Coronavirus York updates; 26th February 2021

Deaths

One further hospital death has been announced.

It took place on Tuesday

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

Test results

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

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

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

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

The York increase since yesterday represents an additional 8 cases.

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

Neighbourhoods

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

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

Vaccinations

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

Vaccinations by neighbourhood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tests

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

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

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

Hospitals

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

The peak number of patients was 242 last month.

11 are in intensive care

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

Council commentary

The Council has updated its weekly commentary on the pandemic.

It is reproduced below for ease of access.

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

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 22.2.21 there had been 77 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 653 in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.

• As at 25.2.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 225.4 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,653 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

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

• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the no. of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (22.2.21) is Green.

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

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

• York is currently ranked 29th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.

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

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

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

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

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

• As at 25.2.21 York University reported 9 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.

• As at 22.2.21 York St. John reported 1 individual within the University community who was currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 10,926 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 9,849 of the cases have been completed (90.1%). 25,408 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 19,152 of these have been completed (75.4%). Source: PHE Report.

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

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 25.2.21 there were 5 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

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

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

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

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

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

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

Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital

• Between 15.2.21 and 21.2.21, 18 CYC residents were discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection.

R Number

• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 19.2.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 0.9) on 12.2.21.

Total Vaccinations

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

• As at 24.2.21 15.79M In people in England have received the first dose and 0.54M have received both doses. 28.1% of the total estimated population of England (56,286,961) have therefore received the first dose using Mid-Year 2019 population estimates

Deaths

The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it enables a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 6: 6.2.21 to 12.2.21) 10 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (7 in hospital and 3 in a care home). In weeks 3, 4 and 5 there had been 31, 26 and 18 deaths respectively.

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

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 17.2.21), a cumulative total of 348 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.3, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (80.5% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.9% nationally). 167 of the 348 were male (48%), less than the national average (54.3%)”.

Coronavirus York updates; 25th February 2021

Deaths

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

Test results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neighbourhoods

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

Five neighbourhoods have below 3 cases in each

Vaccinations

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

Tests

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

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

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

Hospitals

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

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

Coronavirus York updates; 24th February 2021

Deaths

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

The local hospital death rate continues to decline.

York residents deaths

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

Ten deaths occurred during the latest week.

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

The previous week had seen 17 fatalities.

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

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

Test results

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

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

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

Neighbourhoods

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

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

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

Vaccinations

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

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

Tests

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

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

1120 lateral flow tests were carried out on 23rd February

York Minster

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

Coronavirus York updates; 23rd February 2021

Deaths

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

Test Results

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

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

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

The current case number spike is not without precedent.

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

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

Neighbourhoods

Now five neighbourhoods have fewer than 3 cases in each.

Figures are quite volatile

Vaccinations

Tests

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

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

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

Hospitals

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

11 Covid patients are being treated in intensive care.

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

Coronavirus York updates; 22nd February 2021

Deaths

Good news as, for the second consecutive day, the York Hospital Trust announces that there have been no local COVID-19 deaths

Test results

TWENTY-EIGHT positive test results were announced today. This brings the cumulative case total to 11,749.

The rate /100k population figure has increased to 68.4 (66,90 yesterday). This spike was anticipated and represents an increase in case numbers from 139 to 144.

Case numbers in York are not forecast now to fall until the end of the week

There have been similar increases at county and regional level. The blip is unfortunate given the plan (see below) to ease Lockdown restrictions The total case figures for England did reduce.

The average daily number of cases, which we are seeing now, continues to closely mirror the trends seen at the end of Lockdown 2 in early December.

Neighbourhoods

The spike in numbers means that four neighbourhoods are now above the 100 case rate threshold.

On the other hand, we now have four areas with fewer than 3 cases in each!

Vaccinations

Tests

4477 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 17th February.

Of these, 3.4% were found to be positive (the same as yesterday)

1545 “lateral flow” test were carried out on 21st February

Lockdown changes

According to the government, the unlocking will be done in stages.

Step One: 8 March and 29 March

8 March

• All schools and colleges in England will reopen, while all childcare can resume

• Secondary school pupils will have to wear facemasks initially while staff in all schools are advised to wear masks.

• All secondary and college pupils will be tested twice a week

• One person will be able to meet one other person from another household outside for recreation, not just exercise

• This includes meeting in private gardens and will mean two people can meet for a picnic or sit on a bench with a coffee but they cannot play tennis or golf

• Care home residents will be allowed one named visitor.

29 March

• Up to six people from different households or a larger group from two households can meet outside, including in private gardens

• Outdoor sports facilities can reopen and organised outdoor sports can take place for children and adults

• From this point, the government will drop the “Stay at Home” message and will instead encourage people to stay local wherever they can

• People will still have to work from home where possible and no overseas travel, apart from necessary work, will be allowed.

Step Two: 12 April

• After the school Easter holidays, non-essential retail, including hairdressers and beauty salons, can reopen

• Libraries, museums, zoos, theme parks and gyms can open – but no indoor mixing of different households allowed

• Outdoor hospitality can reopen, including pubs and restaurants – with the rule of six or a larger group from two households

• Customers will not have to buy a substantial meal to have an alcoholic drink and there will be no curfew but people will have to be seated when ordering and eating or drinking

• Self-catering holidays in the UK with your own household will be allowed

• Funerals of up to 30 people, wakes of up to 15 people.

Step Three: 17 May

• Outdoors, most social contact rules will be lifted, but gatherings of more than 30 will be illegal

• Indoors, the rule of six or a larger group of up to two households will be allowed

• Indoor hospitality – pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, children play areas, hotels, B&Bs, indoor exercise classes – will be allowed

• Large indoor performances and sporting events with a capacity of 1,000 people will be allowed

• Outdoor large performances and sporting events will have a maximum capacity of 4,000 people or must only be half full, whichever is lower

• Bigger sports stadiums will be allowed 10,000 people or can only be a quarter full, whichever is lower

• Testing will be used to support these openings

• Weddings, wedding receptions, wakes, funerals and christenings will be allowed 30 people.

Step Four: 21 June

• All legal limits on social contact removed

• Government hopes to reopen nightclubs and lift restrictions on large events such as festivals

• Testing could be used as a condition of entry

• Ministers hope to remove restrictions on weddings

  • amateur sport can start up again

Coronavirus York updates; 21st February 2021

D

Deaths

No deaths have been reported by the York Hospital Trust today

This means that the daily average hospital death rate has fallen from a peak of six on 21st January to two today.

The death rate is expected to continue to fall.

Test Results

Twenty-nine additional positive test results were announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 11,721.

The rate /100k population figure has fallen to 66.0.

However, infection numbers in the pipeline are showing a small spike.

This means that the rate will increase tomorrow and it may be towards the end of the week before a further fall in the rate could be expected.

The rate, compared to the decline seen towards the end of the second wave of infections, continues to follow a broadly similar trajectory (including short term spikes in infection numbers).

It isn’t just York that faces an occasional spike in case numbers. Infection rates have increased at both county and regional level today.

Neighbourhoods

Goods news today with only two neighbourhoods now above the 100 case rate benchmark.

There are currently 139 cases in the City. This is the lowest number recorded since 12th December 2020

This may be as good as it gets for a few days because of the spike in case numbers which are in the pipeline (see above).

It is also unclear whether the half term holiday, and recent good weather, may also have an impact

Vaccinations

Around 33% of adults in the UK have now been offered their first COVID-19 vaccination. Full coverage is now expected to be achieved by July.

People aged 64 are set to be contacted this week. click

'The NHS COVID vaccination campaign continues full steam ahead - letters inviting everyone aged 65 to 69 went out a week ago, and already over two thirds of them have had their first COVID vaccination.' - Sir Simon Stevens, NHS Chief Executive

Tests

4475 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 16th February.

Of these 3.4 % were positive. This represents a further fall in positivity numbers.

622 lateral flow test were conducted on 20th February

Thanet Road

Symptom-free Covid testing is available again at the Acorn Rugby Club car park on Thanet Road on Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd February, 9am to 3pm.

You will be able to book a test from the evening of Sunday 21st February at www.nhs.uk/Coronavirus and selecting the option that you were asked to attend by your local council.

Coronavirus York updates; 20th February 2021

Deaths

Five deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. However there has been some “catching up” done, with 3 of the fatalities having occurred in January but only now being reported.

Two local hospital COVID-19 deaths occurred on Thursday

Test results

THIRTY TWO positive test results announced today. That is the largest single day figure for over a week. Brings the cumulative case total to 11,692

The rate /100k population has fallen to 74.07. That is the lowest figure seen since 14th December 2020.

A further fall is expected tomorrow, although the case number spike may then delay further improvements for a couple of days.

The spike in case numbers mainly comes from the results of tests carried out on Wednesday and Thursday. It mans that the daily average number of new cases may stall at around 20 for a short time. Something similar happened towards the end of Lockdown 2 (see below)

The authrities may be looking anxiously to see whether any increased social mixing over the half term has an effect on next weeks figures.

While national and City figures continue to show a gradual decline, regional figures are remaining stubbornly high.

Neighbourhoods

Only one neighbourhood (Holgate East) currently has a infection rate (marginally) above the English average.

Vaccinations

Tests

4536 PCR test were carried out during the week ending 15th February.

3.7% of the tests produced a positive result. That is the lowest positivity rate recorded since 12th December 2020

907 “lateral flow” test were conducted on 19th February

Council urges residents not to be complacent as rates fall

The York Council issued the following statement yesterday (Friday). Please note the figures quoted are no longer the latest available.

“As the number of Coronavirus cases across the city continues to fall, City of York Council is thanking residents and businesses for their continued efforts and asking them to keep going.

The latest local data:

  • The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.2.21 to 13.2.21 was 86.4. The national and regional averages at this date were 137.8 and 152 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.2.21)
  • As at 17.2.21 54,289 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,077 had received both doses. 

With daylight lasting longer and the weather starting to warm up City of York Council is asking everyone to keep up their efforts and continue to follow the national restrictions to keep the people we love safe.

This includes not gathering in groups when exercising, as crowds give the virus the chance to spread.

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

Our collective efforts are making a difference and is saving lives, so thank you for all you are doing.

“We cannot afford to let our guard down and must keep going. We know this is incredibly challenging, so please continue to keep in touch with friends and family and look after each other. The Council’s helpline is there for anyone who needs it, get in touch on 01904 551550 or by emailing COVID19help@york.gov.uk.

“The success of the vaccine rollout offers us real hope that better times are around the corner. Until then let’s keep going and look after each other.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health at City of York Council said:  

Whilst we have seen a significant fall in the rate of infection thanks to everyone’s efforts, case rates are still higher than we would like. The fewer cases we have means less pressure on our hospital and fewer families worried about what is happening to someone they love.

“The way we are all behaving is making a massive difference, so thank you. Keeping our distance, wearing a face covering and washing our hands regularly gives the virus less chance to spread.

“These restrictions are challenging for us all, please continue to look after yourself and each other. Exercise and fresh air can improve our physical and mental health, as can catching up with friends and family online.

Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic and chairs the multi-agency North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, urged people to avoid gathering in the public spaces in and around York. He said: 

We’re still in a precarious position as the infection rate can fluctuate. We must continue to do all we can to abide by the health protection regulations which are designed to limit the spread of the virus. 

“This is not the time to become complacent about the virus. We’ve got to keep going and make sure all the hard work and sacrifice has been for the worthwhile purpose – protecting our loved ones and returning to the lifestyle we have taken for granted in the past. 

“As for the reckless minority who think the regulations do not apply to them, we will continue to actively target these blatant breaches, while providing a highly-visible and reassuring presence for the wider community who are doing the right thing and helping to tackle this public health crisis.”

Reporting suspected breaches of the health protection regulations

Incidents should primarily be reported via the home page of the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101.

Shielding update

Earlier this week, government research identified more individuals who may be at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell from coronavirus and are being asked to shield, which will affect a number of residents in the city. These individuals should soon be receiving a letter from the government and the council will be in touch too. Our COVID helpline remains open to help anyone who needs it, whether that is collecting food or prescriptions or someone to talk to. The helpline is contactable on 01904 551550 or by emailing COVID19help@york.gov.uk. 

The latest update of data for York is available online. “

Coronavirus York updates; 19th February 2021

Deaths

One hospital death reported today. It occurred on Wednesday.

The death rate is beginning to fall again after a spike earlier in the week.

Test results

NINETEEN additional positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total to 11,660

The rate /100k population figure has today resumed its downward trend. It now stands at 80.24. That is the lowest infection rate recorded since 14th December 2020.

The comparative case rate figures between Lockdown 2 and Lockdown 3 (current) have been updated.

It may be worth noting that there were inconsistent days during and immediately after the end of Lockdown 2 with some short term spikes in numbers.

This may happen again as we reach the end of Lockdown 3.

Infection rates continue to fall at all levels. They are falling more slowly at Yorkshire regional level than elsewhere.

Neighbourhoods

We now have six neigbourhoods with infection rates below 50.

Haxby is currently recording only 2 cases.

Vaccinations

The York Council is reporting (see below) that 25% of residents have now been vaccinated (first dose).

Tests

During the week ending 14th February, 4416 people in York took PCR tests.

Of those, 4.1% were positive.

861 lateral flow tests were conducted on 18th February

Hospital

There were 79 COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust on 16th February. 11 were in intensive care

Council commentary updated

The York Councils commentary on the pandemic has been updated on its “open data” website. It is reproduced below for convenience

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 19.02.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 15.2.21 there had been 91 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 18.2.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 212.3 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,681 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 17.2.21 York has had 11,641 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,527 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,356) and regional (6,265) 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 (16.2.21) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 10.2.21 to 16.2.21 in York is 65.5 (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.2.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.2.21 to 13.2.21 was 86.4. The national and regional averages at this date were 137.8 and 152 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.2.21).

• York is currently ranked 23rd 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 6.2.21.to 12.2.21, 5 wards in York (Huntington & New Earswick, Westfield, Acomb, Micklegate and Copmanthorpe) have seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 30.1.21 to 5.2.21. For the remaining wards there has been no statistically significant change in rates. No wards have seen a significant increase in rates in this period.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.2.21 to 13.2.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 64.6. The national and regional averages were 102.7 and 101.4 respectively.

• As at 15.2.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 4.15%. The national and regional averages are 5.9% and 7.1% respectively.

• As at 15.2.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.41%. The national and regional averages are 0.3% and 0.3% respectively.

• As at 16.2.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 2.8%. The national average is 4.0%.

• As at 18.2.21 York University reported 8 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 15.2.21 York St. John reported 7 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 10,744 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 9,678 of the cases have been completed (90.1%). 25,070 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 18,842 of these have been completed (75.2%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 12.2.21, 905 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 578 (63.9%) were successful and 327 (36.1%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 18.2.21 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) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 15.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 14.2.21 there were 8 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive. NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 17.2.21 there were 55 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The figure a week ago (10.2.21) was 85.

• As at 17.2.21 there were 9 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The figures a week ago (10.2.21) were 13 and 0 respectively.

• As at 17.2.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 2 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 17.2.21 there had been 5 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital

• Between 8.2.21 and 14.2.21, 36 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 12.2.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 0.9. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 5.2.21.

Vaccinations

• As at 17.2.21 54,289 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,077 had received both doses.

Deaths

The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data is useful as it enables a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 5: 30.1.20 to 5.2.20) 17 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (12 in hospital and 5 in a care home). In weeks 3 and 4 there had been 31 and 26 deaths respectively).

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 5th February 2021 and registered up to 13th February 2021, 337 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (196 in hospital, 116 in care homes, 18 at home and 7 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 160 which is lower than the national average of 198.4.

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 10.2.21), a cumulative total of 329 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 82.5, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (80.5% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 74.1% nationally). 154 of the 329 were male (47.7%), less than the national average (54.3%).

Coronavirus York updates; 18th February 2021

Where next?

The Prime Minister has promised to publish a road map, which will guide the nation out of lockdown, on Monday.

He is (rightly) downplaying the likelihood of a major early relaxation of restrictions.

It seems certain though that – on present trends – schools will reopen to all pupils in early March. The reopening plan is likely to involve regular testing of staff and teachers.

The table below compares the daily average number of new coronavirus cases being found during the two most recent periods of lockdown in the City (November compared to the present day)

The reducing case number profile is remarkably similar for both periods.

If the pattern continues, daily case numbers would fall below 20 before the beginning of March.

There is a warning for the future in what happened after lockdown 2 ended on 2nd December 2020, when more lax Tier 2 restrictions were put in place.

Case numbers continued to drop for about a week.

Thereafter, they rose increasingly quickly before peaking at 202.14 on 8th January 2021.

It has been a long and stressful road back from that point. It is progress which must not be put at risk.

Deaths

Three additional hospital deaths have been reported today. One occurred on Monday and two on Tuesday. The cumulative total number of fatalities at the York and Scarborough Hospitals since 1st September 2020 has risen to 339.

Test results

Nineteen new positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 11,641.

As forecast there, has been a small increase in the case rate /100k population today. It has risen to 86.42

It is expected that the rate will resume its downward trend tomorrow.

Despite todays blip, York remains below the county, regional and national average infection rates.

Neighbourhoods

Todays blip has caused some neighbourhoods to move between blocks but no significant effect.

Haxby, which was for a time the area with the largest number of infections, now has fewer than three cases.

Vaccinations

Testing

4,445 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 13th February.

Of these, 4.5% produced positive results.

The positivity rate continues to fall.

878 lateral flow tests were conducted on 17th February

Hospitals

The York Hospital Trust is now caring for 96 Coronavirus patients. This is down from a peak of 242 seen at the end of January

COVID-19 antibodies

According to the latest government figures issued today the number of people tested who have coronavirus anti bodies in the system has increased to 18.5%. (5th January – 1st February 2021)

When the tests started last April, only 7.5% recorded anti bodies.

Infections

Imperial College London’s React study, which tested more than 85,000 people in England between February 4 and 13, suggests infections have dropped to just one in 200 people.

The study suggested infections are halving every 15 days, and the R number – which expresses how many people the average infected individual spreads the virus to – is at 0.72.

Coronavirus York updates; 17th February 2021

Deaths

One hospital death reported, It occurred on Monday.

The latest figures, relating to the deaths of York residents from COVID-19, have been published by ONS.

They reveal that there were 17 fatalities during the week ending 5th February.

12 of these were in hospitals and 5 in care homes.

Along with other data, the figures confirm that death rates are now falling in the City.

Test Results

Seventeen additional positive test results have been announced. Brings the cumulative case total up to 11,622

The rate /100k population has fallen to 85.47.

It is expected to level off tomorrow before starting to fall again later in the week.

The infection rate in North Yorkshire has now fallen below the 100 case benchmark. It remains above the York rate.

Neighbourhoods

No significant changes today with most neighbourhoods now recording below average rates of infection.

Vaccinations

Tests

4515 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 12th February 2021.

Of these tests, 4.4% were positive. The positivity rate peaked at 18.2 % on 3rd January 2021.

875 lateral flow tests were carried out on Tuesday 16th February

Hospitals

There are currently 103 COVID-19 patients in the York hospital. 9 are in intensive care