Coronavirus York updates; 30th March 2021

Deaths

The have been no further hospital deaths today. It is now 13 days since the last COVID fatality was announced by the York Hospital Trust

Test results

Three additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,193

Case numbers in the City are up from 62 yesterday to 67 today. They are expected to fall to around 63 tomorrow.

The rate per 100k population figure climbs to 31.8. The rate has been stable at around 30 since the middle of the month. It is expected to remain at around that level at least until Easter.

Infection rates in North Yorkshire have spiked again and rate continues to grow steadily across the region as a whole

Neighbourhoods

Case numbers in Holgate East are now falling while those in Holgate West are rising! Overall there is little change

Vaccinations

Tests

4467 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 25th March 2021

Of these, 1.8% were positive. That is the fifth successive day on which increased infection rates have been found.

693 “lateral flow” test were also conducted on 29th March

Hospital

The York Hospital Trust is now treating fewer COVID patients

Coronavirus York updates; 29th March 2021

Deaths

There have been no further hospital deaths announced today.

Test results

11 additional positive test results have been announced today bringing the cumulative total up to 12,190

The number of cases in the City has increased from 61 yesterday to 62 today. It is likely that we will see a further increase of a around 4 cases tomorrow below the level stabilises.

The infection rate /100k population has increased to 29.44. The infection rate has fairly consistently hovered around 30 for the last 10 days.

Infection rate at regional level continuing to creep up

Neighbourhoods

No major changes at neighbourhood level today, although the rate in Holgate East has now fallen back below the 100 case threshold.

Vaccinations

Tests

4560 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 24th March 2021

Of these, 1.6% were found to be positive. That represents an increase on the previous days figure of 1.5%. There has been a steady increase in positivity since the 1.2% low seen on 21st March.

In addition, 3599 “lateral flow” test were carried out on 28th March

Hospitals

The number of COVID patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust in their intensive care units has fallen to 4.

Coronavirus York updates; 28th March 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths today. It is 11 days since the last fatality at the York Hospital Trust

Test Results

Only 3 new positive test results today. That is the lowest figure since last summer (Yesterdays “zero” was a result of a reprofile of older results which had been double counted). The cumulative total is now 12,179.

The number of cases in the City has fallen from 68 yesterday to 61 today. That is the lowest number seen in the City since 11th September 2020

The rate /100k population has fallen back to 28.96. It is expected to remain around this figure for the next 3 days.

The case rate is continuing to increase at regional level.

Stable today at North Yorkshire level.

Falling in the City and at national level.

Neighbourhoods

There is now only one neighbourhood with an infection rate which is above the national average (Holgate East – which has seen a reduction by one case today)

Vaccinations

Tests

4678 PCR tests were conducted in the City during the week ending 23rd March 2021

Of these 1.5% were positive. That is the same rate as the previous day.

864 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 27th March

Coronavirus York updates; 27th March 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths today.

Last fatality occurred on 17th March.

Test results

According to the government’s web site the cumulative number of positive test results in the City remains at 12,176 today.

However, the profile of when the positive results were recorded has changed. They are recording a zero increase in cases today. The rejigging of the figures has resulted in 15 positive results being recorded on 25th March. If correct, this would be the highest single day figure recorded in the City since 9th March.

The number of cases in the City has increased from 65 to 68 (7 day moving average) That is the second day in a row that there has been an increase

The rate /100k population has increased to 32.29.

The revisions to the incidence of positive test results has also impacted elsewhere. There has been a big reduction in case numbers in North Yorkshire.

Case numbers at reginal level continue to increase.

The national rate is stable

Neighbourhoods

The increase in case number sin Holgate East has continued. There are now 11 cases there. That is up from 1 in less than a week.

Elsewhere infection numbers are fairly stable.

Vaccinations

Tests

4599 PCR tests were carried out in York duirng the week ending 22nd March 2021

1.5% of the tests were positive. That represents and increase over the previous days figure of 1.3%

1668 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 26th March

Hospitals

Latest capacity figures from York Hospital Trust

Council plans for reopening the “High Street”

original allocations

The Council has revealed more of its plans to fund the reopening of the City centre to visitors. An initial programme had been discussed earlier in the month (click)

At a behind closed doors meeting, officials have now allocated funds to the following projects

  • The allocation of £45k to the BID to deliver College Green and general outdoor seating across the city centre
  • The allocation of £60k to Make It York to deliver Parliament Street seating area and £4.5k for the associated toilets
  •  The allocation of a single budget of up to £20k to allow Make It York and the BID to operate shared security and waste collections across all city centre wide projects
The College Green outdoor activity area is set to return

The plans singularly fail to address the issues faced by suburban shopping areas. Not for the first time, the Front Street area has been snubbed.

What’s on at Easter

Guide to some leisure options available this Easter holiday click

Grant support provided to more than 3,500 businesses

During the last quarter more than 3,500 companies received grant support from City of York Council.

As the nation marks one year of unprecedented changes for residents as well as businesses, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning has received an update on the economic support provided during the last quarter.

The focus for the council’s economic team has been quick and efficient payments of any business support grants for affected businesses, helping to protect jobs and secure the future for the diverse collection of independent businesses in the city.

City of York Council continue to provide grant support to more than 3,500 companies, accounting for more than half of the city’s businesses, which is a significantly higher proportion in comparison to other local councils. The Council’s focus has been getting support grants to those who are entitled to receive them quickly and efficiently, as well as focussing discretionary grants on the small and micro businesses that need them most. Funding provided through the 2020 microgrant scheme and the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) has helped over 1,200 businesses to adapt to challenges, and supported the diverse community of microbusiness in York. These businesses have been at the heart of the response in York, with payments received earlier than in other areas. 

The report considered by the Executive member shows how York continues to be the city with the lowest percentage increase in unemployment, with cities including Bradford, Hull and Birmingham having seen unemployment rise at nearly 3 times the rate that York has experienced.*

To further support job retention and creation in the city, the Council has endorsed proposals put forward by the city’s Skills and Employment Board to tackle the immediate impact of the pandemic.

One-year plan: Skills for Employment in York, sets out how the city needs to respond to the changing skills and training needs of the city post-pandemic. The aim is to ensure that residents and businesses have the necessary skills and training support to meet their needs, helping York’s economy to recover, and grow, over the coming years.

Coronavirus York updates 26th March 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths today. There have been no fatalities recorded by the York Hospital Trust for 8 days now.

Test results

Sixteen additional positive tests today. Brings the cumulative total to 12,176.

The number of cases has increased from 63 to 65 today

As forecast, the infection rate has increased today to 30.86. On current trends, it is expected to remain above 30 throughout next week.

The infection rate has increased at every level (City, county, region and national) today. The reasons for this setback are unclear.

Neighbourhoods

There has been an increase in case numbers in Holgate East.

Otherwise most other neighbourhoods are stable. Only 2 neighbourhoods now have infection rates above the national average.

Infection rates have risen in the neighbouring Selby and Harrogate areas.

Vaccinations

Tests

4600 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 21st March

Of these, 1.3% were positive. That is a lower rate than the 1.4% recorded the previous day

2930 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 25th March

Council commentary

The York Council has updated its commentary on “open data” about the pandemic. It is reproduced below for ease of reference

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 26.03.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 22.3.21 there had been 56 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 653 in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.

• As at 25.3.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 164 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,428 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 25.3.21 York has had 12,160 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,774 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,713) and regional (6,850) averages.

• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the no. of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (22.3.21) is Amber.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 17.3.21 to 23.3.21 in York is 32.3 (using data published on Gov.uk on 25.3.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.3.21 to 20.3.21 was 29.9. The national and regional averages at this date were 55.5 and 109.1 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 25.3.21).

• York is currently ranked 33rd out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.

• For the 7 day period 13.3.21.to 19.3.21, 2 wards have seen a statistically significant fall in their rate compared with the 7 day period 6.3.21 to 12.3.21 (Huntington & New Earswick and Fishergate). The remaining wards have shown no significant change. Ward rates currently vary from 0 to 108.3 per 100,000. 6 wards had zero cases in the latest period.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 14.3.21 to 20.3.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 4.0. The national and regional averages were 21.1 and 34.7 respectively.

• As at 23.3.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 1.58%. The national and regional averages are 2.6% and 5.2% respectively.

• As at 23.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.10%. The national and regional averages are 0.1% and 0.3% respectively.

• As at 23.3.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 1.4%. The national average is 1.1%.

• As at 19.3.21 York University reported 6 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.

• As at 15.3.21 York St. John reported 1 individual within the University community who was currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.

Contact Tracing

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 11,301 confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 10,191 of the cases have been completed (90.2%). 26,290 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 19,909 of these have been completed (75.7%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 19.3.21, 1,019 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 670 (65.8%) were successful and 349 (34.2%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 25.3.21 there was 1 care home in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

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

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 22.3.21 there were 16 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive across 11 schools.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 23.3.21 there were 14 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.

• As at 23.3.21 there were 4 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.

• As at 23.3.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 23.3.21 there had been 1 confirmed patient discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

• Between 15.3.21 and 21.3.21, 8 CYC residents were discharged from York hospital after needing NHS care for symptoms linked to covid-19 infection.

R Number

• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 19.3.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.7 to 0.9. The previous estimate was (0.7 to 0.9) on 12.3.21.

Total Vaccinations

• As at 24.3.21 a total of 87,887 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 41.7% of the estimated total population of York and 50.5% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.

• As at 24.3.21 a total of 7,441 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 3.5% of the estimated total population of York and 4.3% 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 is useful as it enables a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 10: 6.3.21 to 12.3.21) 3 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 7, 8 and 9 there had been 19, 6 and 6 deaths respectively.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 12th March 2021 and registered up to 20th March 2021, 383 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (223 in hospital, 131 in care homes, 21 at home and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 181.5 which is lower than the national average of 226.1

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 10.3.21), a cumulative total of 367 deaths of CYC residents where COVID-19 was mentioned (confirmed or suspected) on the death certificate, have been registered. The average age of the people who died was 82.3, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (80.1% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 73.3% nationally). 176 of the 367 were male (48.0%), less than the national average (54.3%).

Coronavirus York updates; 24th March 2021

Deaths

There have been no hospital deaths announced today. That makes it a week since the last fatality at the York Hospital Trust

Test results

Thirteen more positive test results were announced today bringing the cumulative total to 12,147.

The number of cases in the City has fallen from 65 yesterday to 64 today

The case rate /100k population has fallen slightly to 30.39. However it is likely to edge up again towards the end of the week.

Case numbers at regional level remain stable. They have fallen slightly at county and national level.

Neighbourhoods

The infection rate in Stensall has fallen back below 100.

Two neighbourhoods now have zero infections

Vaccinations

Tests

4545 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 19th March.

Of these, 1.4% were positive. That is the same percentage as the previous day

1811 “lateral flow” tests were also carried out on 23rd March

More symptom-free testing slots available

More slots have been made available for residents to get a symptom-free test at one of three testing sites across the city.

Tests are still available at the University of York, York St John University and the York Leisure Centre- part of the York Stadium Leisure Complex. Residents can now book tests well into April and tests will be available to be booked in at least one of the sites on every day throughout the Easter weekend.

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

These symptom-free testing sites are a crucial part of our citywide effort to stop the spread of the virus.

“We are hugely grateful to the two universities and Better York for their continued support and to everyone who is getting tested regularly.

“Symptom-free tests are making a difference, identifying cases of the virus early and stopping people from unknowingly spreading it to others.

“With the advances of home testing we are reviewing our testing strategy so in the coming weeks and months it is even easier to get a regular test.

“Appointments at our symptom-free testing sites can be booked online.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health said:

1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus has no symptoms. It is crucial that people continue to get tested regularly so we can identify cases quickly and stop the virus from spreading.

“That we have carried out so many tests is testament to the city’s collective efforts and long may that continue.

“We have hope ahead with the next steps of the roadmap and the vaccine rolling out. However, we must keep up our efforts and get tested regularly (even if you have had the vaccine) to protect people across the city.

“By having regular tests and practicing hands, face, space we are all playing a vital role in the city’s fight against Coronavirus.”

Hospitals

York Hospital Trust is currently treating 32 confirmed and Covid-19 inpatients . Five patients are in intensive care.

2,083 Covid-19 patients have been treated and discharged since the start of the pandemic

Coronavirus York updates; 23rd March 2021

Deaths

York residents

The latest ONS figures, detailing the number of deaths of York residents as a result of COVID-19, have been published.

During the week ending 12th March 2021 there were 3 fatalities.

Two occurred in a hospital and one at a care home.

That means the pandemic total death toll is now 371.

The number of deaths recorded continues to fall steeply and is now fewer than could be seen in a “normal” winter week.

The have been no deaths announced by the York Hospital Trust today. The last fatality occurred on 17th March

Test results

Six additional positive test results have been announced today. They bring the cumulative total to 12,134

The number of cases in the City remains at 65

The rate per /100k population figure is 30.86. It is expected to remain at around this level for the remainder of the week.

Neighbourhoods

Little change today although Strensall has edged back over the 100 case rate threshold

The infection rates at county, regional and national level have shown small reductions today

Vaccinations

Tests

4439 PCR test were carried out during the week ending 18th March 2021

Of these., 1.4% were positive. That is the same percentage as the previous day

In additional 3192 “lateral flow” test were conducted on 22nd March

Support and comfort for bereaved residents

On the first anniversary of the lockdown, the York council is supporting St Leonard’s Hospice’s acts of remembrance and is reminding residents of the bereavement support available to them.

Today, on the anniversary of the first lockdown on Tuesday 23 March, the city walls are lit in the yellow and blue colours of the Hospice to offer people a moment of reflection. The Hospice is also creating a time capsule of memories for their garden.

For those bereaved in York, St Leonard’s Hospice, Cruse York and Bereaved Children’s Support York all offer specialist support. Besides these local resources, there are a number of national organisations offering support. These include Marie Curie which is leading the National Day of Reflection – more at https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection.

For children and young people who have lost loved ones, the York’s schools are able to help. The Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) are available as is a web page on supporting children with loss and bereavement. It was originally created for staff but has been recently opened to the public at https://bit.ly/EdPsyYorkEd . The e-module is located under the coronavirus tab and lasts about 45 minutes altogether.

Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adults, said:

“For all those bereaved at this most difficult time, my heart goes out to you. However you remember loved ones, I hope you are able to find comfort from these collective moments of reflection. 

“Specialist bereavement support for York residents is available from St Leonard’s Hospice, Cruse York and Bereaved Children’s Support York, and are complemented by other national organisations. 

“With the roll out of vaccinations and the various testing options available, there is real hope ahead for us all.”

Emma Johnson, Chief Executive at St Leonard’s Hospice said: 

“Through our ‘One Year On’ campaign, we have given the local community the chance to remember their key lockdown moments. We also felt it was important to give people the chance to pause and reflect on loved ones and friends who have died.

“Our team of bereavement support volunteers continue to provide support and advice. If you are grieving it can be a lonely experience and the current COVID-19 restrictions can make this worse, as you don’t have the same support and connections. We offer bereavement support to any adult in the York community – you don’t have to have had a relative cared for by us. I would urge anyone who is struggling with their grief to get in touch with our highly experienced team.”

•    To self-refer for ongoing bereavement support, please contact St Leonard’s Hospice on 01904 708 553. Or for immediate, in the moment support, please call 01904 777 772.  More detail at www.stleonardshospice.org.uk/

•    For bereavement care from Cruse call 0808 808 1677. Or, to contact York Cruse please call 01904 481162 or email: york@cruse.org.uk or send a message through its Facebook page via Messenger

•    For Macmillan’s range of services related to end of life care, choose ones close to you at https://www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.html

•    For a range of support services for people with life limiting conditions – find local services from Marie Curie at https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/local

•    If you are under 51 and bereaved, Widowed and Young (WAY) can provide support at www.widowedandyoung.org.uk

•    Emotional support for families who have lost a baby is available from the Lullaby Trust. To talk to a trained team member, call 0808 802 6868 or go to www.lullabytrust.org.uk/

•    Bereaved Children’s Support York offers free one-to-one counselling to any York child who has lost a parent, sibling or other significant person: www.bcsy.org.uk/ or www.facebook.com/bereavedchildrensupportyork 

•    For bereaved children, City of York Council’s Educational Psychologists have written a short booklet for children at www.york.gov.uk/WhenSomeoneCloseDies .There is an accompanying guide to help school staff, parents and carers support a child or children through the grieving process at www.york.gov.uk/SupportingBereavedChildren

•    For practical help when someone dies, call the Bereavement Advice Centre on 0800 634 9494 on online at www.bereavementadvice.org/

•    To help employers to better support employees and colleagues who may be affected by grief, Dying Matters (www.dyingmatters.org) offers a Compassionate Employers programme

•    A range of bereavement support from At A Loss includes online access to a bereavement counsellor at: http://www.ataloss.org/ 

Please note that each telephone number may have differing opening times. Please refer to the website for details.

Coronavirus updates; 22nd March 2021

Deaths

No further hospital deaths today.

Last death was on 17th March.

Fatality numbers are falling across the whole region.

Test results

There have been 12 new positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total to 12,128

The number of cases in the City has fallen by 3 from 68 yesterday to 65 today.

The rate /100k population has fallen to 30.86. It is expected to remain at around 30 for most of this week.

The rate at North Yorkshire level has fallen for the first time in several days.

The rate at regional level remains stubbornly high. It is over three times higher than the rate in York. The high number of cases in West Yorkshire casts a shadow over whether the promised easing of restriction in April will actually occur (unless stringent travel restrictions are maintained)

Neighbourhoods

Half of York’s neighbourhoods now have fewer than 3 cases in each.

No area has more than 8 cases. In January, one neighbourhood alone recorded over 144 cases.

Vaccinations

Tests

4310 PCR tests were carried out durng the week ending 17th March 2021

The positivity rate was 1.4% which is slightly higher than the previous days figure of 1.3%

In addition, 5701 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 21st March

Transport mode use

The government has issued some experimental figures which demonstrate the changing travel choices that people have made during the pandemic. One set of figures covers the north east of England

Not surprisingly car use continues to be the preferred choice for most people although vehicle numbers remain well below what was seen before the pandemic hit.

Pedestrian and cycling movements fell to a record low in February (possibly because of the weather) but are now trending upwards.

Again perhaps not surprisingly, van movements have been relatively stable,

Use left hand axis for cars. Right for other modes.

Council urges to businesses to apply for “financial lifeline” before deadline

City of York Council is reminding eligible business who have not yet applied for Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) funding to do so before the 31 March 2021.

To check if you are eligible visit: https://www.york.gov.uk/COVID19BusinessGrants

This additional funding has so far supported around 1,300 York businesses which have not been forced to close but have been severely impacted by restrictions.

As government support changes by level of restriction, different businesses qualify for ARG under November’s lockdown, the small number of days we spent under Tier 3 restrictions and now the third national lockdown.

As we move through the Government roadmap and businesses are able to reopen, ARG will be withdrawn on a sector by sector basis, following the published steps.

The scheme is available to:

  • businesses with permanent fixed premises in York, where trade is impacted by more than 75% due to lockdown, and who may or may not be liable for business rates in York (market stalls or pitches are not considered a fixed premises)
  • businesses where trade is usually conducted in York for 75% or more of the time, and where trade is severally impacted by the lockdown restrictions

The government sets national criteria for funds to be paid, our local offering uses those criteria. If eligible, businesses will receive different amounts depending on their circumstances.

Be aware that:

  • we’ll only consider paying grants to businesses where all of the eligibility criteria are met
  • grants to businesses will be treated as taxable income
  • for partnerships, each partner would need to make a separate application for the business to receive more than 1 grant

If eligible, the payment businesses receive depends on certain circumstances:

  • up to £1,334, per 28 days in Tier 3 or 4, for businesses with fixed commercial premises costs (rent payable to a landlord)
  • £500 per 28 day qualifying restriction period, for businesses without fixed premises costs*
  • £2,000 per 28 day qualifying restriction period, for businesses with a rateable value of more than £15,000, but less than £51,000
  • £3,000 per 28 day qualifying restriction period, for businesses with a rateable value greater than £51,000

* Examples include a mobile hairdressers (falling under leisure and beauty mandated to close), taxi drivers (leisure sector mandated to close) or commercial electricians (non-essential retail mandated to close), and market traders.

If your business still falls through the cracks of government schemes to please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk

Coronavirus York updates; 21st March 2021

Deaths

There have been no additional hospital deaths recorded today

Test Results

Nine new positive test results announced today. They bring the cumulative total to 12,116

The number of cases in the City has fallen by two from 70 yesterday to 68 today. Further small reductions are expected over the next few days.

The infection rate /100k population has fallen to 32.29

The case number trend in York has been downwards for the last week. However it is forecast to stabilise over the next few days

There have been modest reductions in case numbers at national and regional levels today.

The North Yorkshire rate continues to edge up. The rate in Richmondshire is above 100.

Neighbourhoods

All but three York neighbourhoods now have infection rates below the national average (57.1).

All neighbourhoods have rates below the regional average (109.0)

Vaccinations

Another record high day for vaccination completed yesterday

Tests

4109 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 16th March 2021.

The proportion that were positive was 1.3% That is the same percentage as the previous day.

1051 “lateral flow” tests were also completed on 20th March

Coronavirus York updates; 20th March 2021

Deaths

The have been no more COVID-19 hospital deaths announced today.

Test results

Eight additional positive test results today. Brings cumulative total to 12,197

The number of cases drops by eleven from 81 to 70.

Rate /100k population has fallen to 33.24. A small further reduction is expected before the rate stabilises for a couple of days early next week.

Infection rates at county and regional level still increasing

Neighbourhoods

Only one neighbourhood now with more than 5 cases (Heworth South/The Groves). 20 areas now below national infection rate.

Vaccinations

A record number of vaccinations were completed yesterday. 50% of the adult population has now been immunised

Tests

3986 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 15th March 2021

Of these, 1.3% were positive. That is less than the 1.4% positivity rate recorded on the previous day

1768 “lateral flow” tests were also completed on the 19th March

“Stay safe and follow the guidance this weekend”

The York Council issued the following statement yesterday (Friday)

As the weekend begins, city leaders are thanking residents for their continued efforts to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

They are also asking everyone to continue to follow the current Public Health guidance and lockdown restrictions to keep our loved ones safe.

The latest figures for vaccination numbers, and case numbers, in York are:

  • As at 17.3.21, 79,375 CYC residents had received the first dose and 5,724 had received both doses.
  • The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 7.3.21 to 13.3.21 was 42.3. The national and regional averages at this date were 58.3 and 107.6 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 18.3.21).

With case numbers in the city decreasing, many residents will be looking forward to the planned changes in the roadmap plan, and the lifting of some of the current restrictions. To stop the spread of the virus, and keep the people of York safe, it is essential that the current guidance is followed.

These include:

  • Stay local and do not travel outside of your local area unless for essential reasons
  • Wash your hands, wear a face covering and maintain a 2m distance from others
  • You can enjoy your daily exercise as a household, but do not mix with people outside your support bubble

Residents looking for ways to enjoy the city safely with their household or alone with one person they do not live with, can visit the iTravel website and download a family-friendly illustrated map in the new Exploring York walking maps collection from their website.

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

It is encouraging to see the number of residents who have had their first dose of the vaccine.

“The Nimbuscare-led vaccination site has now administered over 100,000 jabs and I want to pay tribute to all the volunteers and staff who have made this possible. We are aware though that some people are yet to have their first jab and who are eligible. The Council and its partners are looking at ways we can help our communities to help those eligible to get the vaccine as soon as they can.”

“Whilst many of us are looking forward to a time where we can see our friends and families safely, it is more important than ever that we continue to follow the rules. As we get closer to potential milestones in the Government’s Roadmap, we must not be complacent and continue to follow public health guidance to stop the spread of the virus. If we continue to working together in this effort, we can expect to safely enjoy our city once again.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director for Public Health said:

We continue to be grateful for the efforts of everyone in stopping the spread of the virus. Our collective efforts are making a difference and saving lives, so let’s keep going.

“Thanks too must go to everyone having the vaccine and those making it possible. Each jab in the arm takes us closer to where we want to get to. We can’t change our behaviours just yet though. Whilst having the vaccine greatly reduces the risk of serious illness from Coronavirus, people can still catch and spread the virus. Hands, Face, Space remains vital as ever for us all.”

“We are still keen to see cases fall further, we cannot afford to be complacent yet so please keep going with Hands, Face, Space. Every time you wear a face covering or video call a friend or family member has an impact so thank you. I would strongly encourage anyone eligible to take up the offer of regular symptom-free testing, or carry out home testing, as an important way to stop the spread of the virus.”