Coronavirus York updates; 29th January 2021

Deaths

THREE additional hospital deaths have been announced. One occurred on Tuesday and two on Wednesday.

Test results

SEVENTY TWO additional positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total number of cases in the City to 10,991

It seems that the rate of decline in infection levels may now be slowing. This feature was also seen in the middle of November when the post second wave decline in numbers markedly slowed.

Three weeks later it bottomed out at, a seven day average of, 17.4 (57.93 rate /100k population figure).

The infection rate now stands at 256.40 – down from the 269.22 seen yesterday

The rate in York is below the national average and on current trends will go below the regional average early next week. The number of cases in North Yorkshire is falling at a similar rate to York

Neighbourhoods

Five neighbourhoods with a case rate lower than 200.

Dunnington is now falling quickly towards the 100 case benchmark.

Vaccinations

National
Regional
York

According to one York GP practice, they are updating the local vaccination figures on their web site and social media channels. That would be a step in the right direction as communications on the progress being made each day, on vaccinating the four priority groups, is difficult to find.

& from Nimbuscare

Transmission Stats

Council commentary updates

The York Council has updated the following commentary on the pandemic on the open data web site. (NB. Sadly the Council is still referring to MSOA neighbourhoods as “wards”. The boundaries of the MSOAs are very different from ward boundaries).

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 25.1.21 there had been 225 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 27.1.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 545.7 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,789 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 28.1.21 York has had 10,919 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,184.3 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (5,817.3 and regional (5,752) 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 (25.1.21) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 20.1.21 to 26.1.21 in York is 208.9 (using data published on Gov.uk on 28.1.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 17.1.21 to 23.1.21 was 269.2. The national and regional averages at this date were 373.2 and 242.3 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 28.1.21).

• York is currently ranked 35th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.

• For the 7 day period 16.1.21.to 22.1.21, 9 wards in York (Acomb, Westfield, Rawcliffe & Clifton Without, Strensall, Haxby & Wiggington, Clifton, Osbaldwick & Derwent, Heworth and Guildhall) have seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 9.1.21 to 15.1.21. For the remaining wards there has been no statistically significant change in rates. No wards have seen a significant increase in rates.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 17.1.21 to 23.1.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 232. The national and regional averages were 294.5 and 190.4 respectively.

• As at 25.1.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 9.61%. The national and regional averages are 11.9% and 9.1% respectively.

• As at 25.1.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.54%. The national and regional averages are 0.7% and 0.4% respectively.

• As at 25.1.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 11.3%. The national and regional averages were 13.2% and 9.8% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 9.5% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 11.8% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE

• As at 28.1.21 York University reported 29 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 25.1.21 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

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 9,953 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 8,940 of the cases have been completed (89.8%). 23,683 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 17,540 of these have been completed (74.1%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 22.1.21, 804 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 775 of the referrals (96.4%) have been actioned and 29 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 519 (67%) were successful and 256 (33%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Settings / Schools

• As at 27.1.21 there were 13 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 28.1.21 (1 home).

• In the 7 days up to 24.1.21 there were 30 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 19 different schools). NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 26.1.21 there were 156 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 25.1.21 was 148

• As at 26.1.21 there were 7 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 25.1.21 were 8 and 0 respectively.

• As at 26.1.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 4 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 26.1.21 there had been 10 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours

Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital

• Between 18.1.21 and 24.1.21, 56 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 22.1.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (1.1 to 1.3) on 15.1.21.

Vaccinations

• As at 26.1.21 26,294 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,017 had received both doses. 10,281 people over 80 have received the first dose. This represents 90.7% of the estimated number of people aged over 80 in York (11,334 people). 708 people aged 65+ who live in care homes have received the first dose.

• In England between 8.12.20 and 27.1.20, 6,918,853 vaccinations had been administered (6,473,752 first dose and 445,101 second dose).

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 week (9.1.20 to 15.1.20) 25 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (18 in hospital, 1 at home and 6 in a care home).

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 15th January 2020 and registered up to 23rd January 2021, 263 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (146 in hospital, 97 in care homes, 14 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 124.9 which is lower than the national average of 157.6.

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 20.1.21), a cumulative total of 273 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 82.6, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 133 of the 273 were male (48.7%), less than the national average (54.9%). 95 people (34.8%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 24%). In addition 22 people (8.06%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.

Coronavirus York updates; 13th January 2021

Deaths

FIVE (5) more Coronavirus deaths were announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred yesterday, three on Monday and one on Sunday.

The death toll on 10th January, at eight, is the joint highest single day figure seen since the spring.

Test results

TWO HUNDRED (200) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative figure up to 9593.

The rate /100k population has now peaked at 670.91. It is expected to trend back down to around 600 by the end of the week.

During the week ending 8th January case numbers increased at all levels. York remains above the national average.

However, the rate of increase in case numbers in the City has slowed over the last week.

There is a reasonable expectation that case numbers will now start to fall.

Neighbourhoods

The 1413 cases total (w/e 8th Jan) was the highest total recorded in the City

The western suburbs continued to be badly affected.

Vaccinations

As at 12th January 2,639,309 people in England had received first dose COVID vaccinations.

York figures have not yet been published (but understood to be over 10,000)

Test site to remain open

We understand that the mobile test site, currently occupying the Acorn Rugby Club Car Park on Thanet Road, will remain open for another week (except Friday) . Organisers say that over 1000 test have been carried out at teh site over the last week.

COVID testing site on Thanet Road

Details here https://www.facebook.com/FoxwoodResidentsAssociation/posts/4347088398651076

York Wheels Community Transport

York Wheels have written to local Councillors giving the following information

“Here at York wheel we run 2 services with the support of York City Council.

  1. York Wheel – Volunteer car scheme community transport – for a small fee we take customers to hospital/dentist/podiatry appoints and are currently working with Nimbus (Askham Bar COVID centre) to assist in the transport of the elderly to the facility to enable ALL to have their COVID injection.   A small charge is made to cover the drivers fuel (approx. 50% less than a taxi)
  2. Dial & Ride – Mini bus service which takes customers to the main supermarkets – enabling them to keep their independence and to travel is groups of 6 safely to the supermarkets – the cost if £3.30 return of they hold a York City Bus Pass.

The customer must be eligible to travel on the above schemes and this entails been a York residence, been elderly, disabled or unable to travel on public transport for both schemes. The mini buses are also fitted to enable wheelchair users to access the vehicles whilst still in their wheelchairs.

Usually we are open for other appointments but during COVID times we are currently only carry out necessary journeys under government rules. Finally due to the current situation we are a cashless office and at the time of booking the car scheme customers pay in advance via card. On the mini bus service they are able to use card for payment of the journey as each bus carries their own card machine.

Please feel free to pass our details to your constituents and local GPs etc. and we will assist were possible.

  • For the car scheme York Wheels call 01904 630080
  • For Dial & Ride please call 01904 551441

The charity has been working to help the residents of York for over 35 years and all our drivers are DRS checked and carry out thorough PPE both during and after journeys”.

Support key workers by following the rules say authorities

This Thursday (14 January), many across the country will join in the ‘Clap for Heroes’ at 8pm to celebrate the hard work of those on the front line.

This week, council leaders are asking residents in York to show their continued support and respect of our key workers by following public health guidance and helping ease the pressure on the NHS.

Over the last month, coronavirus cases in York have increased significantly, and residents are being asked to stay local, stay at home as much as possible, and help stop the spread of the virus. The latest validated rate of new Covid cases at 7 January was 637.6 per 100,000, above the regional average of 322.8 and the national average of 629.9.

Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said:

We have all been incredibly grateful to key workers for their amazing efforts, not just this lockdown, but throughout much of 2020. With case numbers continuing to rise, it is now more important than ever that we all do everything we can to stop the spread and keep each other safe.

“I remain ever thankful for the hard work and sacrifices made by our key workers and I know that many residents will  agree that the best way to truly demonstrate our thanks is to make sure that we avoid making their jobs even harder at this difficult time.”

“We know lockdown has been incredibly difficult for many, and I would urge anyone that needs support to get in touch with the Council Covid support team by covid19help@york.gov.uk or calling 01904 551550.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said:

the best thing any of us can do to support our key workers is to follow the guidance and stay at home. Last year the ‘Clap for Carers’ campaign was a great demonstration of the gratitude we all feel for those working on the front line.

“People working in a huge range of sectors have worked hard to make sure we can all continue to stay home to stay safe and therefore, we must not make their jobs any more difficult at this point by not following the latest national guidance. So I would encourage everyone not to leave their homes, unless it’s essential and remember to wash our hands, wear a face mask and keep a safe distance from others.

Wendy Scott, Chief Operating Officer for York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said:

the number of Covid-positive patients being admitted, and the rapid rise in number of cases, means that our hospitals are under growing pressure. The number of Covid-positive patients in hospital is now significantly higher than the number we experienced in the first wave.

“Our staff are doing an outstanding job responding to the pandemic; however it is absolutely vital that we all play a part in reducing the spread of the virus by complying with the lockdown restrictions and by following the health guidance of Hands, Face, Space.

“The emergency departments in both of our hospitals are also extremely busy.  Please help us to help you by only using A&E for emergencies that are life or limb-threatening.  If you are unsure about what to do, please consult NHS 111 first (by phone or online) to help you get the right service.”

Covid marshalls continue supporting city to be safe in lockdown

To continue supporting covid safety measures during lockdown, the council’s covid support marshalls are working in outlying areas to advise businesses and residents in lockdown.

Following the Government’s announcement for England to go into lockdown, the marshalls are helping to encourage people not to mix but to stay in household or bubble groups while keeping 2 metres distance. They are now adding new areas of the city to their rounds to lend their support, such as at popular walking spots, supermarkets and testing sites.


The marshalls will visit outlying shopping areas to add to the 525 city centre businesses they’ve already helped to implement and maintain covid-safe measures. This work builds on action begun by the council’s Environmental Health and Licensing teams. It includes helping shops and takeaways to manage queues, to display Trace and Test QR codes and to maintain hand sanitation stations.


The team has already advised 410 groups of people in the city centre. This included asking them to keep two metres apart and if they’re from the same household, to giving out 105 items of PPE including hand sanitiser, masks and information.

The marshalls have also been picking up dropped face masks which can present a health hazard. So far they’ve picked up and safely disposed of 510 face masks.


Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said:

“The marshalls’ work continues to be invaluable in ensuring that social distancing and face-coverings continue to be observed within businesses currently allowed to open.

“It is vital that people feel confident that others around them are following the necessary steps to reduce the spread of Covid-19.”


Councillor Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods, said:

“It is crucial now that we all do everything we can to minimise our contact with others, in order to save lives and protect the NHS, and our marshalls are supporting the city do just that.