Coronavirus York updates; 12th February 2021

Deaths

SIX additional deaths’ have been announced by the York Hospital Trust. Four occurred yesterday and two on Wednesday.

Although this is the largest single day announcement for over a week, the underlying trend confirms a continuing reduction in the COVID-19 death rate at local hospitals.

Test results

THIRTY ONE additional positive test results have been announced today. That brings the cumulative total number of cases up to 11,519

The rate /100k population figure has reduced to 119.65. That is the lowest rate seen in the City since 18th December 2020.

Infection levels are still reducing more quickly than was seen towards the end of Lockdown 2 (the period up to 2nd December 2020)

For the first time this year, York nw has a lower infection rate than North Yorkshire. The City has been below the regional and national averages for over a month.

Neighbourhoods

The improving picture at City level also reflects at neighbourhood level where only New Earswick now has above average infection rates.

South Bank/Dringhouses continues to have a very low infection rate

Tests

5196 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 7th Feb 2021.

The positivity rate was 5.4% which represents an improvement on yesterdays figure.

1237 lateral flow tests were carried out on 11th February

Vaccinations

Where next?

The table below details the substantial changes that there have been in infection rates in York over the last year.

It will be important to understand what went wrong in the four weeks which led up to the winter peak in case numbers on 8th January 2021. The authorities must act cautiously and make sure that they are proceeding with the support and understanding of the City generally.

The preparations, for the reopening of schools to all pupils in March, are likely to be the first to be scrutinised.

The latest figures (see Council commentary below) confirm that there are 19 children who have had positive test results recently, There is no room for complacency.

We hope that the success of the vaccination programme (which is now proceeding with the 60+ age group now being inoculated) will allow teachers and other school staff to get an early jab. Regular testing of all who access school sites will also be essential, if public confidence is to be restored.

Council commentary

The York Council’s commentary on the pandemic has been updated on the “open data” website and is reproduced here for convenience

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 8.2.21 there had been 100 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 11.2.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 260.1 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,706 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 11.2.21 York has had 11,488 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,454.4 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,224.7) and regional (6,114.3) 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 (8.2.21) is Green.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 3.2.21 to 9.2.21 in York is 103 (using data published on Gov.uk on 11.2.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 31.1.21 to 6.2.21 was 134.8. The national and regional averages at this date were 194.6 and 177.8 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 11.2.21).

• York is currently ranked 25th 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 30.1.21.to 5.2.21, 2 wards in York (Haxby & Wiggington and Fishergate) have seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 23.1.21 to 29.1.21. For the remaining wards there has been no statistically significant change in rates. No wards have seen a significant increase in rates in this period.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 31.1.21 to 6.2.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 117. The national and regional averages were 151 and 125.7 respectively.

• As at 8.2.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 5.4%. The national and regional averages are 7.1% and 7.6% respectively.

• As at 8.2.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.3%. The national and regional averages are 0.3% and 0.3% respectively.

• As at 9.2.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 6.2%. The national and regional averages were 8.2% and 7.9% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 5.3% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and a 6.6% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE

• As at 10.2.21 York University reported 21 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 8.2.21 York St. John reported 5 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

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 10,577 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 9,515 of the cases have been completed (90%). 24,793 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 18,589 of these have been completed (75%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 5.2.21, 890 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 888 of the referrals (99.8%) have been actioned and 2 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 567 (63.9%) were successful and 321 (36.1%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Care Settings

• As at 11.2.21 there were 5 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 8.2.21 (1 home).

Cases amongst School Aged Children

• In the 7 days up to 7.2.21 there were 19 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive. NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 10.2.21 there were 85 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 9.2.21 was 94.

• As at 10.2.21 there were 13 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 9.2.21 were 13 and 0 respectively.

• As at 10.2.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 0 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 10.2.21 there had been 12 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital

• Between 1.2.21 and 7.2.21, 29 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 5.2.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.1) on 29.1.21.

Vaccinations

• As at 10.2.21, 45,596 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,049 had received both doses.

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 week (23.1.20 to 29.1.20) 23 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (18 in hospital, 2 at home or in a hospice and 3 in a care home).

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 29th January 2021 and registered up to 6th February 2021, 317 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (184 in hospital, 108 in care homes, 18 at home and 7 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 150.5 which is lower than the national average of 186.1.

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 3.2.21), a cumulative total of 317 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 82.5, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average (80.8% of those who died in York were aged 75+ compared with 74.2% nationally). 154 of the 317 were male (48.6%), less than the national average (54.4%).

Coronavirus York updates; 11th February 2021

Deaths

TWO additional hospital deaths have been announced today. One occurred yesterday and one on Tuesday.

The average daily number of deaths being recorded at the York and Scarborough hospitals was as high 5.6 as recently as 21st January.

That figure has now fallen to 2.7 and continues to decline.

Hospitals

128 COVID-19 patients are currently being treated by the York Hospital Trust. That represents a considerable reduction on the numbers seen last month when cases soared to over 200.

There are 16 patients in intensive care.

1863 COVID patients have been treated and discharged from the hospitals since the start of the pandemic last year.

Tests

5231 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 6th February.

5.9% of the test were positive. This represents a fall compared to yesterdays figure

1526 lateral flow tests were also conducted on 10th February

Test results

TWENTY FIVE additional positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 11,488

The rate per 100k population figure has fallen to 134.85. It is still trending to go below the 100 case benchmark next week.

Neighbourhoods

South Bank and Dringhouses has now fallen below the 50 case threshold (meaning it has a very low infection rate).

The highest level can be found in New Earswick where the rate has crept up to 312.9

The rate across England has now fallen below 200.

Trends at neighbourhood during wave three

Vaccinations

The vaccination centre is now moving on to inoculate those aged between 65 and 70.

Anyone who has not been called in and who is aged over 70 is urged to book an appointment now.

Coronavirus York updates; 10th February 2021

Deaths

Two additional fatalities have been announced by the York Hospital Trust. One occurred on Sunday and one on Monday.

In total, since 1st September, there have now been 315 COVID-19 related deaths at the York and Scarborough hospitals.

The weekly fatality rate at the York Trust hospitals continues to decline.

Test Results

TWENTY EIGHT additional positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 11,463.

Rate /100k population figure has reduced to 140.07. It remains on a trend which would see the rate go below 100 next week.

Neighbourhoods

Little change today at neighbourhood level.

Highest case rate is still in New Earwick

The lowest is in South Bank/Dringhouses

Vaccinations

Tests

5188 PCR tests were carried out in York during the week ending 5th February.

The positivity rate was 6.2% (which is marginally up on yesterdays figure).

976 Lateral Flow tests were carried out on 9th February

Police enforcement

169 FPNs issued in Force’s busiest week of the lockdown

North Yorkshire Police have issued a further 169 fixed penalty notices for breaches of the Coronavirus regulations since the 2 February 2021.

This takes the total number of FPNs issued since the third national lockdown began on 6 January 2021 to 640.

The numbers are broken down by region, gender, age and breach below.

Coronavirus York updates; 9th February 2021

Deaths

One additional death has been announced by the York Hospital Trust today. It occurred yesterday

The latest ONS figures for COVID-19 deaths’ among York residents show that there were 23 fatalities during the week ending 29th January.

This represent a reduction compared to the 30 fatalities which occurred during the previous week

Of the latest deaths, 18 occurred in hospital, three in care homes and two at home.

The figures confirm that the death toll had begun to fall by late January.

In total, 313 York residents have now lost their lives to the virus since the pandemic started over a year ago.

NB. These figures are different from those quoted by the York Hospital Trust (above) which cover a larger area.

Test results

TWENTY NINE (29) new positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative number of cases seen in the City up to 11,435.

The case rate /100k population has fallen to 144.34.

The highest rate was 671.39 which was recorded on 8th January 2021

If the trend continues to follow the present trajectory, then the rate should fall below the 100 case benchmark early next week.

The lowest rate seen in the City, after the end of Lockdown 2, was 57.9 on 8th December 2020.

Neighbourhoods

There has been a big fall in case numbers in Haxby which no longer has above average infection rates

The neighbourhood with the lowest case rate is now South Bank and Dringhouses

Vaccinations

In the last 7 days (Mon-Sun) 12,000 patients have been vaccinated at Askham Bar site.

The over 70’s programme is now almost complete.

Tests

5246 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 4th February 2-21.

6.1% of the test were positive, which represents an improvement on previous figures

1416 lateral flow tests were carried out on 8th February.

COVID-19 outbreak management meeting

City of York Outbreak Management Advisory Board meeting taking place on Wednesday, 10 February 2021 5.30 pm

The meeting will be webcast

Background papers can be viewed by clicking the links highlighted in blue below

No.	Item
1.	Declarations of Interest
2.	Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 January 2021 PDF 210 KB
3.	Current Situation in York PDF 432 KB
4.	Update on the Covid-19 Vaccination PDF 320 KB
5.	Presentation: Test and Trace
6.	Presentation: Impact of the Lockdown on the Economy
7.	Communications and Engagement Update PDF 3 MB
8.	Update from Sub-Group: Universities and Higher Education Establishments PDF 404 KB
9.	Verbal Update: Outbreak Management Peer Challenge 2021
10.	Items for Next Agenda
11.	Dates of Future Meetings
12.	Any Other Business

Coronavirus York updates; 8th February 2021

Deaths

FOUR additional hospital deaths have been announced. One occurred last Thursday and three on Saturday

Test Results

TWENTY FIVE new positive test results announced today. That is the lowest figure for a single day seen this year.

The cumulative total is now 11,406.

The rate /100k population is now 152.41. That is the lowest infection rate seen since 20th December 2020.

The infection rate in York continues to fall more quickly than in other areas.

Neighbourhoods

Only four neighbourhoods in York now have above average infection rates

Hospitals

The York Hospital Trust now has 153 confirmed and suspected Covid-19 inpatients.

That compares with 173 on Friday and 242 on Tuesday January 26.

The Trust said it had 13 patients in intensive care, down by one on Friday.

1,813 patients had been discharged since the start of the pandemic to their usual place of residence or were no longer being treated as Covid-19.

Vaccinations

In York most over 70’s have now been vaccinated.

Officials have appealed to any who haven’t, to book an appointment this week

Appeal for over 70’s to book a jab now

The authorities are now saying that they’ve almost completed vaccinating everyone in the 1-4 priority groups, set out by the JCVI. The Government’s target is to vaccinate everyone in the first four priority groups by February 15.

They are now urging anyone who is over 70-years-old or who is registered as Shielding (Clinically Extremely Vulnerable) who has NOT yet been for their vaccine, to book an appointment.

People can do this themselves now, using the online link. They don’t have to wait for an invitation. All the information of how to book is on this website – nimbuscare.co.uk.

YORK PATIENTS:
If you, or someone you know, is over 70-yrs-old OR
is registered as Shielding (Clinically Extremely Vulnerable), & has NOT had the #CovidVaccine please book your appointment this week at the #YorkVaccinationCentre
Book online here
▶️ https://t.co/tigJvtQj00 pic.twitter.com/6HlXtsSwYW
— Nimbuscare (@Nimbuscare1) February 7, 2021

Tests

5279 PCR test were cerried out in Yokr during the weekending 3rd February

Of these, 6.4% had positive results. The positivity rate continues to fall

1537 lateral flow tests were carried out on 7th February

Coronavirus York updates; 7th February 2021

Deaths

One hospital death announced today. The fatality occurred on Thursday.

The death rate continues to reduce.

Test Results

THIRTY SIX (36) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 11,381

The rate /100k population has fallen to 164,76. That is the lowest rate recorded since 20th December 2020.

The rate of reduction in cases in the City is now mirroring the drop seen between 17th November and 8th December. Later in December – when restrictions had been relaxed – case numbers started to increase again.

Infection rates are falling at all levels now

Neighbourhoods

The most encouraging set of figures that we have seen this year.

Only 7 areas have above average infection levels with most of them showing steady reductions in case numbers.

Tests

5310 people had PCR tests in York during the week ending 2nd February

They had a positivity rate of 6.9%.

The positivity rate continues to fall

On 6th February, 574 people undertook lateral flow tests.

Vaccinations

Record high number of vaccinations completed yesterday

Coronavirus York updates; 6th February 2021

Deaths

SEVEN additional hospital deaths have been announced. Four occurred on Thursday and three yesterday.

Tests

5325 PCR tests were carried out in the City during the week ending 1st February.

The positivity rate was 7.4%. This is the lowest figure recorded in the City since 22nd December

1060 lateral flow test were conducted on 5th February

You will be able to book a test from the evening of Sunday 7th February at www.nhs.uk/Coronavirus and selecting the option that you were asked to attend by your local council.

Test results

THIRTY NINE additional positive test results were announced today. Brings cumulative total to 11,345.

After yesterdays blip, the infection rate /100k population figure has started to fall again. At 173.31 it is the lowest rate seen in the City since 21st December 2020.

Following current trends, the rate should fall below 150 early next week.

The rate in York continues to fall more quickly than elsewhere in the region and country. A

fter a short period of stability, the rate in North Yorkshire has also now resumed its downward trajectory.

Neighbourhoods

Fourteen neighbourhoods now have average, or below average, infection rates.

The lowest rate can now be found in the Dunnington/Elvington/Wheldrake area

Vaccinations

Coronavirus York updates, 5th February 2021

Deaths

TWO more hospital deaths have been announced. Both occurred on Wednesday.

There have now been 500 COVID-19 related deaths at the York and Scarborough hospitals since 1st September 2020

Test results

There were FIFTY FIVE (55) additional positive test results announced today. That brings the cumulative total up to 11,306.

As forecast, the latest (31/1/21) validated rate /100k population figure has increased to 184.7 (up from 179 yesterday).

However, this figure is expected to reduce to under 170 at the beginning of next week.

Infection rates have tended to stabilise at all levels today.

Neighbourhoods

The spike in cases (mentioned above) means that some neighbourhoods have climbed into a higher category today.

Hopefully that trend will be reversed tomorrow.

Testing

During the 7 days ending on 31st January 2021, 5398 people in York were given PCR tests.

Of these, 7.9% were positive. That is an increase of 0.1% over yesterday.

1311 lateral flow tests were also carried out in the City on 4th February 2021

Vaccinations

National and regional

Hospitals

There are now 173 COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust. 14 are in intensive care.

York Council commentary

The York Council has updated its open data COVID-19 commentary. It is reproduced below for convenience

People with Covid Symptoms

• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 1.2.21 there had been 149 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 3.2.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 399.5 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 4,708 people). The peak rate was 1,282.6 on 7.1.21.

Diagnosed cases

• As at 4.2.21 York has had 11,251 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,341.9 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,056.2) and regional (5,938.4) averages.

• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 27.1.21 to 2.2.21 in York is 156.7 (using data published on Gov.uk on 4.2.21).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 24.1.21 to 30.1.21 was 178.5. The national and regional averages at this date were 260.6 and 202.8 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 4.2.21).

• York is currently ranked 17th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.

• For the 7 day period 23.1.21.to 29.1.21, 7 wards in York (Acomb, Westfield, Rawcliffe & Clifton Without, Strensall, Holgate, Dringhouses and Woodthorpe and Copmanthorpe) have seen a statistically significant fall in rates compared with the 7 day period 16.1.21 to 22.1.21. For the remaining wards there has been no statistically significant change in rates. No wards have seen a significant increase in rates in this period.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 24.1.21 to 30.1.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 175.5. The national and regional averages were 207.5 and 159.4 respectively.

• As at 1.2.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 7.3%. The national and regional averages are 9.6% and 8.2% respectively.

• As at 1.2.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.52%. The national and regional averages are 0.4% and 0.3% respectively.

• As at 2.2.21, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 and 2 PCR tests combined) was 8.3%. The national and regional averages were 10.7% and 8.7% respectively. The breakdown for York over the last 14 days is a 7.9% positivity rate for Pillar 1 tests and an 8.4% positivity rate for Pillar 2 PCR tests. Source PHE

• As at 3.2.21 York University reported 40 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 1.2.21 York St. John reported 9 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

• Since 28.5.20 a total of 10,309 laboratory confirmed CYC Covid cases have been uploaded into the NHS Test and Trace system and 9,277 of the cases have been completed (90%). 24,347 ‘contacts’ have been identified and 18,172 of these have been completed (74.6%). Source: PHE Report.

• Local Tracing of Cases: Between 22.10.20 and 29.1.21, 842 ‘actionable’ positive COVID-19 CYC cases have been referred to the local contact tracing service. 809 of the referrals (96.1%) have been actioned and 33 are still ‘in progress. Of the referrals actioned, 538 (66.5%) were successful and 271 (33.5%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible.

Cases in Residential Settings / Schools

• As at 4.2.21 there were 6 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).

• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York was reported by PHE on 4.2.21 (1 home).

• In the 7 days up to 31.1.21 there were 28 children of primary and secondary school age who tested positive. NB Currently the majority of York children are not in the school setting.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 3.2.21 there were 119 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General and Acute beds. The previous figure on 2.2.21 was 125

• As at 3.2.21 there were 10 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The previous figures on 2.2.21 were 8 and 0 respectively.

• As at 3.2.21 there had been 0 patients admitted with suspected Covid-19 and 5 with confirmed Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

• As at 3.2.21 there had been 16 confirmed patients discharged with COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

Covid Patients (CYC Residents) discharged from York Hospital

• Between 25.1.21 and 31.1.21, 57 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 29.1.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.1. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.1) on 22.1.21.

Vaccinations

• As at 3.2.21 37,673 CYC residents have received the first dose and 1,034 had received both doses.

Deaths

• ONS weekly data: In the most recent week (16.1.20 to 22.1.20) 30 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (19 in hospital, 3 at home or in a hospice and 8 in a care home).

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 22nd January 2020 and registered up to 30th January 2021, 293 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (165 in hospital, 105 in care homes, 16 at home and 7 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 139.1 which is lower than the national average of 171.7

• Local Registrar data (Cumulative): Since the start of the pandemic (using data for deaths occurring up to 27.1.21), a cumulative total of 299 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 82.4, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of those dying in York is older than the national average. 147 of the 299 were male (49.2%), less than the national average (54.7%). 99 people (33.1%) died in nursing /care homes; (the national average is 22.9%). In addition 24 people (8.03%) who normally resided in nursing/care homes in the CYC area, died in hospital.

Coronavirus York updates; 4th February 2021

Deaths

There have been four more hospital deaths announced. Two occurred yesterday and two on Tuesday. The fatality total at the York and Scarborough hospitals, since 1st September, has now reached 298.

There is however some better news as the death rate now seems to be declining.

Test results

THIRTY SIX (36) additional positive test results have been announced today. They bring the cumulative total to 11,251

The rate /100k population figure has fallen to 178.53. That is the lowest figure recorded since 21st December 2020

The rate is however, expected to rise again when tomorrows figures are released before falling again over the weekend.

York has an infection rate below the regional and national averages. It is still slightly higher than the overall rate in North Yorkshire but, on current trends, will go below the county rate some time next week.

Neighbourhoods

Good news today as the City no longer has any neighbourhoods with a very high level of cases (over 400). The number of cases in Haxby has dropped from 23 to 17.

In addition – for the first time since 21st December, we have a neighbourhood (the City Centre) with a case rate of less than 50

Things may change again tomorrow when we are expecting a spike in cases, but hopefully next week more neighbourhoods will fall below the 200 case rate threshold.

Vaccinations

National and regional

Hospitals

According to latest government figures, there are 175 COVID-19 patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust.

This represents a substantial reduction on last weeks figure which was above 200.

Twelve are in intensive care

Tests

5407 PCR test were completed during the week ending 30th January in the City. 7.8% of the tests were positive. The positivity rate continues to fall

1725 lateral flow test were completed yesterday (3rd)

Police enforcement

North Yorkshire Police have issued a further 143 FPNs for breaches of the Coronavirus regulations since the 26 January 2021.

This takes the total number of FPNs issued since the third national lockdown began on 6 January 2021 to 471.

The numbers are broken down by region, gender, age and breach below.

The total number of notices issued in York since 6th January 2021 has been 114. Most were for unlawful indoor gatherings.

…..but crime levels generally reducing

Annual crime statistics have been published today by the Office of National Statistics. Crime in England and Wales – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

Covering the 12-month period to year ending September 2020, the figures show recorded crime has decreased by 9 % percent in North Yorkshire.

Deputy Chief Constable Phil Cain, said:

“Not withstanding that for the past ten months, the global pandemic has supressed some areas of crime, such a burglary and theft, the overall figures for North Yorkshire are encouraging.

“The decrease in overall crime is also down to some significant pro-active work by a number of teams across the force.

“We believe Stalking and Harassment offences have continued to rise due to the fact victims have increased confidence in reporting it. The increase can also be attributed to the requirement to record multiple crimes where stalking and/or harassment has occurred, rather than simply one crime per incident.

“With drugs offences, the rise reflects our pro-active approach to dealing with drugs issues such as County Lines. This issue causes a disproportionate amount of harm to local communities and increases the fear of crime – this is why county lines continues to remain a priority. My thanks go to the public for providing the community intelligence which enables this pro-active work to be carried out. This intelligence is key to us achieving these results.

“Post-lockdown in the summer of 2020, we experienced a significant rise in public order offences at some of our beauty spots. We responded to this with an increase in enforcement in those areas.

“The landscape of policing will endure change as we respond to the pandemic, however we will continue to place victims at the centre of everything we do.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank our committed workforce who do their very best every day to keep our communities safe. Equally I want to thank the public of North Yorkshire and the City of York for their support during this incredibly challenging time for us all.”

Coronavirus York updates; 3rd February 2021

Deaths

FIVE additional deaths were announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Three occurred on Monday and two yesterday.

Test results

THIRTY SEVEN (37) additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 11,215

The rate /100k population figure has now fallen to 185.18.

case numbers in York are now down to 390 (7 day moving average). They continue to reduce at a faster rate than elsewhere in the region.

Neighbourhoods

Six neighbourhoods now have significantly lower than average infection rates (below the 100 cases rate benchmark). The 6 include Woodthorpe/Acomb Park area which, 4 weeks ago, had the highest rate in the City.

Vaccinations

National & Regional

Local

Nimbuscare say that they vaccinated over 1700 people each day on Monday and Tuesday at the Askham Bar site.

Today (Wednesday) over 1800 have been vaccinated so far.

NB. Some patients are getting same day appointment options having received their “call up” Email in the morning. Very impressive process.

Testing

During the week ending 29th January 2021 (latest figures), 5363 PCR tests were completed in York.

Of these, 8.2% were positive.

This was a further reduction on the previous days figure (8.7%)

987 lateral flow tests were also completed on 2nd February

York Stadium testing site

The York Stadium Leisure Complex is the latest facility in York to offer symptom-free testing,

as thousands of people who live and work in York continue to do their bit by getting tested regularly to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

Following an agreement between City of York Council and Better York, residents will be able to get tested at the new York Leisure Centre, part of our fantastic new facilities at York Stadium Leisure Complex at Huntington, Monks Cross, from Monday 8 February.

You can book a rapid test if:

you live or work in York, and are unable to work from home during the lockdown, and come into contact with other people during the course of your work (including working in early years settings, essential retail and construction)
you’re aged 18 or over, and you come into contact with lots of other people as part of your work in any essential sector
you’re aged 18 or over, and you work with, live with, or support those most at risk from coronavirus
you’re a pupil of a secondary school in York, and your school has advised you to be tested
you’re an eligible staff member, postgraduate researcher or student at university in York

It joins York St John University and the University of York in offering residents, workers, students and staff who are eligible. Since starting testing on 14 December, we have done over 20,000 tests.

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

“I am pleased that the council is teaming up with Better York to offer another location for residents and people working in the city to get a symptom-free test.

“This is yet another example of how we are working to expand testing capacity in the and how we are coming together to fight the spread of the virus.

“From the very beginning of the project, it was our ambition that the York Stadium Leisure Complex would become an asset of real value to local communities and this new symptom-free testing offer shows how these fantastic facilities are being put to good use for the benefit of local people.

“We will continue to work with partners across the city to improve access to symptom-free testing, exploring how we meet the different needs of people who live and work in the city. Thousands are doing it every week and we hope more do in the coming weeks, as part of our efforts to stop the spread of the virus.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health at City of York Council said:

“1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus have no symptoms so it is vital cases are found early to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.

“Whilst cases have fallen in recent weeks rates in York are still higher than we’d like. The early identification of cases and subsequent self-isolation if the test is positive is really making a difference in our fight against Coronavirus.

“We are hugely grateful to those who are regularly getting tested to play their part in the fight against Coronavirus.

“Symptom-free testing can help protect your work colleagues, neighbours, friends and family. We are constantly increasing capacity so would urge anyone who is eligible to get a test.”

Paul Bickle, Better’s Partnership Manager for York said:

“The York Leisure Centre provides an ideal location for Covid-19 testing, offering easy access, plenty of parking and sufficient space to ensure social distancing at all times.

“The concept behind the stadium project was always that it would be a resource for all the community and it is fantastic to be able to play a small part in the city’s efforts to battle the ongoing pandemic.”

If you are eligible please book at https://www.york.gov.uk/SymptomFreeCOVIDTest

If you have coronavirus symptoms or you’re self-isolating, instead visit: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119