Deaths and test results

Good News

No additional deaths at York Hospital Trust announced today

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vaccine

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

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

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

For the latest on vaccine approval click here

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

Reopening attractions in York

York Minster

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

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

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

The cathedral’s reopening schedule is as follows:

For Worship

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

Monday – Saturdays

7.30am – Matins – No booking required

7.50am – Holy Communion – No booking required

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

Sundays

8am – Holy Communion – No booking required

10am – Matins – Booking required

11am – Sung Eucharist – Booking required

4pm – Evensong – Booking required.

Reservations for Sunday services and services during Christmas Week 

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

Reopening for visitors

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

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

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

(York Minster is currently closed on Tuesdays).

Sunday

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

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

Dean’s Park

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

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

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

• compulsory wearing of masks inside the Minster

• limiting the number of people allowed inside

• reduced seating

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

• hand sanitizer points

• additional cleaning measures

• staff and clergy wearing face masks and visors

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

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

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

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

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

For further information visit www.yorkminster.org.

Railway Museum

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