The number of hospital patients continues to trend upwards. However there are no patients in intensive care and there have been no additional deaths
Test results
59 positive test results were announced today. This brings the cumulative total up to 12,967
The number of cases in the City has increased from 189 to 216
The rate /100k population is now 102.56.
Infection rates in York are now higher than the county, regional and national levels.
Neighbourhoods
For the first time since March, we now have a neighbourhood with an infection rate above 200. The area concerned covers the University, Heslington and Fulford (rate currently 229.4). Rates are also high in adjacent “dormitory” areas like Fulford Road and Tang Hall.
We did see a similar exponential growth in cases in the Heslington area in September/October last year. Then the infection rate peaked at 1720. The spike was generally put down to a lack of social distancing by students newly arrived in the City. A lockdown reduced the problem. Although that solution is not available at present, the University authorities are arranging a flash vaccination programme on the campus.
Although it won’t be popular with everyone, we think that the idea of a “COVID passport” may have to be revived. Only those with a double dose vaccination and/or a recent negative test would be allowed into venues where close social contact is possible. Everyone is due to be offered double dose vaccinations before September.
Vaccinations
Updated vaccination stats are not yet available
Tests
5720 PCR test were conducted during the week ending 17th June 2021
Of these, 3.6% were positive. That is more than the 3.2% recorded during the previous period
3159 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 21st June 2021.
Hospital patient numbers stable. No further deaths
Test results
There were 41 positive test results announced today. This brings the cumulative total up to 12,716
There were 32 positive tests on Tuesday. That is the highest single day figure seen since 9th February 2021
The number of cases in the City has risen to 144.
The rate /100k population has risen to 67.9. It is now trending to reach 82.6.
Neighbourhoods
Vaccinations
A total of 704 vaccinations were completed yesterday (Wednesday)
The vaccination numbers by age group and neighbourhood have been updated by the government
The area with the highest percentage of first doses is Wigginton (95.2%). The lowest is still Tang Hall (46.1%) although this is up from the 43.9% recorded at the end of the previous week.
The area with the highest percentage of second doses is Haxby (72.8%). The lowest is Tang Hall (29.1%)
Neighbourhood vaccination rates at 13th June 2021
Tests
The number of PCR tests completed in the City during the week ending 12th June was 5219
Of these, 2.4% were positive. That is more than the 2.2% found during the previous period.
3272 “lateral flow” tests were also completed on 16th June.
A total of 1023 vaccinations were completed in the City yesterday (Tuesday)
Test results
Twenty six positive test results today bring the cumulative total up to 12,675
The number of cases in the City has increased from 116 to 133
The rate /100k population is now 63.15.
That is the highest rate seen since 28th February 2021. The rate is trending to reach 78 over the weekend. (The peak rate seen this year was the 671 on 8th January).
Infection rates in York are rising more sharply at present than is being seen at county and national levels. There was similar trend last autumn
Neighbourhoods
Tests
5389 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 11th June
Of these, 2.2% were found to be positive. That represents an increase on the 2.0% positivity found during the previous period
In addition, 2024 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 15th June.
Although York is not yet classed as an area where the Delta strain of the virus is most prolific, here is some advice from the government.
The new COVID-19 variant (known as Delta) spreads more easily than the other variants that were previously most common. To help stop the spread, you should:
Participate in surge testing in your local area, whether you are vaccinated or not
Self-isolateimmediately if you have any symptomsof COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste) or if you’ve tested positivefor COVID-19
You should also take particular caution when meeting anyone outside your household or support bubble. Wherever possible, you should try to:
Meet outside rather than inside where possible
Keep 2 metres apart from people that you do not live with (unless you have formed a support bubble with them), this includes friends and family you don’t live with
Minimise travel in and out of affected areas
The full government advice can be viewed by clicking here
York hospital patients and deaths
The York Hospital Trust has recorded its first COVID-19 death since 20th April. The fatality occurred on Friday. It brings the total number of deaths up to 593 since the start of the pandemic
The number of coronavirus patients being cared for by the Trust has increased to 6
The latest figures, covering the deaths’ of York residents, reveal that there was one fatality in a care home during the week ending 4th June.
The death brings the total toll among York residents, since the pandemic started, up to 379. This included (at 4th June) 221 hospital deaths, 128 in care homes, 22 at home and 8 in a hospice.
Test results
21 positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,649
The number of cases in the City has risen from 108 to 116
The rate /100k population has risen to 55.08. That is the highest rate recorded since 27th February 2021.
It is trending up to reach over 70+ before the end of the week
Neighbourhoods
Only 5 neighbourhoods now have fewer than 3 cases.
A big step up in case numbers is expected over next three days
Vaccinations
874 vaccinations were completed in the City yesterday (Monday)
Tests
5319 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 10th June 2021
Of these, 2.0% were positive. That is an increase on the 1.9% found during the previous period.
In addition, 3044 “lateral flow” tests were also completed on 14th June.
York Council reacts to announcement about continuing restrictions
City of York Council have responded following the Prime Minister’s announcement relating to the delayed easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:
We know today’s news is frustrating for many who had high hopes for next week, however, there are still reasons to be optimistic. The vaccine rollout is continuing successfully and many of our local businesses have reopened safely giving us all the chance to once again enjoy so much that our city has to offer. Hopefully soon, with more people vaccinated, we will be able to take that next step safely.
“Throughout this pandemic, communities across York have come together and worked hard to look after each other. It has been a long and challenging period for us all, but I would encourage everyone to please keep going. Better times are ahead, as more of us get first and second doses of the vaccine.
“We are pleased though to see changes in the numbers allowed to attend weddings and civil partnership ceremonies, where social distancing measures allow. This will make a huge difference to many couples having their special day. Our Register Office will continue to support couples and will be contacting those who have booked ceremonies with us with further details. We will share more details when the guidance is published.
“We know this is difficult news for people and businesses who will be most directly impacted by this announcement. We will continue to support you, as we have done throughout the pandemic, and we will share more updates as guidance and information becomes available. Please continue to shop at local businesses who are working so hard to keep people safe.
“If you’re struggling to manage, or you don’t have any support, but need it because of COVID-19, please get in touch by emailing covid19help@york.gov.uk or calling telephone: 01904 551550. Businesses severely impacted by today’s announcement can get contact us by emailing the council’s Economic Growth team at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.”
Fiona Phillips, Assistant Director of Public Health said:
Whilst today’s news is disappointing, with increasing cases and hospital admissions across the country and the presence of the delta variant, it isn’t surprising.
“In recent days we have seen cases increase across York – it is vital that we all remain vigilant and keep each other safe.
“This has been a challenging time, but please keep going and check in on friends and family who may be struggling. Help is at hand should people need it and it is important we look after our mental health as well as physical health.
“Whilst the vaccine roll out is going very well, many in the city are yet to have the vaccine and get that protection. We know too with the delta variant how important a second dose is to boosting immunity so please when you get invited get both doses. Please help keep each other safe and the city open by continuing to:
wash your hands regularly
wear a face covering in busy public spaces and where asked
give people space
meet outside, or open windows letting fresh air indoors
“The vaccines are working and saving lives. This and the fact they are being administered in great numbers means that better times are ahead. The slowing of the roadmap gives the opportunity for more people to be protected in the hope we can have a great and safe summer.”
Number of COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust has increased to 5. There are currently no patients in the intensive care unit.
There have been no further deaths
Test Results
Twenty positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,628
The number of cases in the City has risen to 108. This pushes the area into a higher infection band. The City last had this high a number of infections at the beginning of March.
The rate /100k population has risen to 51.28. This is the highest infection rate seen in the City since 28th February 2021. The rate continues to trend upwards and will reach 66.5 later in the week.
York remains below the national and regional infection rate levels but case numbers are increasing rapidly
Neighbourhoods
There has been a rise in infection levels in the Tang Hall area This neighbourhood has a large number of student dwellings.
Vaccinations
1743 vaccinations were undertaken in the City yesterday (Sunday)
Tests
5353 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 9th June.
Of these, 1.9% were positive. That is a significant increase on the 1.6% found during the previous period.
In addition, 3384 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 13th June.
Changes to rules
In the light of new information which indicates that even some double vaccinated people have been admitted to hospital suffering from the new COVID-19 strain, most current restrictions are likely to remain in place. In York, 25% of adults have still to receive their first dose of vaccine.
No local figures have been released indicating how many of the positive test results have involved double vaccinated residents.
Similarly there has been no information provided on how transmission is taking place, although nationally it appears that contact in the home remains the main infection location.
The government measures are believed to include:
Keep restrictions in pubs that force them to operate table service only, with no queuing at the bar
Social distancing rules, including the wearing of masks indoors and on public transport, remain
Working from home guidance remains in place
Theatres limited to 50 per cent capacity
Nightclubs remain closed
Some increased capacity for sports events outdoors
Weddings no longer limited to 30 attendees. They will be allowed to go ahead with as many guests as can be held by the venue under social distancing rules
The government has also said
23-24 year olds will be able to book their vaccination appointment as soon as tomorrow,
By July 19, all adults will have had a first dose.
“We will certainly look at what we can do to accelerate second doses for university students”.
Twenty-five positive test results today brings case total up to 12,562
The 24 cases recorded on Tuesday was the highest single day total seen since 20th February.
Case numbers remain at 65 but with a significant trend upwards expected from tomorrow
The rate /100k population is still 30.86 but the spike is in the pipeline will see the rate increase to over 50 next week.
The rate of increase in infection rate has similarities with the surge seen last September/October, but is not yet as severe.
The R rate in the region is now estimated to be over 1 meaning that the pandemic is growing again. This seems to have been caused by the arrival of the more virulent “Delta ” variant coupled to the relaxation of restrictions, school half term etc.
Over 90% of positive test results are being recorded by people aged under 60. The heatmap below shows a high infection rate in the 10 -19 age groups
Infection rates are increasing significantly at all levels.
Neighbourhoods
Vaccinations
775 vaccinations were completed on Thursday in York. That is the lowest this month and down from a peak of 2,322 jabs last Saturday.
Tests
4871 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 6th June 2021
Of these, 1.3% were positive. That is the same proportion as that found during the previous period
In addition, 2380 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 10th June.
Council commentary updated
The York Council’s commentary on the pandemic, which can be found on “open data” has been updated. It is reproduce below.
The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 11.06.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 7.6.21 there had been 70 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 10.6.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 331 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,954 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 10.6.21 York has had 12,537 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,953 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (7,040) and regional (7,404) 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 number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (7.6.21) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 2.6.21 to 8.6.21 in York is 46.5 (98 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 10.6.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 30.5.21 to 5.6.21 in York was 30.9 (65 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 50.3 and 54 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 10.6.21).
• York is currently ranked 65th 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 29.5.21.to 4.6.21, the number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 7 and rates varied from 0 to 96.5 per 100,000. 3 wards had zero cases.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 30.5.21 to 5.6.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 2.0 (1 case). The national and regional averages were 10.3 and 12.0 respectively.
• As at 8.6.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 2.66%. The national and regional averages are 3.3% and 3.9% respectively.
• As at 8.6.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.26%. The national and regional averages are 0.3% and 0.3% respectively.
• As at 8.6.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.2%. The national average is 0.4%.
• As at 4.6.21 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 7.6.21 York St. John reported 2 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 4.6.21, 291 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 273 (93.8%) were successful and 18 (6.2%) 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 10.6.21 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 7.6.21 there were 14 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 8 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 8.6.21 there were 2 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General/Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.
• As at 8.6.21 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.
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 4.6.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.9 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 28.5.21.
Variants of Concern
• Published data from Public Health England shows that in York, up to 2.6.21, there had been less than five confirmed cases of the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India. More recent provisional data is available on cases where the test was processed in a laboratory which can identify Variants of Concern. This shows that over half of new cases in the most recent month in York were likely to be the Delta Variant.
Total Vaccinations
• As at 9.6.21 a total of 123,812 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 58.8% of the estimated total population of York and 71.2% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
• As at 9.6.21 a total of 85,501 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 40.6% of the estimated total population of York and 49.1% 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 21: 22.5.21 to 28.5.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. The last death from Covid-19 for a CYC resident occurred in Week 17 (24.4.21 to 30.4.21)
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 28th May 2021 and registered up to 5th June 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 232.44
• 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%.
Nineteen additional positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,518
The number of cases in the City has increased from 62 to 65.
The rate /100k population is now 30.86. This is the first time it has been over 30 since late March.
However, following another 24 positive test results on Tuesday, the rate is expected to hit around 47 over the weekend.
Neighbourhoods
12 neighbourhoods now have 3 or more cases in each
Vaccinations
Little progress has been made with first jabs in the City over the last few days. Only 159 injections over 3 days. It has been suggested that inadequate supplies of the Moderna/Pfizer vaccine are to blame. This is the preferred jab for the younger cohort (Under 30’s) who are currently next on the list for an injection.
Second dose vaccination numbers are holding up well, with more than 50% of the population likely to have been inoculated by the end of the weekend.
The neighbourhood level progress reports on vaccinations have been published today. We are publishing both the first dose and the second dose outturns.
The second dose table is probably the most important given government advice that both doses are needed to get maximum protection.
There is a wide variance between the area with the highest proportion of vaccinated adults (Haxby, 70.5%) and the lowest (Tang Hall 27.1%).
This can mostly be explained by the variance in age profiles with those neighbourhoods with large student populations (aged under 25) not due to get most of their first doses until towards the end of the month
Tests
4763 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 5th June
Of these, 1.3% proved to be positive. This is an increase on the previous figure of 1.2%
In addition 3124 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 9th June
Outbreak Management Board
Some new information emerged at yesterday’s COVID management board meeting.
There has been a substantial growth in the City of cases of the COVID-19 variant which originated in India. It is expected, like elsewhere, to become the dominant strain over the next few days.
The Council are not advised of the vaccination status of those testing positive for the virus. They rely on national stats which say that only small numbers of vaccinated people fall victim to the virus.
The largest number of new cases are currently being found in the 10 -19 age group
Most tests currently involve school children.
The Council cannot say what proportion of positive tests are from people who are asymptomatic.
There is a lack of public awareness that free home testing kits are available.
There has been no local follow up of people who may have come into contact with someone who has the disease. More extensive tracing will start shortly. There will be an option for contacts to have daily tests rather than have to quarantine at home.
There may be a dedicated vaccination centre set up at the University of York when the programme moves on (possibly next week) to the 18 – 25 age group.
Consideration is being given to setting up a vaccinate hub in the City centre (although take up rates in the City are relatively high)
