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Liverpool City Region Covid19 Updates
... and Important Emergency Notices ...

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This page last updated on 1 March 2021


Online School launches package of support to help young people recover lost learning

AN online School, established by Wey Education more than 16 years ago, has launched an 'essential' programme of English, Maths and Science support, delivered live by expert Teachers, to help students across the UK recover the learning they have missed due to the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

These efforts align with the Government's recovery support package which includes tutoring programmes, summer provision and recovery premiums for state Schools, so that children and young people can catch up on missed learning and development opportunities.

The "InterHigh Essentials" package was developed as a way to alleviate the "pain" of families who were struggling with home Schooling and remote learning. It offers young people in the local area the opportunity to enrol on its online platform and access lessons for three core subjects English, maths and science, plus tutorial, in an interactive and effective, yet easy to use format. The virtual lessons will be delivered live by experienced Teachers who are qualified to teach online.

Developed by a team with over 16 years of experience with online teaching, students will be given opportunities to fully engage with their learning, in a virtual environment that is characteristic of how we will learn, work, and interact in the future. For the equivalent of ₤12 a day, families can benefit from supplementary learning in a virtual environment while their child continues to be enrolled in their current School.

Emma Beer, an InterHigh parent who enrolled her son during Covid19, said:- "He's more settled into a routine and is far more engaged in learning at home. During the first two weeks of Schools closing, it was difficult to home educate my son and I struggled to find material online which engaged him, meaning I had to constantly sit next to him to keep an eye on what he was doing. The crisis has unveiled an amazing opportunity for my son to try a different approach to education."

The programme is open to students in Key Stage 2, 3, and 4, and registration can be done individually by students, or by Schools on their behalf. The team at InterHigh believe in transformative education which provides a community for students to learn wherever they feel most comfortable, supported, and engaged.

Jacqueline Danielle, CEO of Wey Education, said:- "Our aim is to provide all young people with the opportunity to access an education that will inspire a lifelong love of learning; both pure and applied, and I believe we have achieved something truly remarkable over the past 17 years at Wey Education. Events this year have opened the eyes of many to the power and possibilities of online learning. We are excited to provide more families with the opportunity to study with us and experience our innovative and pioneering approach to teaching and learning in a virtual environment."

Dr Sara de Freitas, Executive Director of Education at Wey Education, said:- "During the Pandemic, many students have missed out on parts of their education which can have long term negative impacts upon employment and mental health. Our new programme is designed to plug these gaps in young people's education and provide the important learning they may have missed during the Pandemic. We are thrilled to be able to offer this package to students as a supplementary offer and recommend it for all students that have been affected by School closures during this year and last year."

For more information, including how to enrol, please visit:- InterHigh.Co.UK/Apply.


Sefton families urged to get imaginative and go on a story hunt for World Book Day 2021

TO celebrate World Book Day, Sefton Libraries are collaborating with renowned storyteller John Kirk for an interactive story hunt, and families across the Borough are urged to get involved. The virtual adventure will take families into the 'Enchanted Forest' for 30 minutes of imaginative family fun. People can join the story hunt on the Sefton Libraries Facebook page, at 2pm, on Thursday, 4 March 2021, for World Book Day. The 'Enchanted Forest' is suitable for families with children aged 3+.

Story hunts have become extremely popular across the country, and around the globe, as parents and carers have had to think outside of the box when home Schooling and keeping their families entertained.

Storyteller John Kirk, who works with libraries and museums to deliver engaging virtual story telling experiences like no other, has worked in collaboration with Sefton Libraries on many initiatives in the past to encourage children to foster a love of reading.

Sefton Libraries will also be hosting a special digital story time on its Facebook page to mark World Book Day, at 10am, on the day. Story time volunteer Karen Bonell will be reading:- 'The World Book Day Monster' by Adam and Charlotte Guillan.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said:- "Our libraries service has been doing a fantastic job throughout the lockdown ensuring that our communities still have access to books, magazines and newspapers, as well as supporting families to encourage children to pick up a book through their story time videos. There has been huge demand for our online services as people have been spending more time at home and I am delighted that we are able to help mark World Book Day this year in such a creative yet safe way, from the comfort of living rooms, bedrooms, kitchen tables and makeshift home classrooms! Please do get involved."

Andrew Farthing, Sefton Libraries Manager, said:- "It's vital for children in Sefton to have access to books, and to have opportunities where they can transport their minds to faraway fictional worlds. The power of reading and storytelling can spark inspiration in young minds, build their confidence to read independently and often prompt a lifelong love of reading - something that really boosts mental health and wellbeing."

During the Pandemic, Sefton Libraries have switched the majority of their activities online. Through their Digital Library Services, people across the Borough have been able to access ebooks and audiobooks using services such as the BorrowBox and RBdigital apps. Staff have also been able to provide additional support to communities such as help with downloading apps, setting up email or staying in touch using Zoom or Skype through their IT helpdesk sessions every Monday.

Additionally, the libraries team has become involved in the 'Reading Friends' initiative, aiming to tackle loneliness by bringing people together remotely to read, chat and share stories.

Details of Sefton's Library Services and how they are working during Covid19 can be found at:- Sefton.Gov.UK/Libraries.

World Book Day aims to changes lives through a love of books and shared reading. Designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, World Book Day is marked in over 100 countries around the globe.


NTIA urges chancellor to support Night Time Economy sector in the budget

THE Night Time Economy sector is one of the hardest hit during the Pandemic. It has been subject to limited communication and has escaped from the Government narrative and a large proportion of the support provision for nearly 12 months. Following the announcement from the Prime Minister last week on the roadmap, the Industry has a renewed confidence, with a clear inclusion in the narrative and timeline for opening the economy. A strong budget is a vital component seen by the sector to survive this period. Michael Kill CEO NTIA says:- "Many night time economy businesses that have been either forced to close totally since last March, or have been only able to trade sporadically. For them, this budget is 'last chance saloon'. They have staggered through the last year under mounting debts feeling undervalued and left out. The announcement of ₤5 Billion for 'the high street' sounds like a step in the right direction but we await the detail. The Chancellor should be under no illusions that without sufficient focussed sector specific money, swathes of this vital industry will be lost for good and the financial and emotional scarring of such an outcome on countless business owners, freelancers and employees will last for a generation."


Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram to speak at Made Smarter's digital manufacturing conference

THE Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, is to speak at Made Smarter's digital manufacturing conference on 10 March 2021. He is among 44 experts and panellists lined up for the free to access virtual summit. Billed as an event for manufacturers by manufacturers the conference will showcase how businesses can leverage and fast track digital technology and tools for a year of recovery, growth and resilience. Leading the agenda will be Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who will share their insights about the importance of the manufacturing sector, the role for digital technology in driving the growth, and the benefits technology is bringing to the North West economy. There will also be panel discussions and roundtable debates, interactive workshops, a virtual expo of the latest digital manufacturing technologies, and business advice sessions, giving attendees access to support available to grow their organisation. Almost 300 delegates have so far registered to attend the packed 1 day programme, which runs from 9am until 5pm, and will be hosted virtually using PixelMax, an interactive online platform. With registration closing, at Midday, on Friday, 5 March 2021, manufacturers are urged to book their places at the conference via:- MadesMarter.UK.

Donna Edwards, Programme Director, Made Smarter Adoption Programme, NW, said:- "The response to the conference has been incredible confirming that there is significant appetite among manufacturers of all sizes across all sectors to learn about how technology can support growth, productivity and efficiency gains, and create the smart and highly skills job of the future. We have designed a full programme to tackle the 'why?', 'what?' and 'how?' of digital manufacturing, incorporating a blend of industry leaders, experts, and real life examples of those who have started their digital journey. There really is something for everyone at the Made Smarter - The journey to digital manufacturing conference and I would urge manufacturers not to miss out on what is certain to be a packed day of analysis, inspiration, and practical tips."

Live panel sessions include:-


How Made Smarter is powering the fourth industrial revolution - facilitated by journalist and broadcaster Nick Peters and featuring manufacturing leaders including Juergen Maier, Co-Chair of the Made Smarter Commission and Chair of the Digital Catapult, Glyn Jones, Service Delivery Director, at BAE Systems and Chair of the Made Smarter Pilot Steering Group, Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK and member of the Made Smarter Commission, Andrea Hough, MD of Atec Solutions and member of the Made Smarter Pilot Steering Group and Made Smarter Commission, Donna Edwards, Managing Director of the Growth Company and Made Smarter North West Adoption Programme Director, and Matt Ellis, Assistant Director of Made Smarter for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The journey to digital: The manufacturers perspective - facilitated by Jayne Moorby from Oxley Group and featuring real-life examples from manufacturers about the value technology has brought to their businesses including:- Keith Scobie Youngs (Cumbria Clock Company), Peter Saunders, (MacKinnon and Saunders), Rod Wah (Beverston Engineering), and Luke Walsh (Brainboxes).

Using technology to boost business resilience in an uncertain world - facilitated by Simon Reid from Growth Platform and featuring:- Julian Lopez (Storth), Patrick Mroczak (Nutree Life), Louise Ray (Plastic Card Services), Chris Lever (Bindatex), and Fadi Jarad (Sandstone Wirral).

The teams of tomorrow: engaging and upskilling your workforce - facilitated by Ruth Hailwood from:- Made Smarter and featuring Sarah Dhanda (Enginuity), Joe Crolla (Greater Manchester Combined Authority), Sarah Poynter (Arden Dies), Rebecca Lee-Panton and Luke Hickson (Fabricon Design).

Sustainable manufacturing: how technology is leading the way - facilitated by Poppy Brewer from:- Accenture, and featuring Ben Horne (Crystal Doors); Phil Milar (Creative Apparel); Jamie Baxter, (DA Techs), and David Reardon (Bloom-in-Box).

Also, on the agenda is a roundtable focussed on the importance of customer trust and the role of technology, facilitated by Kevin Smith from:- Made Smarter, and featuring Steve Wood (Parity Medical), Sean Parnaby (Contactless Check Solutions), Karen Callard (Starlight Bedrooms), and Noel Doyle (Organica UK).

Throughout the day delegates will be able to access practical, actionable advice through workshops including:-

Fast forward your digital journey: A taste of a digital transformation - led by Made Smarter's technology advisers Amy Edwards and Kevin Smith with insights from Andrea Kuehne (DRM Industrial Fabrics) and Ben Soper (Stead McAlpin and Company), two of the 100+ businesses to have benefitted from Made Smarter's Digital Transformation Workshops.

Leading your manufacturing business through digital change - led by Lancaster University academic Dr Randall Zindler and featuring Dan Smith (Twin Fix) who benefited from the Made Smarter Leadership Programme.

Digitisation does not eliminate the need for manufacturing excellence - an interactive session led by Nick Brandwood and Rachel Baldry from the Business Growth Hub's Manufacturing Team about the behaviours and routines required for digital transformation.

Technology Demonstrators Alley will showcase the latest solutions available to manufacturers which enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, create simulations of their plants and processes, as well as how 3D printing, automation, and robotics can solve business challenges.

There will also be the opportunity to speak one on one with a variety of business advisers to explore the advice, support and funding available to manufacturers.

For more details about Made Smarter or to register for the conference visit:- MadesMarter.UK/Conference.


10 Year Plan for Adult Social Care

CARE England, the largest representative body of independent adult social care providers, has written to the Chancellor urging him to make good on the Government's commitment to adult social care in his Budget this week. Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says:- "The sector is tired of empty promises, White Papers and consultations, 13 of these in the last 17 years, that always end up in the long grass. It is now or never; we need a 1948 moment with a commitment in the Budget that the Prime Minister will tackle the social care crisis."

In January, Care England's Budget submission highlighted the following issues:-


 The changing cost and operational reality that has been imposed as a result of the Covid19 Pandemic.

 The intervention which the Treasury can make in the sphere of insurance to assist the adult social care sector.

 The existing and potential role which the adult social care sector can continue play as a valuable employer in the UK's job market.

 The need for a ₤7 billion injection into the adult social care sector, in line with the Commons Health and Social Care Committees call.

Martin Green continues:- "A 10 year plan akin to that of the NHS would be a great help to the sector, which in turn is part of the national infrastructure. Adult social care needs to be placed at the forefront of future policy planning and cannot remain an addendum to the NHS. Care England wants to work with the Government to ensure that this does not remain a pipedream."


Merseyrail increases services to 20 minute frequency

MERSEYRAIL will be increasing its services across most lines, from Sunday, 14 March 2021. This is in response to more staff being available as the number of new Covid19 cases continue to fall nationally. Trains will run every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday until 19:30 across the network with the exception of the Ellesmere Port line which will continue to operate a 30 minute service all day. After 19:30, a 30 minute service will run across the network. There will also be a 30 minute service in operation, on Sundays.



Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region


THE
total number of UK Coronavirus (Covid19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 5,455 cases and the total number now stand at:- 4,182,009 that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The total number of Covid19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be:-104 within 28 days of positive test, according to the Department of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS laboratory is:- 122,953, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 135,613.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 14,808. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 1,971 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 1,112.

In England, there are a total of:- 3,663,090 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 576,726 confirmed cases.

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-

 

Area and number of confirmed cases:- Risen by:-



Liverpool City Region
 
Nation Lockdown

National UK Restrictions.

Liverpool, 47,366 confirmed cases.

77

Halton, 11,578 confirmed cases. 18
Knowsley, 17,001  confirmed cases. 28
Sefton, 23,162 confirmed cases.

27

St. Helens, 16,460 confirmed cases.

25

Wirral, 23,733 confirmed cases.

15

 
Colour Key:- 0  1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30  31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to 100 100 to 199 200 & over  



The number of laboratory confirmed cases within Local Authorities around the Liverpool City Region, since start of the Pandemic, are as follows:-

 

 

 Blackburn with Darwen, 17,170 confirmed cases.

 Blackpool, 8,879 confirmed cases.

 Bolton, 24,315 confirmed cases.

 Bury, 16,377 confirmed cases.

 Cheshire East, 19,771 confirmed cases.

 Cheshire West and Chester, 20,662 confirmed cases.

 Lancashire, 92,958 confirmed cases.

 Manchester, 49,975 confirmed cases.

 Oldham, 21,652 confirmed cases.

 Preston, 12,926 confirmed cases.

 Rochdale, 19,876 confirmed cases.

 Salford, 21,785 confirmed cases.

 Stockport, 19,600 confirmed cases.

 Tameside, 16,999 confirmed cases.

 Trafford, 15,673 confirmed cases.

 Warrington, 17,015 confirmed cases.

 Wigan, 27,324 confirmed cases.

 

Total UK people who have received vaccination

1st Dose 2nd Dose
20,275,451 815,816
Jab Stats correct as of 28 February 2021
The vaccination programme began on 8 December 2020 with people receiving the Vaccine  developed by Pfizer / BioNTech, and people began receiving the Oxford University / AstraZeneca Vaccine  from 4 January 2021. Both Vaccine s are given as 2 doses, at least 21 days apart, for a full vaccination course.
 

Daily reported Covid19 deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the 1st laboratory confirmed positive Covid19 test.   Daily and cumulative numbers of Covid19 patients admitted to Hospital. Data are not updated every day by all 4 nations and the figures are not comparable as Wales include suspected Covid19 patients while the other nations include only confirmed cases.

 

The latest R number is estimated at:- 0.6 to 0.9 with a daily infection growth rate range of:- -6% to -2%, as of 26 February 2021.
 


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