Issue - meetings

The Chief Operating Officer to present an update report for July 2021 on the council’s activities both directly in response to Covid-19 and to support recovery and renewal.

Resolved:  That the contents of the report be noted.

The Chief Operating Officer presented an update report for July 2021 on the council’s activities both directly in response to Covid-19 and to support recovery and renewal.

As at 6 July, the official 7-day rate of Covid cases in York was 414 per 100k population; higher than regional and national averages.  However, it was reported that regional and national rates had since increased, while the rate in York remained fairly static.  Rates were lower in the over-60s, and hospitalisations remained much lower than during previous peaks, reflecting the success of the vaccination programme.  82.1% of the city’s estimated adult population had now received their first dose of the vaccine and 57.5 % had received both doses.  The report went on to detail the removal of legal restrictions in line with Step 4 of the government’s Roadmap, and provided updates on the development of a Citizen’s Panel to support broader engagement and on York’s bid to the Levelling Up fund. 

Members commented favourably on the ‘Be Kind’ campaign, aimed at making people feel at ease in the city centre once restrictions were lifted, and the proposals for wider engagement with residents via the Citizen’s Panel.  The Chair highlighted the need to keep working together to keep York open, and for residents to take up the vaccine if eligible and be tested where possible.

Resolved:  That the contents of the report, and the further information provided at the meeting, be noted.