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 updates; 17th July 2021

Test results

187 positive test results today. The cumulative total is now 16,043,

Cases in York are up by 70 compared to yesterday

The rate /100k population rises from 414.84 yesterday to 448.70 today.

Infection rates are now higher than was seen last autumn and are currently increasing quiet sharply.

They remain below the peak of 670.9 which was recorded on 8th January 2021

Neighbourhoods

Case numbers have doubled in the Dunnington/Elvington/Wheldrake neighbourhood since the previous report.

Vaccinations

628 vaccinations were competed yesterday ( Friday)

Tests

  • 8187 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 12th July 2021.
  • Of these, 11.8% were positive. That represents an increase on the 11% positivity rate found during the previous period
  • In addition, 2424 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 16th July 2021.

New testing arrangements

A new testing site has been established in York “to help the city stay safe”

As the country moves to Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap, City of York Council is opening a new testing site in the city to help keep people safe, as well as continuing work in communities.

A new testing centre is opening at the Pavilion of the Rawcliffe Recreation Association. The site will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 4.30pm and people will be able to get tested in person or to collect.

The new testing centre joins five other council run testing sites in the city, with residents also able to get testing kits online or at a local pharmacy. As the country moves to the next stage of the roadmap, city leaders are asking people to get regular symptom-free tests, so the virus isn’t spread unknowingly to friends and family.

How to get a testing kit in York:

Visit a City of York Council testing centre

These are at

  • Acomb Explore Library (same opening times as before)
  • Foxwood Community Centre (same opening times as before)
  • St William’s College (same opening times as before)
  • University of York, now open 12-4pm Monday to Friday
  • York St John University – Opening times have changed to 8am to 2.30 Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Sat/Sun.

Please note that the University of York and York St John University centres have moved to different rooms next to their original location.

Community work

We are expanding our community offer which has seen us hand out testing kits in communities across the city. Going door to door offering kits has enabled our staff to have conversations with local people about the importance of getting tested and vaccinated, together with information of how to get more test kits. In the coming weeks we will be in Heworth and Clifton and Rawcliffe. The list of the next streets we will be visiting is available at: Symptom-free coronavirus testing – City of York Council.

As well as this work the council will be:

  • Offering collection points at foodbanks throughout the city  
  • Working to add more collection points in communities across York
  • Handing out testing kits at the mass vaccination centre
Other ways to get tested

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council:

“With confirmation that we are moving to Step 4 of the roadmap on Monday, we are working hard to ensure that residents have easy access to symptom-free Covid tests throughout the sumnmer. Getting tested regularly is something we can all do to help stop the virus from spreading and with rates of infection being higher than we would like, it will help keep our friends and family safe as we enjoy what York has to offer.

“As ever, we are hugely grateful to partners across the city for their support, as well as local residents and businesses. Our response to the pandemic has truly been a citywide effort, so if you haven’t already received a testing kit, then please get in touch and join the thousands across the city receiving regular resting.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health said:

“Getting tested is quick and easy and something we can all do to help in the fight against COVID-19.

“We want as many people to be able to easily access tests as possible and know how they can get more. Regular testing will help us all have better summers and reduce case rates by stopping the virus from spreading to others.

“It is still important as we make the move to step four. Getting tested regularly, including before seeing friends and family will help protect them. If the result is negative and you can go out, we are still asking people to take those extra precautions, including fresh air and wearing a face covering in busy indoor spaces.“

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; 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

Coronavirus York updates; 12th July 2021

Stop Press

The media are reporting that Fulford school is closing because of a very high level of COVID infections and contacts.

There are 107 cases among York school pupils

York hospital and primary care is under “immense pressure,” says public health director Sharon Stoltz at a York Council meeting this evening. She says healthcare staff are demoralised and worried about another wave. “Many are off work with COVID, self-isolating, caring for children who are self isolating or off sick with mental health problems”

Change to government policy for relaxations on 19th July

The guidance for vulnerable people has been updated (click link)

Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The government is changing its stance on the removal of restrictions on 19th July.

  • After July 19 businesses and large events will be “supported and encouraged to use certification in high risk settings to help limit the spread of infections in their venues”. Certification will involve asking attendees to prove their vaccination status by showing the NHS app; showing a NHS text or email proving they have had a recent negative lateral flow test in the past 48 hours; or showing a positive PCR test within the last six months suggesting they will have immunity from the virus.
  • New guidance will also be issued for people who are clinically vulnerablewhich will encourage them to meet others outside and to check the vaccination status of their social contacts. 
  • the Government will “recommend” that people in England continue to wear face coverings in crowded areas, such as on public transport. It is understood the guidance will apply to indoor settings that are less likely to be ventilated and where people are likely to come across others with whom they do not normally mix.
  • Under updated guidance, the instruction to “work from home” will be lifted on July 19, but businesses will be told to avoid allowing all staff to return at once, “We expect and recommend a gradual return to the workplace over the summer.”

Hospital patient numbers and deaths

Hospital patients numbers edging up. Now two in intensive care.

Test results

130 new positive test results today. Brings cumulative total up to 15,126

The number of cases in the City has risen from 854 to 876

The rate /100k population has increased to 415.94.

The infection rate has leveled off but is not yet showing any signs of a sustained fall

The infection rate in York has now fallen below the regional average. It remains above the national average

Neighbourhoods

The Heslington/University neighbourhood is no longer in the above 400 infection rate banding.

11 neighbourhoods now have very high infection levels

Vaccinations

606 vaccinations were completed yesterday (Sunday)

A significant milestone was passed, with more than 60% of York residents now having received both their first and second doses.

Tests

  • 8238 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 7th July 2021.
  • Of these, 10.6% were positive. That is more tha the 10.4% found during the previous period.
  • 3335 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 11th July 2021