This is when we find out about watch list
Health officials in York are waiting to find out if the city will be added to a national coronavirus watch list
Residents will not find out until Friday if York has been added to a national watch list – despite concern over the rapidly rising rate of coronavirus cases in the city.
The city’s public health team were due to get a call from the government yesterday, Tuesday (6 October), about whether York is likely to go on the list.
City of York’s assistant director for public health Fiona Phillips
"I am more worried about progressing through those levels where York features on the watch list as then you are heading towards having local restrictions in place.
"If that happens, it'll have a big impact for all of us in terms how we can meet with friends and family - that's what I'm more concerned about and really want to avoid."
The IT glitch with the national Test and Trace system has resulted in a significant rise on the number of coronavirus cases in York.
Chair of York Retail Forum Phil Pinder says it will be “devastating” if further restrictions are imposed on the city:
“Another lockdown would be devastating for business.
“I hope we can avoid this, although there does not seem to be any measure why some areas go into lockdown and others often with higher rates of infection don’t.
“Public health is of course very important, but I think the not knowing what measures result in these decisions, mean we are powerless to improve what needs to be improved.”
The council is urging people to follow the ‘hands, face, space’ advice as cases continue to rocket.
A council spokesperson said a national ‘silver level’ meeting held on Tuesday (6 October) decides changes to the watch list.
Changes are decided at a national ‘gold level’ meeting on Thursday (8 October).
And on Friday (9 October) the updated list is published.
But changes to the list, including the possible introduction of a new three tier system, could affect local restrictions.