One additional death reported by the York Hospital Trust today
SEVENTY EIGHT additional positive test results announced today.
Age profile of cases
The latest infection figures show that 16.3% of positive test results in York related to people aged over 60. This is generally good news as fatalities for the disease are low for the younger age groups.
There were 13 positive test results recorded in the over 60 age group on the latest day (19th Dec) for which figures have been posted. As with the younger age group, infection rates have increased over the last few days.
It is too soon for the vaccination initiative to have had any effect on the numbers, but the expectation is that the over 60’s will become gradually more immune to the virus as the programme gathers pace.
The latest proportions (24/12/20) of positive test results that relate to over 60’s are
York – 16.3% (rolling 7 day average)
North Yorkshire – 21.3% (19/12/20)
Yorkshire – 20.8% (19/12/20)
England – 15.2% (19/12/20)
Council commentary
The York Council has updated itscommentary on the pandemic. It is reproduced below.
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 21.12.20 there had been 133 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 23.12.20, the Covid Symptom App estimates 357.1 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,631 people). The peak rate was 1,116.3 on 31.10.20.
Diagnosed cases (Pillar 1&2 combined)
• As at 23.12.20 York has had 6,345 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 3,012.6 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (3,267.5) and regional (4,379.1) 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 (20.12.20) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 15.12.20 to 21.12.20 in York is 163.8 (using data published on Gov.uk on 23.12.20).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 12.12.20 to 18.12.20 was 115.4. The national and regional averages at this date were 325.4 and 163.1 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 23.12.20).
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 11.12.20 to 17.12.20 for people aged 60+ in York was 72.6. The national and regional averages were 186.4 and 137 respectively.
• As at 21.12.20, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 3.95%. The national and regional averages are 9.4% and 5.6% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 7 days by type of test is 137 positives from 2,662 lab based (PCR) tests (5.15%) and 11 positives from 1,083 rapid (lateral flow) tests (1.02%).
Contact Tracing
• Since 28.5.20 a total of 5,208 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 4,558 of the cases have been completed (87.5%). 14,240 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 8,932 of these have been completed (62.7%). Source: PHE Report.
• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 18.12.20, 373 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 372 of the referrals (99.7%) have been actioned and 1 is still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 267 were successful and 104 were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.
Cases in Residential Settings / Schools
• As at 23.12.20 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) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 23.12.20 (1 home).
• In the 7 days up to 20.12.20 there were 23 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive (across 16 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 22.12.20 there were 39 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 21.12.20 was 44.
• As at 22.12.20 there were 5 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 1 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 21.12.20 were 5 and 0 respectively.
• As at 22.12.20 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
Recovery from Covid-19
• Between 13.4.20 and 20.12.20, 276 CYC residents had recovered and been successfully discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection. 12 people were discharged in the most recent week.
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 18.12.20 was estimated to be in the range 0.9 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 0.9) on 11.12.20.
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 provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS weekly data: For deaths occurring up to 11th December 2020 and registered up to 19th December 2020, 208 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (99 in hospital, 91 in care homes, 12 at home and 6 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 98.76 which is lower than the national average of 121.04. There have been 36 Covid-19 deaths of CYC residents reported by ONS in the last 10 weeks (Weeks 41 to 50).
• ‘Excess’ deaths – all causes (ONS). Between week 2 and week 50 there were a total of 143 ‘excess deaths’ in York compared with the average weekly numbers for 2014-2018. The breakdown over the year so far is: 18 fewer deaths in weeks 2-14, 210 more deaths in weeks 15-21 (when covid deaths were at their peak) and 49 fewer deaths in weeks 22-50.
• Local Registrar data: In the weekly data received on 21.12.20 (for deaths occurring up to 16.12.20), a cumulative total of 199 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 53-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 98 of the 199 were male (49.2%), less than the national average (55.4%). 83 people (41.7%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 25.94%). In addition 16 people (8.04%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.
TWO (2) additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Tuesday and one yesterday.
The latest P2 testing figures have been released. They cover the week ending 16th December during which time 3962 tests were completed. The proportion positive were 5%. That is double the rate recorded during the previous week.
ONE HUNDRED and THREE (103) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total in City up to 6448
The validated rate /100k population has now reached 127.3. It is expected to reach over 180 within a couple of days. The 91 cases identified on Tuesday was the largest single day figure since 22nd October.
THREE (3) additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Two occurred yesterday and one on 17th Dec. The cumulative death toll has now reached 276.
142 of these have occurred since the start of September.
SEVENTY TWO (72) additional positive test results were announced today. That is fewer than yesterday but the figure suggests that the virus is still spreading quickly in the City.
The cumulative total number of cases seen in the City has now reached 6345
The rate /100k population figure climbed to 115.4 last Friday (the latest available validated data).
It is, however, set to rise to over 163 following 71 new cases being reported on Sunday.
Infections are currently growing at a faster rate than was seen during either the spring or autumn waves.
The latest validated figures (last Friday) for neighbourhoods show some large increases in infection levels.
There are more in the pipeline so extreme caution over Christmas would seem to be the best advice that can be offered to residents living in all parts of York.
Thelatest figures published by the government confirm that, since the beginning of September and up to 11th December, 37 York residents have lost their lives as a result of the Coronavirus.
Of these, 15 died in care homes, 16 in hospital, 3 at home and 3 at a Hospice.
Commentators will be scanning with interest the new “positivity” figures which are due to be published tomorrow.
The number of P2 tests conducted reached 6309 during the week ending 9th December. 2% of tests produced positive results. The latest results will give an indication of the impact that the third wave of infections is having on the number of local cases.
Please stay safe and look after each other
Amid a sharp rise in cases in York, city leaders are asking for a huge citywide effort to stop the spread of Coronavirus.
In recent days York has seen a substantial increase in the number of positive cases being returned. The positivity rate has increased to 4.09% and the latest validated rate for the period 11.12.20 to 17.12.20 was 103.5. This figure is expected to increase in the coming days. The council’s provisional rate for of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.12.20 to 20.12.20 in York is 140.5
The council is asking everyone to do what they can to keep themselves and others safe by:
Meeting people outside if you can (if you do see people inside for Christmas keep the windows open to let air flow through and keep it short, keep it local and keep it safe)
Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more with soap and water
Wear a face covering when in busy public spaces
Give people space – 2m is best
Self-isolating when asked to by test and trace
Getting a symptom-free test if you are eligible (book online)
In the coming days the council’s COVID support marshalls and BID rangers will support North Yorkshire Police’s continued patrolling in the city to help people to stay safe, and will take enforcement measures if necessary.
EIGHT (8) additional deaths at the York Hospital Trust announced today. One occurred on Friday, one on Saturday three on Sunday and three yesterday.
The cumulative total since the beginning of September is now 139.
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN (107) additional positive test results announced today. That is the largest total for over 2 months. It brings the cumulative total to 6166.
Rate /100k population rises to 103.5.
The situation is continuing to worsen.
The 63 infections found on Sunday was worst single day figure seen since 2nd November.
The picture at neighbourhood level reflects the general increase in infection rates.
No neighbourhood now has fewer than 3 cases.
Infection rates are growing quickly at national level.
They are fairly stable at regional level much of which has Tier 3 restrictions in place.
Rates at North Yorkshire and City level are growing at approximately the same rate.
Residents will be expecting an early statement from the health authorities.
Infection rates are rising as quickly as we saw in September and October. This led to the early imposition of increased restrictions.
It is still not at all clear which are the major sources of the infection.
The most likely transmission areas are inter household mixing (whether inside or outside) & leisure venues.
More information should by now be available from the contact tracing teams. We hope that the Council will share this information with residents.
Working on behalf of 11 GP Practices, Nimbuscare announced at the weekend that it has opened a COVID-19 vaccination site in York.
They have begun offering the COVID-19 vaccine to invited individuals..
Key things to know about the new site:
Those in the first priority groups will be offered the vaccine first. All those vaccinated will also need to come for a booster jab at a later date. People will be contacted when the time is right to come for their appointment. You will be contacted by letter, text message or phone call. Please don’t contact your local GP practice or hospital to ask about the vaccine and please do not come to the site without an appointment. Getting vaccinated means protecting yourself form the virus so you can be there for your family, friends and patients.
Seasonal surplus food distribution tomorrow (Wednesday)
More on fines for Tier 3 visitors
Shocking number of fines handed to tier 3 visitors ignoring restrictions and visiting York this weekend
City of York police have issued a shocking number of fines to tier 3 residents, who chose to flout regulations and visit the city this weekend.
Local policing teams made proactive visits with City of York Council covid support marshalls and enforcement officers to a number of licensed premises on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to ensure people were acting responsibly and being safe by sticking to the regulations around indoor gatherings and the rule of six outdoors.
However, officers encountered large numbers of visitors from tier 3 areas, who had chosen to ignore the warnings and put local residents at risk by flouting the regulations. Many were found to be from multiple households who were mixing indoors, clearly breaking the tier 3 restrictions which travel with them. When spoken to by officers, some did disperse and leave the area, but some groups were resistant to police advice, resulting in enforcement action being taken.
Over the weekend police have processed 61 tickets issued in York alone, with 55 being handed to tier 3 residents in breach of their tier regulations. However, officers have stated that there are over 100 more tickets in the pipeline, awaiting paperwork completion and processing.
Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading the North Yorkshire Police response to Covid-19 said:
“Looking at the numbers of fines handed out this weekend which are still awaiting processing, we believe that we have handed out over 160 tickets, with the vast majority being issued to tier 3 residents who visited York to mix and socialise indoors, which is in clear breach of their restrictions.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have been very clear about our approach and the action taken this weekend is evidence of it. We have stated our teams would be patrolling, speaking to the public and encouraging them to adhere to the rules. Where we encounter people who refuse to adhere to the regulations and believe their pint is more important than someone’s life, we will use our enforcement powers.
“Some people who were spoken to by officers did go home. However, our teams encountered large numbers of people who were not responsive to the advice, leaving us no option but to enforce through the use of fixed penalty notices.
“We will continue to patrol the city and the wider county and we will be visiting licensed premises and busy shopping areas. People very clearly know and understand the risks, they know that this virus is deadly, they will know about the identification of a new strain and know the serious steps the Government has taken in the South East, so there really is no excuse for acting so irresponsibly.
“If you choose to visit the city of York from tier 3 areas without a justifiable reason to have made your journey – with our extra patrols, chances are you will encounter one of our officers and you’ll be asked about the reason for your visit. It is our responsibility to ask those questions, to determine the truth and take the necessary action, in order to stop the spread and ultimately save lives.
“We remain undeterred from our objective to keep the people of North Yorkshire safe.”
Cllr Denise Craghill, executive member for safer communities at City of York Council said: “We want people to enjoy York safely and in line with Government rules. You should not travel across tier boundaries and in York, tier 2 restrictions must be followed: meet only your household or your bubble, or up to six people outside. Please remember to continue to wash your hands, wear a face covering and give each other 2 metres space.
“No one in the city wants to put loved ones at risk for the sake of a night out and undo the city’s hard work and sacrifice.”
No additional deaths were recorded by the York Hospital Trust today.
FORTY SEVEN (47) additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 6166
The rate /100k population has reached 93.6. Is likely to exceed 100 when tomorrow’s figures are confirmed.
The first wave peak was 96.9 on 5th May.
The second wave peaked at 441 on 15th October.
Infection rates are continuing to rise across most of the City. Only the Clifton North area has fewer than 3 cases
Visitors from Tier 3 areas fined
Supt Mike Walker has told a North Yorkshire resilience forum that 18 fines had been issued by North Yorkshire Police at the weekend to Tier 2 residents and 56 to visitors from Tier 3 areas. He said the big problem had primarily been people gathering indoors, in pubs and houses, where the virus could spread.
Hospitals
The number of Covid patients at York Hospital has risen by 11 in the past week. The hospital currently has 46 patients with the coronavirus, Harrogate Hospital has 14 – down from 21 – and Scarborough has 36, down by two.
FIVE additional deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Three of these occurred yesterday.
FIFTY (50) additional positive test results have been announced today. That takes the cumulative total to 6070. Some of the positive results have been backdated to November. However 44 positive results were recorded on 15th December – a monthly high.
The rate/100k population has now risen to 69.8. It is expected to rise to 84.0 tomorrow.
The City’s case rate – although now increasing – remains below the county, regional and national averages.
Two neighbourhoods are showing fewer than 3 cases in each today. They are Clifton North and New Earswick
The case rate in Poppleton, Rufforth & the Askhams has jumped to 188.3.
New restrictions imposed – Christmas affected
New tier 4 lockdown restrictions have been imposed on the South East of England.
People should not travel into a tier four area, though support bubbles remain unaffected as do the exemptions for separated parents and their children.
For those in tiers one, two and three, rules allowing up to three households to meet will now be limited to Christmas Day only.
Christmas bubbles for those in tiers one to three will not be able include anyone in tier four.
In tier four, people should not mix with anyone outside their own household, apart from support bubbles.
New covid marshalls start to help protect people and places
New covid support marshalls are supporting the city’s residents, visitors and businesses to maintain covid guidelines and protect the people and places we love.
The new officers will provide advice and help to businesses and people. They will be reminding restauranteurs or licensees about covid guidelines, advising shoppers about face coverings, challenging group sizes or supporting covid-safe queuing to enter busy premises or at bus stops and taxi ranks.
The marshalls will also help discourage people from gathering, including at New Year’s Eve when people will be asked to celebrate at home and not linger in town after closing time. They will also be visiting outlying centres of York too, to help local communities and businesses follow the regulations.
Sharon Stoltz, director of public health at City of York Council, said:
“Helping people stay safe has a direct impact on keeping the places we love open.
“These new officers will play a valuable role in supporting us all to socially distance and to support businesses by signposting them to sources of advice on covid infection control measures, licensing, grants and other matters.”
All our marshalls will carry City of York Council identification and will never ask for money.
Anyone wishing to report concerns about how the covid regulations are being observed should email public.protection@york.gov.uk.
Book essential food and prescriptions now!
With shopping queues building, online slots being booked and bank holidays approaching, residents are reminded to order essential groceries and prescriptions ahead of festive season.
We have sent residents who are clinically extremely vulnerable, details of the link to LiveWellYork website’s list of local food delivers. This was compiled and shared during the first lockdown to support those shielding or self-isolating and is at: www.livewellyork.co.uk/s4s/WhereILive/Council?pageId=5223
Anyone who has repeat prescriptions are asked to check their medication. If they need more to see them through to the new year, please contact their GP.
Cllr Darryl Smalley, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities, said:
We don’t want anyone to find themselves without food or essential medicine over the festive season. So please plan ahead and use the brilliant support networks so many residents have found invaluable over the summer.
“Support for people who urgently need some extra help is still there, but we hope everyone can relax into Christmas and the New Year knowing that they have the essentials they need in advance.”
Dr Nigel Wells, NHS Vale of York CCG Clinical Chair, said:
The lead-up to Christmas can be a busy time for the NHS and local health services, so those on repeat prescriptions are advised to order them well in advance so they can enjoy the festive season in good health.
“Having a medicine cabinet at home with some simple over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and anti-diarrhoea tablets is also recommended so you can treat any common illnesses or ailments yourself, without needing to see a GP.
“Many winter illnesses are self-limiting, which means they will clear up on their own so they can be treated at home using over-the-counter products from your local pharmacy.” In an emergency or if you don’t have any other support, please email covid19help@york.gov.uk or call 01904 551550.
Symptom-free testing expanded
After the successful launch of targeted symptom-free testing in the city this week the council is now expanding its offer to those who support those who are most at risk from Coronavirus.
Since opening the service on Monday to those who work in retail, leisure and transport hundreds of bookings have been made and the council is thanking those who have been tested so far as part of the city’s efforts to slow the spread.
Those who work with, live with or support those most at risk from Coronavirus are now being invited to book their free tests.
Councillor Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Social Care and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board visited the testing site to thank staff for their efforts.
Around one in three people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it. The rapid-turnaround lateral flow tests, which provide results within 1 hour, will be used to proactively test asymptomatic individuals. This will further support the local effort to drive down the city’s infection rate.
Symptom-free tests are available to book online by visiting the council website.
Individuals who can’t access booking online can call 01904 551 559 to arrange an appointment. The booking line is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Anyone who has Coronavirus symptoms should not book a symptom free test. They should self-isolate at home, and book a Covid test through the NHS website or calling 119.
The Council is jointly working with York St John University to use Foss Sports Hall on the university’s Lord Mayor’s Walk Campus for the symptom free testing. The facility was used for their successful testing programme before students returned home for the holiday period.
There have been no further deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today
An unwelcome milestone has been passed with over 6000 positive test results now recorded in the City. Today THIRTY THREE (33) additional infections were announced bringing the cumulative total to 6005.
The projected rate /100k population for Tuesday 15th December is 78.3. That would be the highest since lockdown was relaxed on 2nd.
There is now an urgent need for a fresh statement from local Public Health officials. The spike may be influenced by increased testing using the “lateral flow” system. If so, then an analysis of the source of the “positives” is required.
If not, then the characteristics of any “contact” chains needs to be explored and publicised more fully.
The neighbourhood figures for 11th December (pre expected spike) show three areas with less than 3 cases. In two there were zero infections.
While case numbers are fairly static at regional level (prior to the expected Christmas spike) at national level infection rates are already increasing.
No change to Tier 2 restrictions in York
York and the rest of North Yorkshire will continue with Tier 2 level restrictions at least until the new year. The announcement was made by the government today. It comes as little surprise given the increases in infection rates in the City over the last few days.
According to the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, York will need to have less than 45 cases /100k population before it will be considered for Tier 1 restrictions. Currently York has a case rate of 69.3 (and rising).
TWO further deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Sunday and one on Monday. The total “second wave” death toll at the York and Scarborough hospitals has now reached 122.
The age profile of positive test results has changed significantly over the last couple of weeks. The second wave infection numbers were predominantly to be found in those aged under 60 during October and November.
Now those aged over 60 form about 50% of the cases. This is potentially significant as it is likely to have a greater impact on NHS capacity.
TWENTY SEVEN (27) additional positive test results announced today bringing the cumulative total to 5972.
The infection rate /100k population figure has risen again to 65.5. Last Sunday’s total number of positive test results, at 32, was the highest seen in the City since 1st December.
Unfortunately infection rates are now increasing at City, County, regional and national levels.
At neighbourhood level, Haxby now has significantly higher infection rates than other parts of the City.
Only two areas (Wigginton and Rawcliffe/Clifton South) have fewer than 3 cases each.
Questions answered live on Facebook today
Join the next live #AskTheLeaders Live Coronavirus Q&A’s on the Council’s Facebook page on Wednesday 16 December from 5.30-6.30pm.
Wednesday will see the panel discuss the forthcoming easing of restrictions over the festive period as well as ways we can continue to keep each other safe whilst enjoying the festive season.
The panel includes:
Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care
Sharon Stolz, Director for Public Health
Alyson Scott, Chief Executive Officer, York Mind
Owen Kavanagh, Senior Lecturer in Biosciences & Biomedical Science, York St John University
How can I get involved?
Residents are invited to submit questions in advance by emailing them to YourQuestions@york.gov.ukor commenting on the live video on Facebook.
Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care said:
It has been an exceptionally tough year for everyone across the city and beyond. Whilst the festive period will see a national easing of restrictions, it is vital that we all continue to keep up our collective effort and follow the hands, space, face guidance.
“This week we will be answering your questions focusing on the restrictions, which will be coming into place from 23 – 27 December. I’d encourage people to get involved by sending in their questions to yourquestions@york.gov.uk, or commenting on the livestream.”
For the latest York updates on service changes, online support and how you can get involved in supporting your community visit www.york.gov.uk/Coronavirus
New covid support marshalls are supporting the city’s residents, visitors and businesses to maintain covid guidelines and protect the people and places we love.
