Coronavirus York updates; 23rd July 2021.

Hospital patients and deaths

Test results

92 positive test results today. They bring the cumulative total up to 16,726.

Case numbers in the City fall by 39 from 1069 to 1030. The total is expected to fall below 1000 when results are updated tomorrow (Saturday)

The rate /100k population has fallen to 489.96. It is expected to fall further over the weekend.

There is more evidence today that case numbers may have peaked with the 7 day rolling average for the City now trending downwards.

Although there has been some speculation that the recent hot weather has meant that fewer people were meeting indoors, and hence that there were reduced infection opportunities, the same is also true of other parts of the country where infection levels continue to rise.

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

308 vaccinations were completed yesterday (Thursday)

Tests

  • 8701 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 18th July 2021
  • Of these, 12.1% were positive. This is lower that the 12.6% positivity rate found during the previous period
  • In addition, 2564 “lateral flow” tests were completed on 22nd July.

Council commentary

The Council has updated its weeklyopen data” commentary on the COVID-19 pandemic. It is reproduced here for ease of reference

he data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 23.07.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 20.7.21 there had been 55 total covid telephony triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 192 in the 7 day period to 22.9.20.

• As at 22.7.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 765 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,758 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 22.7.21 York has had 16,634 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 7,898 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (8,682) and regional (9,426) 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 (19.7.21) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.7.21 to 20.7.21 in York is 442.03 (931 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 22.7.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 11.7.21 to 17.7.21 in York was 507.6 (1,069 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 529.1 and 634.8 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 22.7.21).

• York is currently ranked 70th 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 10.7.21 to 17.7.21, the number of cases in each ward varied from 14 to 96 and rates varied from 329.7 to 1,293.4 per 100,000.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 11.7.21 to 17.7.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 141.2 (70 cases). The national and regional averages were 111.6 and 138.4 respectively. Case rates are highest in the following age ranges: 15-19 (1,235 per 100,000); 20-24 (825); 10-14 (704) and 25-29 (688).

• As at 20.7.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 15.91%. The national and regional averages are 16.4% and 19.6% respectively.

• As at 20.7.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.23%. The national and regional averages are 1.6% and 2.0% respectively.

• As at 20.7.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 1.7%. The national average is 2.4%.

• As at 16.7.21 York University reported 37 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 19.7.21 York St. John reported 4 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 16.7.21, 2,059 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 1,899 (92.2%) were successful and 160 (7.8%) 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 22.7.21 there were 6 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 of either a staff member or resident) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 22.7.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 19.7.21 there were 177 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 39 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 20.7.21 there were 18 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General/Acute beds. The previous figure was 15 on 13.7.21. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 20.7.21 there was 1 confirmed Covid-19 patient and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures were 2 and 0 on 13.7.21. 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 16.7.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.2 to 1.6. The previous estimate was (1.3 to 1.6) on 9.7.21.

Variants of Concern

• In the latest month for which data is available, 702 cases in York (with a specimen date between 18th June 2021 and 17th July 2021) had been processed in a laboratory which is able to carry out the required sequencing in order to identify Variants of Concern (VOC) or Variants under Investigation (VUI). Of these, there had been 699 cases (genomically confirmed or provisional genotyping) of the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 21.7.21 a total of 147,024 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 84.3% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York (ONS 2020)

• As at 21.7.21 a total of 109,639 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 62.9% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York (ONS 2020).

• Source: PHE Covid-19 Situational Awareness Explorer.

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. For both data sources a death from Covid-19 is said to have occurred when Covid-19 has been recorded on the death certificate. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 27: 3.7.21 to 9.7.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. There has been one recorded covid death between week 18 and week 27.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 9th July 2021 and registered up to 17th July 2021, 397 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 136 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.49 which is lower than the national average of 233.62

• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 40-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.4% were aged 75+ compared with 72.9% nationally). 47.9% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.

Coronavirus York updates: 22nd July 2021

Hospital patients and deaths

Test results

99 additional positive test results announced today. Brings total to 16,634.

The number of cases in the City has increased by 4 and now stands at 1069

The rate /100k population has edged up to 507.57 today. There is some evidence that this may be a peak and that case numbers may drop over the next few days

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

Only 169 vaccinations were completed yesterday (Wednesday)

Tests

  • 8663 PCR tests were undertaken during the week ending 17th July 2021
  • Of these, 12.6% were positive. That is an increase from the 12.4% positivity found during the previous period
  • 2937 “lateral flow” tests were also completed on 21st July 2021

Coronavirus York updates; 21st July 2021

Hospital patients and deaths

Two additional deaths reported today by the York Hospital Trust. One occurred on Monday and the other yesterday. They bring the total number of local fatalities up to 601

Test results

127 positive test results announced today. Bring the cumulative total up to 16,535.

An additional 64 cases have been found in the City. This brings the total up to 1065

The rate /100K population is now 505.68. That is the highest recorded during the current wave. It is expected to remain at around that level tomorrow before stabilising at just below 500 for the remainder of the week.

Infection rates in York are currently below the County, Regional and National averages

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

594 vaccinations were completed yesterday.

Tests

  • 8672 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 16th July 2021
  • Of these, 12.5% were positive. That s higher than the 11.8% positivity rate found during the previous period.
  • In addition 2131 “lateral flow” tests were undertaken on 20th July.

Coronavirus York updates; 20th July 2021

Hospital patients and deaths

Three more deaths were announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Two occurred on Thursday and one on Saturday. It means that there have been 5 fatalities during the last week. In total, the local COVID-19 death toll now stands at 599.

The number of COVID patients in hospital is rising.

Test results

122 positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total up to 16,408

75 additional cases in the City today. Brings total up to 1001.

The rate /100k population has risen to 475.29. Still trending to exceed 500 before the end of the week.

The infection rate in North Yorkshire and regional levels now exceed the case rate high set in January.

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

441 vaccinations were completed yesterday (Monday) That is the smallest daily number since mass vaccinations began. 15% of eligible York residents have not yet had their first jab.

NB. On Thursday 22 July, vaccination uptake for the UK, nations and Scottish local authorities will be updated to use the mid-2020 population estimates.

Tests

  • 8535 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 15th July 2021
  • Of these, 11.9% were positive. That is an increase from the 11.1% recorded during the previous period
  • In addition, 3185 “lateral flow” tests were completed on 19th July 2021.

Coronavirus York updates; 19th July 2021

Hospital patients and deaths

No further deaths over the weekend

Test results

107 positive test results announced today. That is the lowest for several days. The cumulative total is now 16,286.

The number of cases in the City has increased by 5 to 926.

The rate /100k population is now 439.68. The latest spike will start to show in tomorrows figures. By Wednesday the 500 milestone is likely to have been exceeded.

The infection rate in York (439.7) has now fallen below that being experienced in North Yorkshire (463.9) and the region (536.5). It remains above the England average (426.1).

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

870 vaccinations were competed yesterday (Sunday)

Tests

  • 8490 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 14th July 2021
  • Of these, 11.1% were positive. That is down on the 11.2% positivity rate recorded during the previous period
  • 3331 “lateral flow” tests were also completed on 18th July 2021.

Coronavirus York updates;18th July 2021

Test results

136 positive test results. Brings the cumulative total up to 16,179.

Case numbers in the City have fallen from 946 to 921

The rate /100k population falls to 437.3. However, a further spike is in the pipeline which will see the rate rise to over 482 on Wednesday

Neighbourhoods

The Dunnington/Elvington/Wheldrake neighbourhood infection rate has risen again. It is now in the highest, above 800, banding. The only other neighbourhood to have had such a high rate during the current surge in case numbers was Heslington/University. The authorities have offered no explanation for the Dunnington spike which has seen case numbers rise from 13 to 56 in a period of just 5 days. The neighbourhood has one of the highest vaccination rates in the City

Vaccinations

1139 vaccinations were undertaken yesterday (Saturday)

Tests

  • 8337 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 13th July 2021.
  • Of these, 11.2% were positive. That is less than the 11.5% positivity rate found during the previous period.
  • 1703 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 17th July 2021.

Coronavirus York 16th July 2021

Hospitals & Deaths

Two additional COVID-19 deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred on Wednesday. They are the first fatalities notified since the 30th June.

Test results

135 positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total up to 15,856

The number of cases in the City has increased from 861 to 876

The rate /100k population is now 415.94. A further increase is expected when tomorrows figures are confirmed.

Neighbourhoods

The highest infection rate is currently in the Foxwood North/Westfield/Chapelfields neighbourhood.

Vaccinations

661 vaccinations were completed yesterday (Thursday)

Tests

  • 8305 PCR tests were undertaken during the week ending 11th July 2021
  • Of these, 11.0% were positive. This is higher than the 10.6% positivity found during the previous period
  • In addition, 3464 “lateral flow” tests were undertaken on 14th July.

Council commentary

The York Council has updated its “open data” commentary on the pandemic

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 16.07.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 13.7.21 there had been 51 total covid telephony triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 192 in the 7 day period to 22.9.20.

• As at 15.7.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 671 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,756 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 15.7.21 York has had 15,721 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 7,464 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (8,162) and regional (8,809) 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 (12.7.21) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.7.21 to 13.7.21 in York is 430.6 (907 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 15.7.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 4.7.21 to 10.7.21 in York was 408.8 (861 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 350.3 and 463.4 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 15.7.21).

• York is currently ranked 104th 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 4.7.21.to 10.7.21, the number of cases in each ward varied from 14 to 72 and rates varied from 240.4 to 627.1 per 100,000.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 4.7.21 to 10.7.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 72.6 (36 cases). The national and regional averages were 70.6 and 95.8 respectively. Case rates are highest in the following age ranges: 15-19 (1,100 per 100,000); 20-24 (743); 10-14 (695) and 30-34 (626).

• As at 13.7.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 16.01%. The national and regional averages are 13.5% and 17.5% respectively.

• As at 13.7.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 1.38%. The national and regional averages are 1.3% and 1.8% respectively.

• As at 13.7.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 1.4%. The national average is 1.6%.

• As at 9.7.21 York University reported 110 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 12.6.21 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 9.7.21, 1,599 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 1,481 (92.6%) were successful and 118 (7.4%) 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 15.7.21 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 of either a staff member or resident) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 2.7.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 12.7.21 there were 158 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 39 different schools).

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 13.7.21 there were 15 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General/Acute beds. The previous figure was 15 on 7.7.21. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 13.7.21 there were 2 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures were 1 and 0 on 7.7.21. 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 9.7.21 was estimated to be in the range 1.3 to 1.6. The previous estimate was (1.2 to 1.4) on 2.7.21.

Variants of Concern

• In the latest month for which data is available, 792 cases in York (with a specimen date between 11th June 2021 and 10th July 2021) had been processed in a laboratory which is able to carry out the required sequencing in order to identify Variants of Concern (VOC) or Variants under Investigation (VUI). Of these, there had been 786 cases (genomically confirmed or provisional genotyping) of the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 14.7.21 a total of 146,162 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 83.8% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York (ONS 2020)

• As at 13.7.21 a total of 105,945 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 60.7% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York (ONS 2020).

• Source: PHE Covid-19 Situational Awareness Explorer.

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. For both data sources a death from Covid-19 is said to have occurred when Covid-19 has been recorded on the death certificate. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 26: 26.6.21 to 2.7.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. There has been one recorded covid death between week 18 and week 26.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 2nd July 2021 and registered up to 10th July 2021, 397 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 136 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.49 which is lower than the national average of 233.30

• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 40-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.4% were aged 75+ compared with 72.9% nationally). 47.9% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.

Freedom (to infect) Day?

This web site isn’t particularly impressed by the governments decision to end all legal restricitons on activities on Monday. We have the highest growth in infection levels in the world with growing numbers (nationally) being admitted to hospital. Death rates are also rising. The latest figures show that around 40% of those being admitted to hospital had been vaccinated.

The solution – to ensure maximum safety for the whole community – will have to be a local one. Much more is needed than the welcome – but inadequate – plea from political leaders that people be “kind” to each other.

  1. There must be a determined, high profile, effort to get more people vaccinated. That probably means taking the vaccinators to the patients rather than the other way round. Councillors have a major community role to play in such a process.
  2. A list of “drop in ” vaccination sites with opening hours should be maintained on a central web site and updated in real time. Any shortages (type of vaccine, staff) should be candidly reported
  3. The Council should support the use of “vaccine passports”. Although not favoured by some on civil liberties grounds, the sheer scale of the present problem requires compromises.
  4. Use of facemasks in public indoor areas should continue at least until case numbers reduce considerably.
  5. Access to busy indoor venues should be restricted (by the owners) to those who are double dosed and can produce proof of a recent negative test. Those venues imposing such conditions should be publicised. We beleive that there are many potential customers who would be encouraged to patronise a venue if it continued to be “COVID secure”.
  6. The local impact on the economy of workers self isolating following being “pinged” by the NHS App. should be reported regularly.
  7. More information should be provided each day on where and when infection contacts have occurred.
  8. The local authority must be pro-active and open in its plans for the new educational term. We cannot afford another spike in case numbers like the one that occurred last autumn.

Coronavirus York updates; 15th July 2021

Hospital patients and deaths

Test results

146 positive test results today. They bring the cumulative total up to 15,721

Case numbers have fallen from 878 to 861

The rate /100k population is 408.81. This is the lowest it is likely to be for some time. Cases in the pipeline mean that a rise to a rate of around 444.,4 is likely on Saturday.

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

510 vaccinations were completed in the City yesterday (first plus second jabs). That is the lowest figure for several weeks. It is understood this is due to a downturn in people coming forward for a vaccination, rather than any capacity issues.

In some parts of the City, as few as 60% have even had their first jab.

The authorities need a fresh approach. Possibly mobile “vax vans” could tour neighbourhoods with a low take up rate? Something certainly needs to be done to reinvigorate the vaccination campaign. We are only days away from a final relaxation of restricitons. The government predicts that infection rates will then soar. Vaccination remains the main bulwark against rising infection rates.

Tests

  • 8257 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 10th July 2021
  • Of these, 10.6% were positive. That is lower than the 10.7% positivity found during the previous period.
  • 3464 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 14th July.

Coronavirus York updates; 14th July 2021

Hospital patients and deaths

Test results

192 positive test results today. That is the highest single day total found since the January peak. The cumulative total is now 15,575

The number of cases in the City has increased from 871 to 878

The rate /100k population is now 412.14 but it is trending to reach at least 436 over the weekend.

Infection rates are starting to trend upwards again

Neighbourhoods

Vaccinations

596 vaccinations were completed yesterday (Tuesday). That is the lowest figure for over two months.

A particularly stupid example of vandalism. One of the direction signs for the Askham Bar vaccination centre has been obscured with paint. It could make access more difficult for people who may later owe their lives to a successful vaccination.

People can make their own decisions about whether to get a jab. Society in general will benefit from the highest possible levels of immunity

Damaged direction sign to the vax. centre on Tadcaster Road. Fortunately there is another sign further along the road.

Tests

  • 8323 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 9th July 2021.
  • Of these, 10.8% were positive. That is higher than the 10.7% positivity rate found during the previous period.
  • 2222 “lateral flow” tests were also completed on 13th July 2021

Coronavirus York updates; 13th July 2021

Hospital patients and deaths

The latest government figures covering the period up to 2nd July, confirm that there have been no further York resident deaths in any setting. The cumulative COVID fatalities total remains at 379

Test results

127 positive test results today. Brings cumulative total up to 15,383.

The number of cases in the City has reduced from 876 to 871

The rate /100k population falls to 413.56. the upward trend has leveled off.

Neighbourhoods

15 of York’s 24 neighbourhoods are now recording very high coronavirus case levels.

Some areas are seeing their highest ever infection rates – exceeding both the autumn and winter peaks.

Vaccinations

738 vaccinations were completed yesterday (Monday).

The vaccination rate in York has slowed during recent days

Tests

  • 8268 PCR test were conducted during the week ending 8th July 2021.
  • Of these 10.8% were positive. That is the highest positivity rate recorded during the present surge in case numbers in the City
  • In addition, 3154 “lateral flow” test were conducted on 12th July