Tier 2
•    The Additional Restrictions Grant introduced to support businesses which were severely impacted, but not forced to close during November’s lockdown.
Tier 3 grants include:
•    Businesses forced to close by law, including most hospitality, indoor entertainment and accommodation, can access Local Restrictions Grants (Closed) of up to £3000, depending on their rateable value,  per month.
•    Businesses not forced to close but with trade reduced by over 75% due to the pandemic can receive between £500 and £3000 for every two weeks we remain in Tier 3.

These grants will be paid automatically – businesses do not need to contact the council.

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

Throughout the pandemic we’ve made sure that York’s businesses are getting their grants as quickly as possible.

“As we move into Tier 3, we want to remove any additional stress so if we can pay grants based on existing information, we will.  

“So if you have applied for grants in the last 8 weeks, you shouldn’t have to reapply now.”

Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for the 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.

“If you haven’t applied for a grant recently, please check what you may be eligible for and apply straight away www.york.gov.uk/COVID19BusinessGrants. Council staff are once again ready to put in a huge effort to get this money into businesses bank accounts as quickly as possible

“While we have shaped the Additional Restricted Grants to help catch some of the businesses that have missed out on government support, we’re continuing to call on the Government to deliver more.

“As always, I would urge businesses who have fallen through the cracks, to please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk  and thanks to all the businesses who have already got in touch with the team who are looking at ways to provide help,

“There is also a lot more local support for businesses beyond these grants. Please get in touch with Make it York, York BID or the Federation of Small Businesses as soon as possible to find out more.”

To get notification when grant applications open, and up to date info on other business support, sign up for our regular bulletins here https://www.york.gov.uk/form/EmailUpdates

Let’s look after each other

After the city woke up this morning in very high restrictions the council is reiterating that support is available for residents and businesses and asking people to look after each other.

From this morning York is under very high restrictions which mean:

  • We cannot mix with other households indoors
  • We can only meet people outdoors in open public spaces in groups of up to six (that means we can no longer meet in private gardens)
  • Reduce your number of journeys, avoid travel outside the area unless needed
  • Work from home if possible
  • All hospitality is closed, except for takeaways and deliveries
  • Retail can remain open

More details are available on the government and council websites.

Recently York has seen a sharp increase in the number of Coronavirus cases which is placing pressure on health services. The validated rate at 24 December stands at 240.2 cases per 100,000, above the regional average of 175.6. Cases are continuing to rise with the provisional rate for York standing at 312.4 per 100,000 at 28 December.

If you’re struggling to manage, or you don’t have any support, but need it because of COVID-19, our helpline is here to help you through this difficult time. Contact the Council by email: covid19help@york.gov.uk or telephone: 01904 551550.

During this period of very high restrictions residents are being asked to keep it safe, keep it local and support local businesses.

Keith Aspden, Leader of the Council, said:

These restrictions mean further changes to the way we live our lives and, undoubtedly, this will be difficult for many.

“The spirit of our wonderful city has been demonstrated throughout this pandemic and I know we will all do what we can to look after each other.

“Please check in on friends, family and neighbours in a Covid-secure way and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

“Please also remember to support our local businesses, who have done so much for our local communities throughout the year. Shops remain open and some bars and restaurants will be offering takeaway and delivery services.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said:

We have reached the end of an incredibly challenging year for the city. Whilst we are all glad to see the back of 2020, please be safe and see in the new year at home.

“We need to all take extra care as the virus is increasing across the city. These next few months will be difficult but with the vaccine rollout there is hope but we aren’t there yet. Remember that 1 in 3 people do not have symptoms of the virus but may still be infectious. So take steps to protect yourself and remember hands, face, space.

“Looking after our physical and mental health will be vital. Please continue to exercise outdoors but do so safely, following the new rules and keeping a safe distance from those we don’t live with.”

By working together we can save lives, please:

  • Meet others outside and in small numbers (the rule of six applies)
  • Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more with soap and water
  • Wear a face covering when in busy public spaces
  • Give people space – 2m is best
  • Self-isolate when asked to by test and trace or if you have symptoms
  • Get a symptom-free test if you are eligible (book online)

Coronavirus York updates; 30th December 2020

Deaths and test results

FOUR (4) additional hospital deaths announced today. Two occurred on Monday and two yesterday. That brings the total death toll at the York Hospital Trust, since 1st September, to 154.

The latest ONS figures reveal that, during the week ending on 18th December, a further 3 York residents died as a result of coronavirus. This brings the total death toll since the beginning of September to 40.

Of these 40 York residents, 19 deaths occurred in hospital*, 15 in care homes, 3 at a hospice and 3 at home.

*These numbers vary from those quoted for the York Hospital Trust as the later caters for patients from a wide part of Yorkshire.

The cumulative COVID death toll among York residents has now reached 211. The highest fatality rate occurred during the week ending 1st May 2020 (29 deaths).

ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY NINE (149) new positive test results were announced today.

The infection rate fell back slightly to 235.0 as a result of fewer tests being carried out on Christmas Day.

However, the rate is set to rise to at least 312.4 over the next couple of days

No major changes at neighbourhood level although these figures are also influenced by the low number of tests completed on Christmas Day

York in Tier 3

Something of a surprise that York has avoided Tier 4 restrictions given the sharply rising local infection rate

Courtesy of COVID-19 Tier Map — Election Maps UK click to access
Image

Coronavirus York updates; 29th December 2020

Deaths and test results

TWO additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on 26th and the other on 27th December.

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE (123) additional positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 6890

The 127 positive result figure on Sunday was the highest recorded since 19th October.

The rate /100k population figure is now 240.3. It is expected to rise to at least 293.0 over the next few days.

The highest figure recorded this year was 444.9 on 16th October. If the present trend continues then that figure will be exceeded early next week.

Of the cases announced on the 24th December, 69 were aged under 60 while 11 were aged over 60.

While the rate of increase in infections leveled off in the run up to Christmas at regional and national level, the reverse was the case in York where case numbers continued to grow strongly (there was a similar surge in the adjacent area of Hambleton).

Residents will be expecting to hear an explanation for the divergence from the authorities.

For the first time, during the third wave of infections, the infection rate has exceeded 500 in two neighbourhoods (Bishopthorpe & Woodthorpe)

This is still well below the peak seen in Heslington in October which saw over 3000 cases /100k population.

However, several neighbourhoods are now seeing record high infection levels.

There has been a steep increase in Dunnington – the first time during the third wave that a neighbourhood on the east of the City has recorded such a high number (478.5)

Coronavirus York updates; 28th December 2020

Deaths and test results

No additional hospital deaths have been announced today

NINETY NINE (99) additional positive test results announced today bringing the cumulative total to 6767.

Rate /100k population is now 218.1 and will rise to 265 over the next few days

Three neighbourhoods are now above the regional and national infection rates.

The infection rates in York are now above both county and regional levels. They remain below the national rate.

Updated infection distribution map

Click to access COVID-19 Tier Map — Election Maps UK

Coronavirus York updates; 27th December

Deaths and test results

THREE (3) additional hospital deaths announced today. One occurred on 25th and two yesterday. Brings the cumulative death toll at the York and Scarborough hospitals since 1st September to 148.

FIFTY FOUR (54) additional positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 6,668

Rate/100k population figure is 196.1 and is set to rise to 240.3.

One neighbourhood has climbed above the 400 case threshold (Poppleton).

We are entering a period where the number of tests carried out will be lower.

NB. The vaccination center on Moor Lane is currently closed for the holiday. No figures have been issued indicating the number of vaccinations which have been completed locally over the last few days.

COVID where next?

The coronavirus infection statistics in York have made depressing reading over the last few days. The rate per head of population spiraled up to reach 234.6 on Christmas Eve.  It could be more than that when the final test results are added in.

In effect, the infection level in the City has trebled since “Lockdown 2” ended on 2nd December.

Other Tier 2 areas have also seen rises. Although York is now above the average rate for North Yorkshire it is urban areas like Scarborough which are also worst hit. So far Harrogate has bucked the trend.

So what went wrong?

Many areas like Leeds which have T3 restrictions in place have seen a less dramatic increase in infection rates.

York’s Tier 2 restrictions differ from areas like Leeds in two significant ways.

In Tier 3 areas

  • People are prohibited from socialising with anybody they do not live with &
  • Pubs and bars are only permitted to remain open to operate as restaurants

The virus seems to cycle through all neighbourhoods. Rates are on the increase across most of the City.

Trends at neighbourhood level in York

It seems likely that York will become a Tier 3 area sometime during the next few days. It may subsequently be added to the Tier 4 restrictions area – effectively reintroducing lockdown.

Coronavirus York updates; 26th December 2020

Deaths and test results

TWO additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Thursday and one yesterday.

EIGHTY EIGHT (88) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total up to 6614

The 7 day rolling rate /100k population has reached 170.46 and is expected to top 200 within the next couple of days.

The City infection rate is now above the county average and is increasing sharply.

Virtually all neighbourhoods in York are now showing an increase in case numbers.

Coronavirus York updates; 25th December 2020

Deaths and test results

One additional death reported by the York Hospital Trust today

SEVENTY EIGHT additional positive test results announced today.

Age profile of cases

The latest infection figures show that 16.3% of positive test results in York related to people aged over 60. This is generally good news as fatalities for the disease are low for the younger age groups.

There were 13 positive test results recorded in the over 60 age group on the latest day (19th Dec) for which figures have been posted. As with the younger age group, infection rates have increased over the last few days.

It is too soon for the vaccination initiative to have had any effect on the numbers, but the expectation is that the over 60’s will become gradually more immune to the virus as the programme gathers pace.

The latest proportions (24/12/20) of positive test results that relate to over 60’s are

  • York – 16.3% (rolling 7 day average)
  • North Yorkshire – 21.3% (19/12/20)
  • Yorkshire – 20.8% (19/12/20)
  • England – 15.2% (19/12/20)

Council commentary

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

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 21.12.20 there had been 133 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 23.12.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 357.1 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,631 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.

Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)

• As at 23.12.20 York has had 6,345 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 3,012.6 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (3,267.5) and regional (4,379.1) 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 (20.12.20) is Red.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 15.12.20 to 21.12.20 in York is 163.8 (using data published on Gov.uk on 23.12.20).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 12.12.20 to 18.12.20 was 115.4. The national and regional averages at this date were 325.4 and 163.1 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 23.12.20).

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 11.12.20 to 17.12.20 for people aged 60+ in York was 72.6. The national and regional averages were 186.4 and 137 respectively.

• As at 21.12.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 3.95%. The national and regional averages are 9.4% and 5.6% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 7 days by type of test is 137 positives from 2,662 lab based (PCR) tests (5.15%) and 11 positives from 1,083 rapid (lateral flow) tests (1.02%).

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 5,208 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 4,558 of the cases have been completed (87.5%). 14,240 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 8,932 of these have been completed (62.7%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 18.12.20, 373 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 372 of the referrals (99.7%) have been actioned and 1 is still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 267 were successful and 104 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Settings / Schools

• As at 23.12.20 there were 7 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 23.12.20 (1 home).

• In the 7 days up to 20.12.20 there were 23 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 16 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 22.12.20 there were 39 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 21.12.20 was 44.

• As at 22.12.20 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 1 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 21.12.20 were 5 and 0 respectively.

• As at 22.12.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

Recovery from Covid-19

• Between 13.4.20 and 20.12.20, 276 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 12 people were discharged in the most recent week.

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 18.12.20 was estimated to be in the range 0.9 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 0.9) on 11.12.20.

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 11th December 2020 and registered up to 19th December 2020, 208 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (99 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 12 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 98.76 which is lower than the national average of 121.04. There have been 36 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 10 weeks (Weeks 41 to 50).

• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). Between week 2 and week 50 there were a total of 143 ‘excess deaths’ in York 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 49 fewer deaths in weeks 22-50.

• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 21.12.20 (for deaths occurring up to 16.12.20), a cumulative total of 199 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 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 98 of the 199 were male (49.2%), less than the national average (55.4%). 83 people (41.7%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 25.94%). In addition 16 people (8.04%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.

Coronavirus York updates; 24th December 2020

Deaths and test results

TWO (2) additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Tuesday and one yesterday.

The latest P2 testing figures have been released. They cover the week ending 16th December during which time 3962 tests were completed. The proportion positive were 5%. That is double the rate recorded during the previous week.

ONE HUNDRED and THREE (103) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total in City up to 6448

The validated rate /100k population has now reached 127.3. It is expected to reach over 180 within a couple of days. The 91 cases identified on Tuesday was the largest single day figure since 22nd October.

Coronavirus York updates; 23rd December 2020

Deaths and test results

THREE (3) additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Two occurred yesterday and one on 17th Dec. The cumulative death toll has now reached 276.

142 of these have occurred since the start of September.

SEVENTY TWO (72) additional positive test results were announced today. That is fewer than yesterday but the figure suggests that the virus is still spreading quickly in the City.

The cumulative total number of cases seen in the City has now reached 6345

The rate /100k population figure climbed to 115.4 last Friday (the latest available validated data).

It is, however, set to rise to over 163 following 71 new cases being reported on Sunday.

Infections are currently growing at a faster rate than was seen during either the spring or autumn waves.

The latest validated figures (last Friday) for neighbourhoods show some large increases in infection levels.

There are more in the pipeline so extreme caution over Christmas would seem to be the best advice that can be offered to residents living in all parts of York.

The latest figures published by the government confirm that, since the beginning of September and up to 11th December, 37 York residents have lost their lives as a result of the Coronavirus.

Of these, 15 died in care homes, 16 in hospital, 3 at home and 3 at a Hospice.

Commentators will be scanning with interest the new “positivity” figures which are due to be published tomorrow.

The number of P2 tests conducted reached 6309 during the week ending 9th December. 2% of tests produced positive results. The latest results will give an indication of the impact that the third wave of infections is having on the number of local cases.

Please stay safe and look after each other

Amid a sharp rise in cases in York, city leaders are asking for a huge citywide effort to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

In recent days York has seen a substantial increase in the number of positive cases being returned. The positivity rate has increased to 4.09% and the latest validated rate for the period 11.12.20 to 17.12.20 was 103.5.  This figure is expected to increase in the coming days. The council’s provisional rate for of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.12.20 to 20.12.20 in York is 140.5 

The council is asking everyone to do what they can to keep themselves and others safe by:

  • Meeting people outside if you can (if you do see people inside for Christmas keep the windows open to let air flow through and keep it short, keep it local and keep it safe)
  • Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more with soap and water
  • Wear a face covering when in busy public spaces
  • Give people space – 2m is best
  • Self-isolating when asked to by test and trace
  • Getting a symptom-free test if you are eligible (book online)

In the coming days the council’s COVID support marshalls and BID rangers will support North Yorkshire Police’s continued patrolling in the city to help people to stay safe, and will take enforcement measures if necessary.