Liverpool City Region COVID-19 Updates

YOU can get daily major and interesting news updates for the Liverpool City Region on our free email news service, via signing up on:- Formby Reporter. If you have any updates to send in or any views on the posts on here, please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Dobbies' search for Santa - Candidates in Merseyside can apply to work in Santa's Grotto this Christmas

THE hunt is on for Santa to work in Dobbies Liverpool and Southport stores this Christmas. In partnership with Great Grottos, the magical experience is 1 of the most anticipated events in the Dobbies� Christmas calendar, and suitable candidates are being called on to fill Santa's boots. The safety of customers and team members is Dobbies' number 1 priority and as a result the grotto experience will be different this year. Santa will be adhering to social distancing guidelines with children selecting their own gift. Santa's elves will also maintain their distance and wear a face covering at all times, with customers over 11 years old, also required to wear a face covering.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies', said:- "Santa's Grotto is 1 of our most popular festive experiences in our Liverpool and Southport stores and the role of Santa is perfect for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to ensure our customers have a 1st class experience. We will be closely following Government guidelines to ensure all events from our Christmas programme are safe and enjoyable for all."

Applicants aged 28 years and over are invited for the role of Father Christmas, with a full training programme provided for those who are successful. This is a highly rewarding and enjoyable role guaranteed to get customers into the Christmas spirit, and successful candidates will be responsible for creating memorable moments for visiting families and children.

Great Grottos are looking for reliable, hard working individuals with a cheerful personality, who are able to stay in character and adhere to company values. Successful candidates will begin work from 14 November 2020.

Tickets for Santa�s Grotto are available to book online, with customers encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Customers can also Book with Confidence, with a full refund provided by Dobbies' if the event is cancelled.

For more information about Santa vacancies at both Dobbies' Liverpool and Southport, please see:-

Liverpool = Indeed.Co.UK.

Southport = Indeed.Co.UK.

Mayor of Liverpool issues a stark warning!

LIVERPOOL'S Mayor, Joe Anderson, has issued the following statement today on social media:- "Liverpool has now reached the level of 80 per 100,000 people testing positive for Covid-19. With the R rate nearing 1.3%. An increase of 100 people in last 24 hrs total now at 410. A real worry and concern that unless we all take this seriously we could face a City Lockdown." This statement comes at the same time as we seeing a rise in posts by "No Mask" groups in the area. Please remember, masks not only help stop the spread of the virus, but thy also help us to keep trade and life moving. So please, put your masks on and keep social distancing! Our lives and livelihoods depend on it!

CLA urges crackdown on illegal hare coursing with refreshed action plan

THE Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Rural landowners are calling for specific sentencing guidelines to target criminal gangs betting on the killing of hares with dogs. Hare coursing, where dogs compete against each other in pursuit of a hare, was outlawed by the 2004 Hunting Act but now takes place illegally without the permission of the landowner. It has also been reported that the crime sometimes involves live streaming to another location where bets often worth thousands of pounds are placed on the outcome. Following numerous of incidents of hare coursing throughout autumn and winter, the CLA has updated its action plan this year which outlines how farmers, landowners, the Police and Government can work collaboratively to bring those involved to justice. The organisation is calling for tailored sentencing guidelines such as vehicle seizure and compensation paid to the landowner for any damage caused.

CLA North Adviser Libby Bateman said:- "Fines imposed under the Hunting Act are unlimited, yet too often they amount to just a few hundred pounds. This is not an effective deterrent for a lucrative crime perpetrated by criminal gangs. The Police are able to seize vehicles and dogs � both of which would have a direct impact on hare coursers. Police Forces have the power to tackle these criminals but they need evidence to catch perpetrators and bring them to justice. This is why we encourage people to record and report any suspicious activity to the Police. This can be done by dialling 101 to speak to your local Police Force or contacting Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111."

A farmer (who wanted to remain anonymous due to reprisals) from the East Riding in Yorkshire, said:- �Criminals involved in this illegal activity; which is banned; often threaten landowners and damage property. These criminal gangs are still travelling to our area, trespassing on private farmland to chase hares with dogs. The only way to stop these criminals is to report any suspicious activity to the Police.�

Click here to read the action plan in full.

Top Tips - what to do if you see hare coursing taking place:-

1. Do not approach hare coursers.

2. Report any suspicious activity in the countryside to the Police on:- 101.

3. Call:- 999 if you suspect a crime is actually taking place.

Total UK cases COVID19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 2,621 cases and the total number now stand at:- 371,125, that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The number of COVID-19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be:- 9 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:- 41,637.

The number of COVID-19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 884. The current number of COVID-19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 79. Daily number of COVID-19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 141.

In England, there are a total of:- 320,380 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 61,277 confirmed cases.

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

► Liverpool, 3,506 confirmed cases.
► Halton, 841 confirmed cases.
► Knowsley, 1,267 confirmed cases.
► Sefton, 1,919 confirmed cases.
► St. Helens, 1,485 confirmed cases
► Wirral, 2,652 confirmed cases.

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

► Blackburn with Darwen, 2,113 confirmed cases.
► Blackpool, 1,171 confirmed cases.
► Bolton, 3,302 confirmed cases.
► Bury, 1,852 confirmed cases.
► Cheshire East, 2,562 confirmed cases.
► Cheshire West and Chester, 2,295 confirmed cases.
► Lancashire, 9,330 confirmed cases.
► Manchester, 5,053 confirmed cases.
► Oldham, 3,327 confirmed cases.
► Preston, 1,685 confirmed cases.
► Rochdale, 2,575 confirmed cases.
► Salford, 2,201 confirmed cases.
► Stockport, 2,163 confirmed cases.
► Tameside, 2,323 confirmed cases.
► Trafford, 1,867 confirmed cases.
► Warrington, 1,712 confirmed cases.
► Wigan, 2,564 confirmed cases.

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.