A total of 1023 vaccinations were completed in the City yesterday (Tuesday)
Test results
Twenty six positive test results today bring the cumulative total up to 12,675
The number of cases in the City has increased from 116 to 133
The rate /100k population is now 63.15.
That is the highest rate seen since 28th February 2021. The rate is trending to reach 78 over the weekend. (The peak rate seen this year was the 671 on 8th January).
Infection rates in York are rising more sharply at present than is being seen at county and national levels. There was similar trend last autumn
Neighbourhoods
Tests
5389 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 11th June
Of these, 2.2% were found to be positive. That represents an increase on the 2.0% positivity found during the previous period
In addition, 2024 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 15th June.
Number of COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust has increased to 5. There are currently no patients in the intensive care unit.
There have been no further deaths
Test Results
Twenty positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,628
The number of cases in the City has risen to 108. This pushes the area into a higher infection band. The City last had this high a number of infections at the beginning of March.
The rate /100k population has risen to 51.28. This is the highest infection rate seen in the City since 28th February 2021. The rate continues to trend upwards and will reach 66.5 later in the week.
York remains below the national and regional infection rate levels but case numbers are increasing rapidly
Neighbourhoods
There has been a rise in infection levels in the Tang Hall area This neighbourhood has a large number of student dwellings.
Vaccinations
1743 vaccinations were undertaken in the City yesterday (Sunday)
Tests
5353 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 9th June.
Of these, 1.9% were positive. That is a significant increase on the 1.6% found during the previous period.
In addition, 3384 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 13th June.
Changes to rules
In the light of new information which indicates that even some double vaccinated people have been admitted to hospital suffering from the new COVID-19 strain, most current restrictions are likely to remain in place. In York, 25% of adults have still to receive their first dose of vaccine.
No local figures have been released indicating how many of the positive test results have involved double vaccinated residents.
Similarly there has been no information provided on how transmission is taking place, although nationally it appears that contact in the home remains the main infection location.
The government measures are believed to include:
Keep restrictions in pubs that force them to operate table service only, with no queuing at the bar
Social distancing rules, including the wearing of masks indoors and on public transport, remain
Working from home guidance remains in place
Theatres limited to 50 per cent capacity
Nightclubs remain closed
Some increased capacity for sports events outdoors
Weddings no longer limited to 30 attendees. They will be allowed to go ahead with as many guests as can be held by the venue under social distancing rules
The government has also said
23-24 year olds will be able to book their vaccination appointment as soon as tomorrow,
By July 19, all adults will have had a first dose.
“We will certainly look at what we can do to accelerate second doses for university students”.
Twenty-five positive test results today brings case total up to 12,562
The 24 cases recorded on Tuesday was the highest single day total seen since 20th February.
Case numbers remain at 65 but with a significant trend upwards expected from tomorrow
The rate /100k population is still 30.86 but the spike is in the pipeline will see the rate increase to over 50 next week.
The rate of increase in infection rate has similarities with the surge seen last September/October, but is not yet as severe.
The R rate in the region is now estimated to be over 1 meaning that the pandemic is growing again. This seems to have been caused by the arrival of the more virulent “Delta ” variant coupled to the relaxation of restrictions, school half term etc.
Over 90% of positive test results are being recorded by people aged under 60. The heatmap below shows a high infection rate in the 10 -19 age groups
Infection rates are increasing significantly at all levels.
Neighbourhoods
Vaccinations
775 vaccinations were completed on Thursday in York. That is the lowest this month and down from a peak of 2,322 jabs last Saturday.
Tests
4871 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 6th June 2021
Of these, 1.3% were positive. That is the same proportion as that found during the previous period
In addition, 2380 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 10th June.
Council commentary updated
The York Council’s commentary on the pandemic, which can be found on “open data” has been updated. It is reproduce below.
The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 11.06.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 7.6.21 there had been 70 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 10.6.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 331 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,954 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 10.6.21 York has had 12,537 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,953 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (7,040) and regional (7,404) 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 (7.6.21) is Red.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 2.6.21 to 8.6.21 in York is 46.5 (98 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 10.6.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 30.5.21 to 5.6.21 in York was 30.9 (65 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 50.3 and 54 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 10.6.21).
• York is currently ranked 65th 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 29.5.21.to 4.6.21, the number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 7 and rates varied from 0 to 96.5 per 100,000. 3 wards had zero cases.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 30.5.21 to 5.6.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 2.0 (1 case). The national and regional averages were 10.3 and 12.0 respectively.
• As at 8.6.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 2.66%. The national and regional averages are 3.3% and 3.9% respectively.
• As at 8.6.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.26%. The national and regional averages are 0.3% and 0.3% respectively.
• As at 8.6.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.2%. The national average is 0.4%.
• As at 4.6.21 York University 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 331 on the 19.10.20.
• As at 7.6.21 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 4.6.21, 291 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 273 (93.8%) were successful and 18 (6.2%) 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 10.6.21 there were 0 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 were reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).
Cases amongst School Aged Children
• In the 7 days up to 7.6.21 there were 14 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 8 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 8.6.21 there were 2 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General/Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.
• As at 8.6.21 there were 0 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. 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 4.6.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.9 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 28.5.21.
Variants of Concern
• Published data from Public Health England shows that in York, up to 2.6.21, there had been less than five confirmed cases of the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India. More recent provisional data is available on cases where the test was processed in a laboratory which can identify Variants of Concern. This shows that over half of new cases in the most recent month in York were likely to be the Delta Variant.
Total Vaccinations
• As at 9.6.21 a total of 123,812 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 58.8% of the estimated total population of York and 71.2% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
• As at 9.6.21 a total of 85,501 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 40.6% of the estimated total population of York and 49.1% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
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. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 21: 22.5.21 to 28.5.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. The last death from Covid-19 for a CYC resident occurred in Week 17 (24.4.21 to 30.4.21)
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 28th May 2021 and registered up to 5th June 2021, 396 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 135 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.02 which is lower than the national average of 232.44
• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.5% were aged 75+ compared with 73% nationally). 47.9% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.
Nineteen additional positive test results today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,518
The number of cases in the City has increased from 62 to 65.
The rate /100k population is now 30.86. This is the first time it has been over 30 since late March.
However, following another 24 positive test results on Tuesday, the rate is expected to hit around 47 over the weekend.
Neighbourhoods
12 neighbourhoods now have 3 or more cases in each
Vaccinations
Little progress has been made with first jabs in the City over the last few days. Only 159 injections over 3 days. It has been suggested that inadequate supplies of the Moderna/Pfizer vaccine are to blame. This is the preferred jab for the younger cohort (Under 30’s) who are currently next on the list for an injection.
Second dose vaccination numbers are holding up well, with more than 50% of the population likely to have been inoculated by the end of the weekend.
The neighbourhood level progress reports on vaccinations have been published today. We are publishing both the first dose and the second dose outturns.
The second dose table is probably the most important given government advice that both doses are needed to get maximum protection.
There is a wide variance between the area with the highest proportion of vaccinated adults (Haxby, 70.5%) and the lowest (Tang Hall 27.1%).
This can mostly be explained by the variance in age profiles with those neighbourhoods with large student populations (aged under 25) not due to get most of their first doses until towards the end of the month
Tests
4763 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 5th June
Of these, 1.3% proved to be positive. This is an increase on the previous figure of 1.2%
In addition 3124 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 9th June
Outbreak Management Board
Some new information emerged at yesterday’s COVID management board meeting.
There has been a substantial growth in the City of cases of the COVID-19 variant which originated in India. It is expected, like elsewhere, to become the dominant strain over the next few days.
The Council are not advised of the vaccination status of those testing positive for the virus. They rely on national stats which say that only small numbers of vaccinated people fall victim to the virus.
The largest number of new cases are currently being found in the 10 -19 age group
Most tests currently involve school children.
The Council cannot say what proportion of positive tests are from people who are asymptomatic.
There is a lack of public awareness that free home testing kits are available.
There has been no local follow up of people who may have come into contact with someone who has the disease. More extensive tracing will start shortly. There will be an option for contacts to have daily tests rather than have to quarantine at home.
There may be a dedicated vaccination centre set up at the University of York when the programme moves on (possibly next week) to the 18 – 25 age group.
Consideration is being given to setting up a vaccinate hub in the City centre (although take up rates in the City are relatively high)
One additional COVID-19 patient being cared for by the Hospital Trust. This bings the total back up to three.
There is now one patient in intensive care; the first placed there for over 10 days.
The latest government figures, covering the period up to 28th May, confirm that there have been no deaths from COVID-19 in any setting in York since April
Test results
Twenty-four new positive test results were announced today. That is the largest for over two months. It brings the total up to 12,518
19 of the “positives” were recorded at tests conducted on Monday. That may be linked to the return to school after the half term. The authorities have not commented so far on the spike. The 19 positive test results are the highest single day figure seen since 8th March – ironically that was the same day as schools re-opened to all pupils
Two additional cases today bring total up to 62. That figure relates to the week ending 4th June and so precedes the surge in case numbers seen this week.
The spike in case numbers means that the case rate /100k is 29.44 and is, unfortunately, trending to reach 39.4 before the end of the week.
The increase in infection rates in York mirrors a similar trend at North Yorkshire, regional and national levels.
A council spokesperson has commented “we have seen the bulk of transmissions occur within homes and between people who do not maintain social distance”
Neighbourhoods
Eleven neighbourhoods now have 3 or more cases
Vaccinations
We have heard from the Council who say that they “don’t know” what proportion of the current positive cases in the City had previously received one or two doses of vaccine. Most cases are apparently in the younger age groups and are therefore less likely to have been vaccinated (but the authorities really should know what proportion of victims have had a jab)
Tests
4482 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 4th May 2021
Of these, 1.2% were found to be positive. That is less than the 1.3% found during the previous period.
In addition, 1735 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 8th June.
On street testing in York
Council to hand out more tests to York residents
City of York Council has announced the latest streets it will be handing out testing kits to as part of efforts to keep the city safe and open.
Council staff will be once again visiting communities in the city offering testing kits to residents and encouraging them to test themselves twice a week. This will support the Council’s efforts to increase the number of people being tested for COVID to identify symptom-free cases and stop the spread of the virus.
It is not as the result of increased cases in that area or the presence of a variant of concern. It represents the latest drive to make testing more accessible and frequent. As they have done throughout this project, staff will have Council ID cards for identification and will be handing out free tests and advice, so residents will never be asked to pay.
The team will be going out and about on Wednesday 9 June and Friday 11 June this week.
On Wednesday 9 June the teams will visit properties in Eldon Street, Eldon Terrace, Markham Crescent, Neville Street, Neville Terrace, Nelson Street, Stanley Street.
On Friday 11 June the teams will be out on Warwick Street, Walpole Street, Haxby Road north of Walpole Street, White Cross Road, Vyner Street, Fountayne Street, Briggs Street, Scaife Street, Scaife Gardens.
This work further supports Council’s other efforts to get people tested:
Continuing to offer testing kits to employers in the city so that staff can get tested.
Continuing to offer in-person testing and collection service at the University of York, York St John University, York Leisure Centre at the York Stadium Leisure Complex, Acomb Explore and Foxwood Community Centre.
Continuing to offer in-person testing at St William’s College with residents, employees and visitors able to access this service.
The number of COVID-19 patients being treated by the York Hospital Trust has increased to three. There have been no further deaths. The pandemic total remains at 592
Test results
Thirteen new positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,484.
Case numbers in City rise to 59. That is the largest number seen since 28th March
Rate /100k increases to 28.0. Infection rate trend is still upwards
Neighbourhoods
Vaccinations
The Council has written to employers in the City in the following terms
Dear Employer,
Firstly we want to say thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to help your workforce stay safe during the pandemic and to help stop coronavirus from spreading.
COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on so many lives and livelihoods and we acknowledge how difficult this past year has been for businesses.
However we are asking you to do more to help control the spread of the virus and help ensure the safety of your workforce by supporting the roll-out of the COVID vaccination programme. As well as this being the right thing to do to support the safe re-opening of the City, there is good evidence to suggest that it makes good economic sense too. A vaccinated workforce will significantly reduce levels of sickness and improve productivity and is, therefore, good for business. A business case developed by Public Health England is attached with this letter.
The vaccines being used in the UK are safe and effective and are already having a significant impact in helping to stop the spread of the virus, reducing the number of infections and hospital admissions and saving lives.
Please do everything you can to support your workforce to be able to attend a vaccination appointment by giving them paid time off work for their appointment or by allowing them to work their hours flexibly so they can get their vaccination without loss of wages. We have been contacted by a number of residents who have explained that not being able to take paid time off work is a major barrier to them being vaccinated since they cannot afford to lose pay. We are aware that some employers are already going the extra mile to support their staff but for those employers who have not yet done so we respectfully urge you to review your policies and make any changes necessary to be able to support all of your staff to have easy access to vaccination without the risk of losing out financially.
Thank you for your support. If you require any further information or to discuss what additional support we may be able to give you please contact enquiries.publichealth@york.gov.uk addressing your query to the Director of Public Health.
Yours sincerely
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, City of York Council
Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Chair, Vale of York CCG
Dr James Taylor, Medical Director, York Hospital
Tests
4521 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 2nd June 2021
Of these, 1.2% were found to be positive. That is the same proportion as were found during the previous period
In addition, 3890 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 6th June 2021
