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

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.


This page last updated on 16 December 2020


Sefton area; SMART Covid19 testing for people who DON’T have Coronavirus symptoms

SMART Covid19 testing for Sefton residents who DON’T have Covid19 symptoms is now taking place at:-

 Splash World in Southport.

 Bootle Leisure Centre.

 
Aintree Racecourse.

All 3 centres are open from 9am to 6pm, seven days a week; no appointments necessary. Test sites will be closed on the 3 bank holidays over the Christmas period. SMART testing will identify if you have Covid19 but don’t know it because you don’t have symptoms. You will get your result in 30 minutes. People who have had a positive Coronavirus in the past 90 days should not attend.  


Sefton Council's dreaming of a 'smart, safe Christmas'

WITH a week to go until the Government’s planned 5 day relaxation of the Covid19 restrictions, Seton Council is urging residents who don’t have Coronavirus symptoms to get a SMART test before any family gatherings. Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health said:- "Getting the results of a SMART test at our Bootle, Southport and Aintree sites will reduce the chance of passing on the Covid19 virus to relations who may be vulnerable to what is still a dangerous virus over Christmas. It takes just 30 minutes to get the results and the reassurance that you’re helping to keep your family safe this Christmas."

Hundreds of people across Sefton Borough are already taking SMART tests every day at Bootle Leisure Centre, Slash World in Southport and at Aintree racecourse. Each site is open from 9am to 6pm, 7 days a week apart from:- Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. They will close at 4pm, on Christmas eve and New Year’s Eve. Mrs Jones added:- "I can understand that any of us might be reluctant to get a test because we think a positive result will spoil our Christmas, but it’s a question of weighing that up against the possibly devastating effects of knowing we’ve given Covid19 to an elderly or vulnerable relative for whom infection could be very serious and even life threatening."

Due to be introduced on Wednesday, 23 December 2020, and last until Sunday, 27 December 2020, the Government’s Christmas rules say that people can form a:- "Christmas bubble" made up of people from three households. People can travel between tiers and between UK nations to meet their bubble. People can only meet in homes, places of worship or public outdoor spaces, and not pubs or restaurants, and any meetings with people outside a bubble must be according to local rules.

Commenting on the Government’s Christmas rules Margaret Jones said:- "While most of us will be taking a well-earned break at Christmas, I can assure you Covid19 won’t so please remain really careful. It won’t be coming down the chimney but it will find its way into our homes if we give it a chance. It might arrive with our friends or relatives or if it’s got here already, it may leave with them. And nobody will know until too late. So, while the temporary Government relaxations says we ‘can’ do things we all need to think whether we really ‘should’ do them and regularly getting a SMART test will help us decide. And if we do, decide to mix with bigger bubbles, it’s important we don’t get carried away with Christmas fizz and let our guard down. We all need to carry on keeping socially distanced, wash our hands frequently and regularly cleaning touch points such as door handles and surfaces. I know people don’t want to be lectured at a time when they are thinking about enjoying themselves, but I sincerely want everyone to have a Merry Christmas, but also a Happy New Year, in which they and their loved ones are safe."

Details of COVID testing in Sefton can be found at:- Sefton.Gov.UK/Testing.


Community Covid19 vaccination programme begins in Sefton

SEFTON’S community based Covid19 immunisation programme run by local GP practices began on Tuesday, 15 December 2020, as the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history continues. Nurses, Paramedics, Pharmacists, GPs, and other NHS staff from across Sefton are working together to vaccinate those aged 80 and over identified as a priority group. Primary care teams have been working rapidly to set up local vaccination centres and put in place safe processes to meet the tough logistical challenges of offering the vaccination. GP practices will be contacting their eligible patients when it is their turn to receive the vaccine.

Marilyn Cull, 85, of Southport, was the 1st to receive the vaccine. She said:- "I phoned the surgery back up this morning because I thought it might have been just a dream. I was lucky to be the first one to get the vaccine. It’s a much bigger risk not to have the vaccination. The staff were really lovely and they made me feel at ease. I’ve been coping well but the news about the vaccine was brilliant and I’m glad I got it done."

Marjorie Grundy, 87, from Maghull, said:- "I was delighted to get the vaccine. Getting it done was really straightforward. I’m looking forward to things getting back to normal."

Charles McCoy, 83, from Maghull, said:- "I was glad to get the call. I told my boys and they said do it. Everyone who is offered should get the vaccine. The NHS has been fantastic through this and you can see people are working really hard to keep people safe. We should be thankful for the work they do."

Southport GP, Dr Simon Tobin from Norwood Surgery, said:- "I’ve been absolutely thrilled at the uptake for the coronavirus vaccine. When we rang them, 99% of our most vulnerable patients jumped at the opportunity to have the vaccine and booked appointments immediately. I will be urging all our eligible patients (as well as my 84 year old father) to have the vaccine when they are offered it. They will be contacted by their own surgeries so please don’t ring them. Yesterday we gave many of the highest risk people in Southport the 1st of the 2 vaccinations. People were so excited and really appreciative. There was a real buzz at the vaccination centre. Many parts of the UK have not even started giving the vaccine yet; we’re ahead of the game. Our local NHS heroes have worked tirelessly to ensure that we get this vaccine out to those most at need. They deserve tremendous credit for their dedication and commitment to our population."

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group, said:- "A great deal of planning has gone on in recent weeks to get ready for the vaccination programme. This is an important step in our fight against Coronavirus, but it is vital to continue to protect yourself and others by following government guidance, by washing your hands regularly, wearing a face covering and maintaining social distancing."

Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group, said:- "Your NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have the vaccine. All eligible patients will be contacted direct when it is their turn, with an invitation to attend a vaccination appointment and details of where to go. It is fantastic that we are able to start delivering vaccinations in local community settings and we would like to thank the teams of primary care colleagues who are working to make this happen."

At Aintree Community Centre, on Tuesday, 15 December 2020, both Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Bill Esterson MP visited the vaccination centre set up  to find out more.

     

The vaccine currently being used (Pfizer/BioNTech) has very specific storage and transportation requirements, so the initial focus from this week will be those 80 years of age and over who can visit a centre in person. Housebound patients and care home residents will be vaccinated as soon as this is possible. Sefton’s community Covid19 vaccination centres are being run by groups of practices, known as Primary Care Networks, working together with NHS Southport and Formby CCG and NHS South Sefton CCG. Community based Primary Care Centres are in addition to hospital hubs, which began vaccinating patients on Tuesday, 8 December  2020.  For more information about the Covid19 vaccine, including answers to a range of frequently asked questions, go to:- NHS.UK/CovidVaccine. If you need help with Coronavirus symptoms, please visit:- NHS.UK/Coronavirus.


Father Christmas flies by to support Sefton Mayor’s Toy Appeal

A very special visitor stopped by from the North Pole this week to check in on the Mayor of Sefton’s Christmas Toy Appeal. Taking time out of his busy schedule, Father Christmas helped to deliver toys collected by Litherland Youth and Community Centre, who have supported the appeal for many years. 15 sacks of gifts were delivered to Bootle Town Hall from the club, which will be distributed to children across the Borough in time for Christmas Day.

Cllr June Burns, Mayor of Sefton, said:- "It really has been quite overwhelming, but utterly joyous to see the amount of support we’ve received from the entire Borough for this year’s appeal. People have continued to show their kindness, giving what they can for others, to ensure that everyone has a special Christmas this year. Father Christmas was so impressed by the whole of Sefton’s efforts so far, and he asked me to pass on his thanks to each and every person, business and community group, like the amazing Litherland Youth and Community Centre, who have contributed this year. It’s shaping up to be the best year ever for donations, so I would like to echo that thanks as well; we really couldn’t do this without your support!"

Earlier this week, the Mayor of Sefton received a cheque for ₤2,048 from this year’s online crowd funding effort, as well as contributions from local community groups and businesses. Volunteers will use the donations to buy a range of toys and gifts for teenagers, children and toddlers to enjoy this Christmas. Joe Farrell, an Early Help School Attendance Officer from the Council, delivered the cheque to the Mayor and is just one of many volunteers who will be helping to sort gifts and support the safe delivery of them to families around Sefton. In his spare time, Joe who is a keen angler, has raised more than ₤2,500 through his own fundraising efforts. He has donated ₤1,500 to the toy appeal and will be supporting other Sefton community causes with the rest of the funds.

Joe Farrell said:- "I’m inspired each year by the hard work and dedication of my colleagues and fellow volunteers who support the Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal. This year, fearing a possible shortfall in funds and restrictions putting a stop to some of our usual fundraising events, I felt I had to go the extra mile to support the appeal. Together with the support of my fishing community online as well as friendship circles and sponsors, I have been able to successfully raise over ₤2,500 to date. I have donated ₤1,500 into the toy appeal already and I am going to support the fantastic work of some of our community organisations across Sefton with the remainder of my fundraising."

Donations continue to be shared, with special thanks to:- St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Primary and Birkdale High School, who have shared toys and gifts with the appeal this year. Another local fundraising hero, Trainee Doctor, Lucy Wright from Birkdale, has raised ₤500 by selling her homemade cakes. The former Greenbank High School student has purchased gifts from the proceeds of the cake sales, which will now go to the appeal and put smiles on the faces of many children this Christmas.  New and unwrapped toys, gift vouchers, toiletries, pyjamas and stocking fillers for all ages, are still welcomed as part of the appeal. Items can be donated in the following ways:-

 Dropped off at the in store donation point at ASDA Central 12, in Southport.

 Dropped off at libraries and leisure centres (opening hours may be varied so people should check before making a drop off)

 People need to drop off their donations by Tuesday, 22 December 2020, in time for them to be sent out for Christmas Day.


LGA responds to 1st week of Covid19 vaccination figures

RESPONDING to the latest provisional figures on how more than 137,000 people in the UK have received the 1st dose of the Covid19 vaccine in the 1st week of distribution, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:- "These figures represent an encouraging and steady start to what will be the largest vaccination programme ever undertaken in this country. Councils are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with the NHS and are working closely with their health service colleagues on this unprecedented rollout, to ensure everybody is able to receive this life saving vaccine as soon as possible, in line with the priority list. Local knowledge and expertise will be crucial in encouraging everyone from all parts of the community to get vaccinated. Councils’ unique relationship with the people they represent mean they are well placed to reach out to those in the priority groups and beyond. We will eventually need to see the weekly vaccine rollout figures broken down by Region and Local Authority, to ensure the fairest possible distribution and help to target support at communities and in neighbourhoods where take up is slower, in partnership with the NHS and others."


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:- 25,161 cases and the total number now stand at:- 1,913,277 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:-
612, 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:- 64,908, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 76,287.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:-
18,038 The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 65,520. Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 1,770.

In England, there are a total of:-
1,642,110 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 115,316 confirmed cases.

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

 

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



National UK Lockdown

Tier 2

Liverpool City Region

Liverpool, 25,170 confirmed cases.

196

Halton, 5,067 confirmed cases.

42

Knowsley, 8,172 confirmed cases. 51
Sefton, 11,005 confirmed cases.

65

St. Helens, 8,141 confirmed case.

40

Wirral, 10,544 confirmed cases.

70

 
Colour Key:- 0  1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30  31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to100 101 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, 10,523 confirmed cases.

 Blackpool, 5,706 confirmed cases.

 Bolton, 16,044 confirmed cases.

 Bury, 16,126 confirmed cases.

 Cheshire East, 10,012 confirmed cases.

 Cheshire West and Chester, 9,970 confirmed cases.

 Lancashire, 52,621 confirmed cases.

 Manchester, 33,279 confirmed cases.

 Oldham, 15,728 confirmed cases.

 Preston, 7,884 confirmed cases.

 Rochdale, 13,706 confirmed cases.

 Salford, 14,227 confirmed cases.

 Stockport, 11,278 confirmed cases.

 Tameside, 10,961 confirmed cases.

 Trafford, 9,261 confirmed cases.

 Warrington, 8,913 confirmed cases.

 Wigan, 17,882 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.

 

The latest R number is estimated at:- 0.9 to 1 with a daily infection growth rate range of:- -2% to 0% as of 11 December 2020. Cases are rising again, so please take care.
 


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