Coronavirus York updates. 5th December 2020

Deaths and test results

TWO additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on 30th November and one on 3rd December.

TWENTY SEVEN (27) new positive test results announced. That is the largest single day number for over week. Brings cumulative total to 5737.

Rate /100k population is now 64.1. The infection rate is still reducing but not as quickly as was seen during the previous 7 days.

The infection rate continues to decline at City, county, regional and national levels.

There has been an increase in the number of cases in Huntington.

The numbers in Westfield have fallen

Only six of York’s local neighbourhoods are now above the 100 case threshold.

Five neighbourhoods have fewer that 3 cases each. They are

Dunnington, Elvington & Wheldrake
Bishopthorpe & Copmanthorpe
Holgate West & Westfield East
Acomb
New Earswick

At their last published update (Wednesday) St Johns University said that they had 2 students self isolating following positive tests.

The equivalent figure (Friday) at York University was 28 individuals

Help with food and bills this winter?

The Winter Support Grant is here to provide financial support to people who are struggling as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The grants are here to support eligible residents – with or without children – with food and utility bills this winter.

York residents who have savings of less than £2,000 can apply for a grant to help feed themselves and their families, and to keep warm over this difficult period.

From Monday 7 December, apply for it at www.york.gov.uk/wintersupportgrant

For help with applying or for other sources of support in the city, please visit www.york.gov.uk/benefitsadvice, or www.livewellyork.org.uk or call the council’s Covid Helpline on 01904 551550.

York City continue behind closed doors

The York Councils Executive is being told that the new Community Stadium will be handed over later this month. There has so far not been any confirmation by the Council, their contractors GLL or the two prospective occupiers of the stadium (York City FC and York Knights RLFC).

York City are playing at home today and, in theory, they could have welcomed up to 2000 fans to the match (which will be held at Bootham Crescent). As the statement below, taken from the City web site makes clear, fans will not be admitted as it has not been possible to take Bootham Crescent out of mothballs yet.

“When the Prime Minister announced, on the 23rd November, that fans could attend football matches we knew it was going to be a race against time to get the necessary certificates and approvals for Bootham Crescent.

As previously communicated, we have been poised to move out of Bootham Crescent and into the LNER Community Stadium for a number of months and as such we have been careful not to unnecessarily invest important club funds into Bootham Crescent.

Despite a huge amount of effort from staff and our loyal volunteers, we are unable to welcome fans back on Saturday 5th December as we are still waiting for external providers to certify parts of the stadium, work which will surpass the deadline given by regulatory bodies.

We know fans will be disappointed, we understand and share that feeling but safety must be our priority and we cannot welcome fans to a stadium which is not properly certified.

We’ll continue to work hard to get Bootham Crescent ready for fans to come back as soon as possible and share updates when we can.

We will be live streaming the game via our streaming platform for £7.99. “

The situation is slightly ironic as the Council last week issued a statement backing the York Knights bid to gain super league status. A key part of the bid was the quality of their proposed home at the Community Stadium; a facility with no opening date!

According to GLL the stadium will be handed over before Christmas

Coronavirus York updates; 4th December 2020

Deaths and test results

TWO (2) further Coronavirus deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred on Tuesday and one on Thursday. The cumulative second wave death toll now stands at 97 for the York and Scarborough Hospitals

FIFTEEN (15) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 5710.

The case rate /110k population figure has now dropped to 68.3. That means that the rate has halved in little over one week.

There have also been improvements in the figures at county, regional and national levels.

Six neighbourhoods are now virtually virus free. Only 4 cases have been recorded between New Earswick, Rawcliffe, Holgate West, Heworth North, Copmanthorpe and Dunnington

Only seven neighbourhoods are now above the 100 case threshold

In some neighbourhoods the infection rates are fluctuating quite a lot. This is partly the consequence of only very small variances in the numbers. One area that has seen a significant reduction in cases is Holgate West/Westfield East.

Manor School

ALMOST 100 pupils at Manor school have been told to self isolate after two cases of coronavirus were confirmed.

Manor CE Academy said it was advised by Public Health England yesterday that there was a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school, and a further case was confirmed this morning.

A total of 96 students have been identified as having direct prolonged contact with the confirmed cases, They have all been contacted and instructed to self-isolate. The school remains open and all other children should continue to attend if they remain well.

York Police go online to listen to public feedback

The officers who keep York city centre residents, businesses and visitors safe are going online to get people’s feedback about policing issues.

With COVID-19 reducing the opportunities for officers to meet and talk to members of the public face-to-face, the team is now turning to video call technology to help.

More people than ever are using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime and other video calling services to keep up with family, friends and colleagues. And in York city centre, they can now do the same with their local police team.

Sergeant Nick Plumb said: “We’re always really keen to listen to your feedback – even when we can’t do this in person. If you visit or work in York city centre, and would like to bring an issue to our attention, or ask us any questions about policing, this is a great opportunity to do so.”

Inspector Andy Godfrey and Sergeant Nick Plumb will be available online between 5pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday 8 December 2020.

To take part, simply email snayorkcity@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Please include your name, address, and contact phone number, as well as a brief idea of what you want to discuss. (If a number of people have the same concerns as you, you may be able to take part in a joint session).

The video calls will take place over Microsoft Teams – attendees will receive a personal invitation via email, which can be used in any web browser, without having to create an account.

Business grants alerts – time running out

Thousands of York businesses that have missed out on Government grants could, be eligible for an Additional Restrictions Grant – but they have to apply before Monday 7 December.

The council is urging businesses, especially those without rateable premises or that operate earlier in the supply chain, to check if they are eligible for support.

Your business may be eligible if it:

operates from a permanent fixed premises in York, with trade impacted by 75% or more due to lockdown restrictions
doesn’t operate from a fixed premises in York, but usually trades in York 75% or more of the time, and you’re a York resident

In addition the business must also:

not qualify for the Lockdown Restrictions Grant
have been unable to provide its usual in-person customer service from the business premises

Your business will not be eligible if:

you started trading on or after 5 November 2020
you’re able to continue to operate during local or national restrictions, because you don’t depend on providing direct, in-person, services from your premises
your business hasn’t seen a reduction in income of 75% or more
your business is in administration, insolvent, or has had a striking off notice made against it
you have already been awarded a Lockdown Restrictions Grant
you’re not a York resident trading in York for 75% or more of the time
you don’t have a fixed business premises in York
you’ve reached the state aid limit

Businesses that receive 100 percent rate relief are eligible to apply.

Alongside this scheme businesses who already qualified at Tier 2 will continue to get payments on a fortnightly basis (Tier reviews are fortnightly). Any business that has not applied yet for tier 2 but believe they will qualify can make a claim.

Businesses can apply for open grants at www.york.gov.uk/COVID19BusinessGrants

To get notification when grant applications open, and up to date info on other business support, sign up for our regular bulletins here www.york.gov.uk/form/EmailUpdates

Coronavirus York updates. 3rd December 2020

Deaths and test results

TWO further deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Both occurred on Tuesday.

There were SEVENTEEN (17) additional positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 5695

The number of cases in the City continues to reduce.

The case /100k population figure has now fallen to 76.9.

All neighbourhoods are now below the 200 case rate benchmark. For the first time since September the rate in Heslington has fallen below 100.

Sixteen of the other neighbourhoods are also below that threshold.

It is, however, too early to judge whether coming out of lockdown will have a negative influence on trends.

There were 3209 (P2) tests carried out in York during the 7 days ending on 25th November. Just over 6% produced positive results. The numbers testing positive continue to fall.

Universities

St Johns haven updated their web site, which gives details of current COVID cases. Two are now isolating (down from seven)

York University last updated their web site . “As of the morning of Thursday 3 December, we are aware of 36 individuals within our University community who are currently self-isolating because they have had a positive Covid-19 test”. Also down from yesterday.

Travel between Tiers

Statement from North Yorkshire Police on travel between tiers

Speaking about the introduction of the tier system and travel between tier areas, Superintendent Mike Walker, North Yorkshire Police lead for their Covid response said:

“From today, Wednesday 2 December, we move into the tiered local restrictions and guidance around travel becomes specific to each tier. I would encourage residents to consult the relevant Government guidance for their area and ensure they are aware of what they can and can’t do.

“Those living in tier 3 areas are advised not to travel out of the area unless it is necessary, such as for work or education. I realise there may be some confusion over what is deemed necessary in these circumstances, so I’d like to be clear here; it is neither necessary or acceptable to leave a tier 3 area and enter a lower tier area for a day trip or to visit a pub or restaurant for a meal. Please also be reminded that your tier restrictions travel with you and police can take enforcement action against you, if you should breach those restrictions.

“To those living in tier 3 areas, please do not try to side-step the tighter restrictions in your area by visiting neighbouring tier 2 areas for a day or night out. If you do, you may inadvertently bring the virus in with you and increase the chance of transmission to local residents.

“North Yorkshire Police will be actively patrolling and will have an increased presence in these border areas and we will be policing the Coronavirus regulations. Our safety camera fleet, which are equipped with ANPR, will also be visible along various routes into the region.

“North Yorkshire is well-known for its hospitality and warmth, but right now we have to ask visitors to stay in their own tier area for the health and safety of our most vulnerable residents. If you have a visit planned, please reschedule to a time where we are able to give you a proper welcome to our beautiful county.”

Coronavirus York updates; 2nd December 2020

Deaths and test results

ONE additional York Hospital Trust death announced today.

NINETEEN (19) additional positive test results announced today. Brings total to 5659

Infection rate falls to 83.57 /100K pop. That is the lowest figures seen since 27th September.

The weekly case rate number (25.1) has finally fallen below the first wave peak (29.1).

The second wave peak was 133.7. It occurred on 16th October.

All neighbourhoods are now below the 200 case threshold.

Five neighbourhoods have below 3 cases

Haxby
New Earswick
Dunnington
Bishopthorpe/Copmanthorpe
Heworth North

Tier 2 from today

You Can still: Meet people you do not live with outdoors, in groups of up to 6,socially distanced. Visit shops and Covid-safe hospitality businesses, with your household or support bubble. Use early years and childcare settings, such as after-school clubs a. Visit the hairdressers, leisure centres and other entertainment and personal care services. Get married - up to 15 guests. Attend a place of worship.

Interactive map of infection rates by tier

Click for interactive map. Thanks to https://electionmaps.uk/covid19-tier-map Some way tio go to emulate Cornwall figures

Universities

There is a lot of interest in the results of the mass testing of students at local Universities which started on Monday. They are using the lateral process which produces results within half and hour.

When they last updated their web site https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/coronavirus-advice/ on Monday, St Johns reported that 7 students and members of staff were self isolating following a positive result.

York University reports (https://coronavirus.york.ac.uk/) , “As of the morning of Tuesday 1 December, we are aware of 41 individuals within our University community who are currently self-isolating because they have had a positive Covid-19 test. Since yesterday we have been notified of 0 new cases.“

If any asymptomatic cases are revealed then it could affect the City’s overall infection rate.

Coronavirus York updates; 1st December 2020

Deaths and test results

THREE (3) more Coronavirus deaths have been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One death occurred on 27th and the other 2 yesterday. Brings the cumulative second wave toll total to 92 at the York and Scarborough hospitals.

ONS have updated today their analysis of COVID deaths that have occurred in the City up to 20th November. These give details of fatalities among people normally resident in the York.

They are lower than figures reported by the York Hospital Trust which covers a wider area than just the City itself.

The ONS figures do lag behind the position “on the ground” and may increase over the next few weeks because of cases in the pipeline.

So far, during the second wave of infections, the City has lost 20 residents to the virus.

The total death toll for the year is now 191.

To provide some context for these figures these are the total deaths – including COVID – this year up to 20th November.

Both Universities have started to “mass test” their students prior to them leaving the City for the winter holiday. They are right to do so. What will happen in January remains to be seen, but we didn’t want a repeat of the spike in infections seen in September/October. Hopefully everyone will be tested before retuning to the City.

THIRTEEN (13) new positive test results have been announced today. This is the lowest figure since the middle of September. This brings the cumulative total to 5659.

The infection rate per 100k population is now 97.34. This is below the benchmark which might allow the City to be placed into Tier 1 from 19th December.

However, all eyes will be on the effect that the end of Lockdown at midnight tonight has on infection rates. This is unlikely to become clear for at least a week.

The majority of neighbourhoods are now below the 100 case threshold.

Four (Heworth North, New Earswick, Dunnington and Copmanthorpe) each having had fewer than 3 cases recorded in the last 7 days.

There is still an upward spike in the Chapelfields/Westfield area.

Case numbers are continuing to reduce at City, county, regional and national levels. North Yorkshire in particular is trending down quite sharply now with the rate in Harrogate having dropped to 97.0.

How other countries keep people informed

Although the York Council has slowly improved the quality and accessibility of the information provided for residents about Coronavirus, it still has a long way to go to achieve the clarity provided in other parts of the world. One local campaigner has rightly pointed to the Washington USA web site which is a model of clarity.

The York “open data” system (which in fairness was not designed as a real time briefing tool) is poor by comparison.

*Click to access Washington DC web site*

It appears that the Council is now seeking new staff for its PR team (click). Hopefully they will find someone who is skilled in digital communications.

The Council communications head has responded, to the call for greater clarity, by saying on Twitter “We will discuss internally and think through options, continuing to take PH advice about which data best prompts safe behaviours”

This does rather suggests that propaganda comes before providing factual information.

Shop opening hours

Some large stores are saying that they will stay open 24/7 in the run up to Christmas. City centre traders have nominated Fridays areas their late closing day.

Extended opening hours are a good way of metering demand and should help with social distancing.

However, some workers, including those in supermarkets plus delivery drivers, are beginning to look pretty tired. Perhaps they should get a break after Christmas and leave the field clear for the independent small shops who have been hit hard by the lockdown?

#Coronavirus York updates; 30th November 2020

Deaths and case numbers

EIGHT (8) additional deaths have been recorded at the York Hospital Trust. 2 occurred yesterday, 5 on Saturday and one on Friday.

This is the largest single day announcement of fatalities made during the whole of the second wave.

It brings the cumulative total at the York and Scarborough hospitals to 89.

Clearly this is very disappointing news.

However, during Wave 1, hospital admissions, and subsequent deaths, followed some two to three weeks behind a change in infection rate levels.

So, if a similar pattern is followed, a downturn in hospital admissions might be hoped for in a week or so’s time.

A further TWENTY (20) positive test results have been announced today. That brings the cumulative total for the City to 5632

The case rate per 100k population figure has now fallen to 100.2 and is therefore on the cusp of the band which might allow the City to move into Tier 1 restrictions, when the next review takes place in 2 weeks time.

100.2 is the lowest infection rate recorded in the City since 29th September but it is also still above the peak recorded during wave 1 (96.9 on 5th May 2020)

By way of comparison, the latest figure for Cornwall, which was one of only 2 areas allocated to Tier one from Wednesday, has a current infection rate of 40.2.

There are, of course, other factors – not least the position at the local hospital – which would also influence a decision to change Tiers.

For the first time for two months, one York neighbourhood has recorded zero cases (understood to be New Earswick or Bishopthorpe)

The highest local infection rate can now be found in the Westfield/Chapelfields neighbourhood.

Vitamin D

The government is now – belatedly – issuing the following advice on Vitamin D supplements. The York Council has been urged previously to make these supplements available at least to vulnerable groups. They could be distributed via many channels not least food banks.

Vitamin D supplements – government statement

“During the autumn and winter months everyone is advised to take a supplement of vitamin D every day to support general health and in particular for bone and muscle health. Many of us have been indoors more than usual this year and so might not have been making enough vitamin D from sunlight. You can find general advice on vitamin D here: https://www.nhs.uk/vitamin-d

This advice is particularly important for people who have been shielding this year due to COVID-19, or who are living in care homes, because they are most likely to have been indoors over the spring and summer and so may not have been able to obtain enough vitamin D from sunlight.

The Government is offering a free 4-month supply of daily supplements of vitamin D for all adults who are clinically extremely vulnerable to support general health and in particular for bone and muscle health. If you would like to opt-in to receive your free supply of vitamin D, you will need register your details between 30 November 2020 and 4 January 2021 at the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/get-vitamin-d

You do not need to opt-in to receive the vitamin D supplements if:

You are already taking, or are prescribed, a vitamin D supplement by your GP or healthcare professional
You are currently living in a nursing or residential care home as we will provide these direct to the home where you live.

We expect to start distributing the vitamin D supplements from January 2021. Further guidance on how to safely take vitamin D supplements will be provided during the opt in process.

I know it has been really hard for you during the pandemic and appreciate the sacrifices that you have made. We will continue to support you in your efforts to keep yourself and others safe”.

Coronavirus York updates; 29th November 2020

Deaths and test results

FOUR more York Hospital Trust deaths announced today. 1 on Friday and 3 yesterday. Brings send wave total fatalities to 81 at the York and Scarborough hospitals.

Hospital admissions usually lag someway behind infection rate increases/decreases so it may be a few days before a downward trend is seen in death rates.

TWENTY (20) additional positive test results today bringing the cumulative total to 5632

All neighbourhoods, including Heslington, are now below the 200 cases per 100k population benchmark.

Overall the City has an infection rate of 106.8. It remains on course to be below the important 100 case milestone before 10th December.

However, the impact – if any – of coming out of lockdown (on Wednesday) will be clear before the next tier review date is reached.

Question and answers

After some prompting, the Council has added information about hospital capacity and sources of infections to its weekly commentary (published here yesterday)

Coronavirus York updates; 27th November 2020

Deaths and test results

Good News

No additional deaths at York Hospital Trust announced today

Only FOURTEEN (14) additional positive test results announced today. That is the lowest since September.

The 7 day case rate p/100k population figure has fallen to 126.8. That is the lowest since 30th September.

If case numbers continue to decline at the present rate then the City will be below the 100 benchmark figure before 10th December.

Eight neighbourhoods are now below the 100 weekly case rate benchmark.

Two neighbourhoods now have fewer than 2 cases each. This includes Wigginton which has gone from having one of the highest rates in the City to lowest in less than a week.

Infection rates are continuing to fall at City, County, Regional and national levels.

Vaccine

It is looking promising for the roll out of some vaccine injections in the City before Christmas

Vaccination centre on Moor Lane is expecting to start taking bookings at the beginning of December

The Authorities have already said that priority will be given to NHS front line workers, Care Homes and the over 80’s.

Most vaccinations are expected to be completed by GPs but a drive though centre at Moor Lane (old park and ride site), which has been used for flu jabs, will adapt to deal with the COVID programme.

For the latest on vaccine approval click here

NB. A rapid response coronavirus testing site will open at York St John University on Monday. The university is working with NHS Test & Trace to set up the Covid test site so that students without symptoms can be tested before the end of term.

Reopening attractions in York

York Minster

YORK Minster will reopen for public worship next Wednesday and for sightseeing visits next Thursday.

The cathedral will reopen in line with guidance and the restrictions in the Government’s new three-tier Covid control system.

York is a Tier 2 location which allows the Minster to reopen for worship and for paying visitors, with appropriate measures in place for social distancing and controlling the spread of the infection.

The cathedral’s reopening schedule is as follows:

For Worship

Public worship will restart at York Minster next Wednesday with the following pattern of services:

Monday – Saturdays

7.30am – Matins – No booking required

7.50am – Holy Communion – No booking required

5.30pm – Evensong or Evening Prayer – No booking required until Christmas Week.

Sundays

8am – Holy Communion – No booking required

10am – Matins – Booking required

11am – Sung Eucharist – Booking required

4pm – Evensong – Booking required.

Reservations for Sunday services and services during Christmas Week

Attendance at the three main Sunday services in December and services during Christmas Week will be by advance online reservation only with a strictly limited attendance. Reservations for the service on December 6 will open on Monday (November 30). The reservation dates for services during December and Christmas weeks will be announced approximately two weeks before the service is due to take place.

Reopening for visitors

York Minster will reopen for paying visitors from next Thursday. Admission by pre-booked online tickets only. Bookings open for visiting on Monday.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

10am until 3.30pm (last timed ticket slot is 3pm).

(York Minster is currently closed on Tuesdays).

Sunday

12.30pm until 2.30pm (last timed ticket slot is 2pm).

The Minster shops inside the cathedral and at Minster Gates will also open daily in line with general visiting times.

Dean’s Park

The popular green space which runs along the north side of the cathedral, is open daily from 10am until 4pm.

Keeping people safe: Covid-19 control measures at York Minster

In line with Government and Church of England guidance, York Minster has implemented a range of measures to help keep visitors and staff safe. These include:

• compulsory wearing of masks inside the Minster

• limiting the number of people allowed inside

• reduced seating

• a one-way system to allow people to physically distance from one another

• hand sanitizer points

• additional cleaning measures

• staff and clergy wearing face masks and visors

• worshippers attending public services will also be asked to leave their name and contact details to assist with the NHS Test and Trace programme, in line with Government guidance.

Changes to services include no singing or sharing of the Peace and the suspension of the Common Cup during Holy Communion will continue. There will also be no plate collection at the end of services, although people are encouraged to make a donation using contactless donation points inside the cathedral.

Parts of the cathedral will remain closed including the Central Tower and Undercroft Museum and there will be no guided tours.

The Minster has been approved for the UK-wide ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard, launched this week by national tourism organisations for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, which demonstrates it is adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance.

York Minster’s arrangements for worship and visiting will come into effect from next Wednesday but may be subject to change following any further Government advice.

For further information visit www.yorkminster.org.

Railway Museum

The museum will be open from 10am – 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday and open in the run up to Christmas but visitors will need to book a free ticket online.

Coronavirus York update; 26th November 2020

Deaths and test results

There has been a big jump in the number of COVID deaths announced today. EIGHT new fatalities have been announced by the York Hospital Trust. Two occurred yesterday, four on Tuesday and two on Monday.

The cumulative total second wave death toll at the York and Scarborough hospitals has now reached 74

TWENTY NINE (29) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 5576

It appears that the threshold used by the government, to determine whether an area could be given a Tier 1 classification, was that the location must have fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 head of population. Very few areas met this criteria (Cornwall, Isle of Wight).

On the last validated numbers (21st Nov) York had 132.47 cases per 100k population.

On the present downward trajectory, York would pass below 100 cases threshold before the next review date. This is expected to be 10th December with any changes in classification effective from 16th December.

During the week ending 19th November, 3530 P2 tests were carried out in York. Of these, 8.6% proved to be positive.

This was a lower positivity rate than was seen during the previous week

Neighbourhood data has now been published. There is little change from yesterday.

We have reordered the table to reflect the cases per 100k of population rate.

This is one of the the figures that the government used to determine which Tier an area was allocated into.

Essentially the City needs to have a rate below 100 to be considered for Tier1 by 10th December.

Two neighbourhoods. Heslington and Clifton Without, are well above this rate at present.

The colour coding now reflects the central government’s presentation key

Tier 2 for York

York has been placed back into Tier 2 restrictions by the government. The new arrangements start on Tuesday.

The main impact is on pubs which will have to serve meals if they are to open while households will not be able to mix indoors.

All shops, hairdressers etc will still reopen from Tuesday.

The situation will be reviewed after a fortnight and may be changed again before Christmas

Outdoor events will be limited to 2000 spectators.

This will affect York City FC who were hoping to move into the new Community Stadium at Monks Cross.

However work at the stadium is still underway today with no sign of completion in sight. The Club may look to reopen Bootham Crescent. Social distancing at an all seater stadium would be easier to manage.

An update from the York Council on the stadium situation is long overdue.

*Work on the new Community Stadium at Monks Cross is far from complete.*

It looks like high case rates in Scarborough may have contributed to York being placed in Tier 2 restrictions. There may be concerns about capacity at the York Hospital Trust which is also responsible for care in Scarborough. More details are available by clicking here

West and South Yorkshire have been placed into the highest TIER 3 category. This includes additional restrictions on travel to, and from, the areas.

COVID Winter Grant Scheme for the needy

The York Council will consider next week how it is to allocate the, government funded, Winter Grant scheme.

On Sunday 8 November 2020, the government announced a package of extra targeted financial support for those in need over the winter period. The COVID Winter Grant Scheme will see new funding issued to councils to support those most in need with the cost of food, energy and water bills and other associated costs.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will provide funding to the council, who will administer the scheme and provide direct assistance to vulnerable households and families with children particularly affected by the pandemic.

This will include some families who normally have access to Free School Meals (FSM) during term time.

The funding allocation for York is £416,729.

Around £200,000 of the fund is set to be used to provide meals for needy children during the Christmas and Easter school holidays (i.e. those who would normally quality for Free School Meals)

There are already many local schemes operating which provide support to local people hit by te pandemic. These include surplus food giveaways

Coronavirus York updates; 25th November 2020

Deaths and test results

FOUR (4) additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. 3 occurred on Sunday and one on Monday. This brings the cumulative second wave fatality total to 66 at the York and Scarborough hospitals

TWENTY NINE (29) new positive test results announced today bringing the cumulative total to 5547

The figures will be looked at with greater interest today as the government is set to announce tomorrow (Thursday) which tier the City will be placed with effect from next Tuesday.

There are some positive indicators

There has been a sustained reduction in case numbers from 57.86 per day when Lockdown was introduced on 5th November to 38.1 today

The City has a lower case rate per 100k head of population than the county, regional and national averages.

Only two neighbourhoods are now above the national average (Heslington and Clifton Without).

On the other hand the case rate at 132.47 is still higher than it was at the peak of the first wave (96.86 on 5th May). 169 residents lost their lives to the virus during the spring and early summer.

We expect the City to be put into Tier1 along with Ryedale and Hambleton. If so we hope it doesn’t encourage the kind of activities which were seen on our streets in September.

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