Coronavirus York updates: 1st July 2022

Future reports

This is the last daily coronavirus report. The Government has announced that it will update figures only weekly in future. Given that infection rates have been rising steadily over the last 4 weeks many may feel that more regular updates should have continued at least until case numbers start to fall again. But we are where we are.

We hope to publish our next Coronavirus update on Wednesday 13th July 2022 at around 5:00pm

Hospitals and deaths. There have been no additional fatalities. The number of  COVID+ patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust has risen to 112. The number in the ICU is now 3. 

Two more deaths of York residents are recorded in the latest update of government figures. They cover the week ending 17th June 2022. Both deaths occurred in a hospital. They bring the cumulative toll up to 460. 

Test results The number of cases in the City has reduced by 4 to 482. The infection rate is 228.41. The latest test results suggest that the rate will climb above 250 next week. 

In York around 25% of cases are now reinfections. Around 70% of positive tests are being recorded in the  under 60 age group.

Neighbourhoods The highest infection rate continues to be found in Woodthorpe/Acomb Park/Foxwood South (363.8) . The lowest is in Tang Hall (71.2) – the first reading below 100 for a week.

Tests 612 “lateral flow” tests were recorded yesterday

Vaccinations 6 third dose booster jabs were completed yesterday. A total of 5,770 York residents aged 12-15 have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 68.9% of the estimated (12-15) population of York. 4,161 residents aged 12-15 have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 49.7% of the estimated (12-15) population of York. A total of 2,520 residents aged 5-11 have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 16.8% of the estimated (5-11) population of York.

Trends

York Council open data report

The Council has updated its coronavirus report which is published on the “open data” web site. It is reproduced below

The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 01.07.22. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:

ONS Covid Infection Survey

With fewer tests being carried out, the 7 day case rate, used in isolation, is a less reliable indicator of the level of covid infection in the local population. Therefore the estimates for York from the ONS Covid Infection Survey are also presented to provide a more balanced picture. For the period 12.6.22 to 18.6.22 it is estimated that 2.86% of York’s population (about 1 in 35) would test positive for Covid-19. This represents an increase from the previous estimate of 2.09% (about 1 in 50) for the period 5.6.22 to 11.6.22.

People with Covid Symptoms

• As at 30.6.22, the Covid Symptom App estimates 4,205 people per 100,000 (or 4.21%) in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 1,753 people).

Diagnosed cases / episodes

• As at 30.6.22 CYC residents have had a total 67,469 covid episodes since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 31,974 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (33,818) and regional (33,443) 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 (25.6.22) is Red.

• The provisional rate of new Covid episodes per 100,000 of population for the period 22.6.22 to 28.6.22 in York is 237 (500 episodes). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 30.6.22).

• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid episodes per 100,000 of population for the period 19.6.22 to 25.6.22 in York was 230.3 (486 episodes). The national and regional averages at this date were 199.3 and 167.2 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 30.6.22).

• York is currently ranked 126th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.

• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 19.6.22 to 25.6.22 for people aged 60+ in York was 280.5 (140 cases). The national and regional averages were 235.5 and 197.2 respectively.

• Case rates in York are currently highest in the following age ranges: 60-64 (371 per 100,000); 45-49 (369); 35-39 (320) and 50-54 (308).

• As at 23.6.22 the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 9.3%. The national and regional averages are 5.3% and 6.7% respectively.

• As at 23.6.22, the latest 14 day positivity rate in York (all Pillar 2 tests) was 19.0%. The national and regional averages are 7.6% and 9.8% respectively.

COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital

• As at 24.6.22 there were 46 confirmed Covid-19 patients in General/Acute beds. The peak number was 158 on 28.3.22.

• As at 24.6.22 there were 2 confirmed 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 24.6.22 was estimated to be in the range 1.1 to 1.3.

Variants

For cases in York with a specimen date between 1st May 2022 and 23rd June 2022, the estimated percentage breakdown by variants of concern (VOCs) is as follows:

• VOC-21NOV-01(Omicron(B.1.1.529) sub-lineage BA.1: 1.11% of cases

• VOC-22JAN-01 (Omicron (B.1.1.529) sub-lineage BA.2: 75.76%

• VOC-22APR-03 (Omicron (B.1.1.529) sub-lineage BA.4: 7.78%

• VOC-22APR-04 (Omicron (B.1.1.529) sub-lineage BA.5: 13.33%

• Undetermined – 2.22%

Source: PHE Covid-19 Situational Awareness Explorer.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations for People aged 16+ (1st dose, 2nd dose and Booster)

• As at 28.6.22 a total of 159,460 CYC residents aged 16+ have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 89.4% of the estimated (16+) population of York.

• As at 28.6.22 a total of 153,551 CYC residents aged 16+ have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 86.1% of the estimated (16+) population of York.

• As at 28.6.22 a total of 126,607 CYC residents aged 16+ have received the booster vaccine. This represents 71.0% of the estimated (16+) population of York.

Vaccinations for People aged 12-15 (1st and 2nd dose)

• As at 28.6.22 a total of 5,770 CYC residents aged 12-15 have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 68.9% of the estimated (12-15) population of York.

• As at 28.6.22 a total of 4,161 CYC residents aged 12-15 have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 49.7% of the estimated (12-15) population of York.

Vaccinations for People aged 5-11 (1st dose)

• As at 28.6.22 a total of 2,520 CYC residents aged 5-11 have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 16.8% of the estimated (5-11) population of York.

Source: PHE Covid-19 Situational Awareness Explorer.

Deaths

Two key 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. For both data sources a death from Covid-19 is said to have occurred when Covid-19 has been recorded on the death certificate. The most recently available data is summarised below:

• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (2022 Week 24: 11.6.22 to 17.6.22) 1 Covid-19 death was recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 23, 22 and 21 there had been 0, 1 and 1 deaths respectively. Please note that due to lags in death registration, weekly totals are subject to revision.

• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 17thJune 2022 and registered up to 25th June 2022, 506 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (314 in hospital, 148 in care homes, 36 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 239.8 which is lower than the national average of 299.4

Source: ONS – Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 17 June 2022. Released 28.6.22.

• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 81.5, with an age range of 30-104. 77.5% of the CYC residents who died were aged 75+. 49% of the CYC residents who died were male.

York Sports Awards winners announced

The 9th York Sports Awards ceremony held at the Roger Kirk Centre at the University of York, saw 46 awards handed out to athletes, coaches, volunteers and administrators across the city.

Olympic shot putter Scott Lincoln and Paralympian Boccia athlete Beth Moulam were awarded Sportsman and Disability Sportsperson of the year at the prestigious event. Rower Lucy Edmunds, Great Britain under 23 rower, was recognised as Sportswoman of the year.

York City Knights Ladies were the big team winners, scoring the Performance Team/Club of the year with their coach Lindsay Anfield who was also voted Coach of the Year.

Volunteer of the Year award was given to Georgia Briggs for her work at University of York Rugby Union Club.

York City Football Club Foundation’s “Lifting Spirits” Initiative was voted the leading “Wellbeing Project /Event of the Year” for the Foundation’s work in supporting vulnerable and older people through sport.

A special “Community Champion” Award was presented to GoGet York a project making cycling and other outdoor activities accessible for all.

The “Outstanding Service to Sport” Award, in association with City of York Council, was won by Yvette Shepherd for her dedication to York RI AFC.

Here is the full list of the awards winners:

Young Achievers (Sponsored by Better):

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York Walls to turn blue for Action Mesothelioma Day

City of York Council is to light the City Walls blue for Action Mesothelioma Day, which will take place on Friday 1 July 2022.

Mesothelioma is a cancer usually caused by breathing in asbestos dust. More than 2,600 people are diagnosed with it each year and whilst it develops very slowly it is often fatal. There are currently around 2,500 deaths from Mesothelioma each year in the UK.

Councillor Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Adult Social Care & Public Health, said:

“Mesothelioma is a cancer that is very slow to develop, but eventually deadly. It often takes a long time to develop, with people getting the first symptoms 30 to 40 years after they were first exposed to asbestos.

“Every year, events are held across the country to commemorate all the lives lost to mesothelioma, and – through the Asbestos Victims Support Groups’ Forum UK – to raise money for medical research. 

City of York Council is proud to play a role in raising awareness of this terrible disease and encouraging residents to support the Forum’s fundraising.”

Anyone affected by Mesothelioma in Yorkshire can find information, support and practical advice through MESothelioma Support Yorkshire (MESSY).

Donations to the Asbestos Victims Support Groups’ Forum UK can be made online. 

Coronavirus York updates: 30th June 2022

Hospitals and deaths There have been two more deaths One occurred on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. They bring the cumulative toll up to 967. There are now 105 COVID+ patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust. The peak number of coronavirus patients was 291 which was recorded on 30th March 2022.

Test results. The number of cases in the City has increased by 4 to 486. The infection rate has edged up to 230.31. It is expected to remain at around that level before trending upwards again. The 90 positive test results recorded yesterday (28/6/22) was the highest individual day figure seen since 19th April.

Neighbourhoods The highest infection rate can be found in Woodthorpe/Acomb Park/Foxwood South (353.1). The lowest is in Tang Hall (106.8).

Tests 608 “lateral flow” tests were undertaken yesterday.

Vaccinations 38 third dose booster jabs were completed yesterday. 

Trends

North Yorkshire Police launch #NYPThinkOfTheConsequences

North Yorkshire Police has launched a hard-hitting video campaign this summer to encourage young people to think of the consequences before abusing alcohol.

The video which is titled #NYPThinkOfTheConsquences was commissioned following instances of alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour in open spaces within York during the summer months. It will be shown to all secondary school children within the City of York ahead of the summer break and posted externally on NYP social media channels.

York College drama students are used as actors in a scenario which involves a visit to a park. The students consume alcohol which impacts on their decision making and results in five consequences which involve the emergency services and family members. Viewers of the video are then asked, “Is it worth it?” and the video concludes with the message of #NYPThinkOfTheConsequences.

Police hope the video will highlight the risks associated with alcohol and help educate young people about the impairment on their decision making following the consumption of alcohol and the devastating consequences that this can bring.

The commander for York and Selby, Superintendent Mark Khan from North Yorkshire Police said:

“Alcohol related anti-social behaviour is time consuming for us to deal with so anything which we can do to reduce the calls to service is beneficial.

“We are not unique in York and North Yorkshire experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour particularly as the weather improves and students finish for their summer break. We will continue to work with our partners to patrol hotpot areas at key times.

“It’s our job as the police to engage with communities to prevent crime. My hope is that this video will be shared far and wide so they key messages will reach as many young people as possible.”

York College’s Chief Executive and Principal, Lee Probert said: “To be involved in this video has been an incredible opportunity for our Media Makeup degree students and our Level Three acting students.

“To be part of such a professional production is an amazing experience for them, especially working with North Yorkshire Police.

“The video also delivers a serious and important message and it’s one we very much support here at York College; anti-social behaviour is not only a nuisance, but in the most serious cases can have major consequences on the lives of those involved.

“York College is very proud to be a part of this campaign”.

NB. ITV Calendar have been filming today in Foxwood as part of the new anti drink campaign

How York compares with the rest of the country

An interesting analysis of how different parts of the country compare has been published in the wake of the recent census results. https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censuspopulationchange/E06000014/

Click to view

Coronavirus York updates: 29th June 2022

Hospitals and deaths One more hospital death. It occurred yesterday (28/7/22) and brings the cumulative toll up to 965. The number of hospital patients has risen to 100. 

Test results The number of cases in the City has increased  by 7 to 482. The infection rate has risen to 228.41. It is expected to remain at around this level for the rest of the week. 

Neighbourhoods The highest infection rate is recorded in the Woodthorpe/Acomb Park/Foxwood South (363.8) neighbourhood. The lowest can currently be found in Tang Hall (133.0). 

Tests 583 “lateral flow” tests were completed yesterday.

Vaccinations 32 third dose booster jabs were completed yesterday. 

Trends

Good growing weather is mixed news for City

The recent rain means that grass, weeds and hedges are now growing rapidly. Some footpaths have already been overgrown blocking the route for pedestrians.

On Foxwood Lane nettles now obstructed a public footpath. In the past the margin was treated with weed killer but this hasn’t happened this year. The farmer who tends the adjacent field – from which some of the overgrowth originates – has in the past trimmed back the nettles but this hasn’t happened this year.

Similarly some grassed areas adjacent to blocks of flats haven’t been cut by the Council. The Council blames labour shortages for their woes.

Foxwood Lane footpath

Rogers Court

Elsewhere a metre wide strip has been cut adjacent to the Rufforth – Knapton cycle path to facilitate safe access. However, hedge branches are still obstructing parts of the track. We have said for a long time that routes which form part of the York cycle network should be inspected regularly with basic maintenance work then commissioned to ensure that they remain safe for users.

Rufforth cycle path margin has been cut

But branches still obstruct the path

Elsewhere, Highways Yorkshire have confirmed that they are currently inspection the York – Tadcaster cycle track next to the golf club with a view to trimming back obstructions.

Our Big Conversation: What will York look like in ten years?

City of York Council is inviting residents, visitors and those who work in York to get involved and share their views in the next phase of York’s Our Big Conversation.

Our Big Conversation is a city-wide discussion about some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing York.

Launching today [28 June], participants will be asked to share their views about three major, developing strategies for the city – climate change, the economy and health and wellbeing.

York businesses and residents have already helped inform the aspirations of these strategies and now have the opportunity to decide whether the priorities are right for the city.

The response from York residents and businesses will shape the city for generations to come.

All views will inform the final development of the Economic Strategy and Climate Change Strategy, which will be taken to Executive for approval in October 2022, and the Health and Wellbeing Strategy that will be approved at September’s Health and Wellbeing Board.

The survey is open from 28 June for 6 weeks, ending on 5 August 2022 here 

Paper copies will be available at Acomb, Clifton, Tang Hall and York Explore libraries. Online copies can be accessed at all libraries through public computers.

Paper copies can be sent to: Strategies Consultation, FREEPOST RTEG-TYYU-KLTZ Business Intelligence (49), City of York Council, West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA.

Virtually impossible not to agree with these leading questions? Devalues the responses

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Coronavirus York updates: 28th June 2022

Hospitals and deaths There have been no further deaths. The number of COVID+ patients being cared for by the York Hospital Trust has increased to 99. This is the highest figure recorded since 11th May but it is still far short of the peak of 291 patients posted on 30th March.

Test results The number of cases in the City has increased by 10 to 475.  The infection rate has risen to 225.10, but remains below the level seen at this time last summer (232.2)  The rate of increase also appears to be slowing. 

Neighbourhoods. The highest infection rate can now be found in Woodthorpe/Acomb Park/Foxwood South (331.7). The lowest is in Heworth North/Stockton (144.7) 

Tests. 698 “lateral flow” tests were completed yesterday. The number of tests being undertaken is continuing to grow.

Vaccinations 32 third dose booster jabs were completed yesterday. 67.4% of residents have now had at least 3 jabs. 

Trends