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 soft play now closed

UNFORTUNATELY due to updated Government guidelines, Dobbies has made the decision to close the soft play centres. A spokesperson for Dobbies said:- "Due to new restrictions from the UK Government in Southport, we have closed our soft play in the Southport store with immediate effect. The safety of our customers and team members is our number one priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely. We will reopen this soft play when it is safe to do so."

RCOT statement on Covid19 testing shortages

THE difficulty that frontline key workers are having in accessing Covid19 tests has recently been the subject of much discussion in parliament and the media. Occupational therapists across the UK play a key role in the fight against the pandemic, and the lack of testing is of huge concern to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. Commenting on the lack of testing, RCOT Chief executive Julia Scott said:- "We have seen over the past few days significant concerns from all areas of the NHS, Social Care, Teachers and those front line key workers who have struggled to get a Covid19 test.As we see spikes in the infection rates and signs of a second wave, we have huge concerns about the accessibility of testing for occupational therapists and AHP's on the front-line. In particular, those that work in social care settings, such as care homes, which as we know are extremely vulnerable to the worst impacts of Coronavirus. Whilst it is positive that Government ministers have suggested that the NHS is the top priority for testing, this is worrying for social care which was overlooked in the initial response to the pandemic. Occupational therapists for weeks and months were hampered in providing vital support, such as rehabilitation, to those that needed it due to the lack of guidance and access to personal protective equipment. The fact that some NHS staff, Care Workers and Teachers are already having to self isolate because they cannot access a test within a reasonable distance in many parts of the country, is not good enough. This needs to be resolved in days and not �in a matter of weeks' as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care indicated this week during urgent questions."

Staff at Liverpool's Universities call for immediate action to protect staff, students and local community

MEMBERS of the University and College Union (UCU) at Liverpool's Universities, have called for their institutions to abandon in person teaching. In a statement, the UCU branches from the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Hope University said they also wanted to see better protections for vulnerable staff and a guarantee that they will not be forced to come onto campus.

The call comes after the University of Liverpool yesterday confirmed 87 positive Covid tests of staff and students at the institution. This is at a time when campus is still relatively quiet and teaching has not yet started. The UK Government has called on staff to work from home where they are able. Yesterday Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance warned of 50,000 new Covid19 cases a day by mid-October, leading to 200 deaths a day a month later if the current rate of infection was not halted.

The Union has previously called for online learning to be Universities' default position in an effort to stem the spread of the virus. Already, UCU has launched a monitoring system for its members to contact the Union directly with concerns they had about their institutions' plans to deal with the Covid threat. The Union said it would name Universities and colleges that were not up to scratch and any institution not preparing to deal with a local outbreak was in denial about the severity of the challenges they would most likely face.

UCU regional official Martyn Moss said:- "Liverpool's Universities have to immediately heed the call from staff and halt unnecessary in-person teaching. The safety of staff, students and the local community has to be the number 1 priority. More widely, the University sector and the Government must address this public health crisis immediately. It is not enough to plan to manage Covid outbreaks when we could be working to prevent them. We have been warning for weeks of the dangers of Universities persisting with in person teaching, especially without a UK wide track and trace system and regular testing of students and staff. Without urgent action, it will be impossible for Universities to avoid becoming incubators of Covid and University communities becoming transmission hotspots."

The Government's 'warning shot' puts pubs and brewers wrongly in the firing line

COMMENTING on the restrictions announced last night James Calder, Chief Executive of SIBA said:- "A new week and new rules for pubs who have diligently implemented guidance to make their venues COVID secure without receiving further financial support. After a month of being encouraged to support the hospitality trade the public is now being warned off. A 10pm curfew will be at best a marginal measure in controlling the virus, but will impact directly on pubs, staff and breweries. Why fire a �warning shot' which aims to encourage the UK public to take measures more seriously, that actually hits pubs and brewers with no further support planned? Many pubs have adapted to table service only, but in smaller, beer led community pubs they cannot afford the extra member of staff that table service requires so will be forced to shut. Existing measures have proven to work and this new rule should be enforced flexibly, because it's benefits will only be marginal. The virus is rising and the UK population do need to redouble efforts, but signalling this by placing new, marginally beneficial restrictions on struggling pubs and brewers is a mistake and will inevitably lead to more job losses. We need a comprehensive new package of measures including VAT cut extension to beer, rent support, business rates cuts and a cancellation of the planned rises in beer duty for small brewers. Warning shots aren't meant to hit anyone, but the UKs pubs and brewers are wrongly in the firing line."

Praise for Covid-safe businesses

LIVERPOOL Council Chiefs have praised a number of businesses across Liverpool after unannounced visits revealed 95.7% of those inspected have implemented Covid-safe measures. From Friday, 18 September to Sunday, 20 September 2020, Liverpool City Council's Licensing Team visited 70 pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops in the evening to make sure the Government recommended measures were in place to protect customers and staff.

Only 3 premises did not reach the satisfactory standards, whereas 67 businesses had clear policies in place which included:- social distancing, the availability of hand sanitizer, track and trace was implemented, any music being played was at an acceptable noise level and there was no evidence of vertical drinking; this means that people were not standing up drinking and all customers were seated.

The 3 premises that were not fully complying with the guidance were issued advice which they immediately followed; these included spacing out tables and turning the volume of music down.

At every venue visited, the team took the opportunity to talk to staff and management about the new Government guidelines which come in to force today restricting the hospitality industry to table service and will see venues close from 10pm to 5am.

Across the weekend the licensing team also visited taxi ranks in:- Stanley Street, Ranelagh Street, Hanover Street, Great Charlotte Street, Dawson Street and North John Street. All vehicles were checked and no issues were found at the time of the team's visits.

Market traders were also inspected and again, no issues were found.

Chair of Liverpool's Licensing Committee, Councillor Christine Banks, said:- "The results from the weekend are massively reassuring and shows that businesses are taking this situation seriously and are putting the health of their customers and their staff first. As Covid19 cases rise in the city we all must play our part in reducing the spread of the virus. We want people to continue to go out and enjoy themselves, and it's essential that when they do, they are visiting a restaurant, pub or bar; that business is doing everything it can to reinforce the Government's measures. The team will continue to be out and about as we all get to grips with the new rules, and will be on hand to work with businesses and give them any help and advice they need."

If anyone has concerns that a venue is not Covid-safe, they can email. For more information about the new Coronavirus restrictions, read the FAQs here.

Winter Plan for Care Homes

CARE England, who are the largest representative body for independent providers of adult social care, has welcomed the extension of the Infection Control Fund and the move to appoint a Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, as substantive elements of the Winter Plan, but noted that more detail is needed in other areas including on a PPE Strategy. Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says:- "The extension of the Infection Control Fund is extremely welcome, this is a real life line for care providers and we are pleased that the Government listened to the sector on this though the details of the scope and conditions are not yet announced. Care England will work with the DHSC to implement the Plan and achieve the best possible outcomes for care home residents, their families and staff."

Over the last few months, Care England has consistently collated and presented evidence to Government about the cost implications of Covid19 to the care sector. There are a number of logistical issues at stake and providers need to know how to escalate queries if they find that the Winter Plan is not delivering in their area. The Winter Plan can be found at:- Gov.UK. Martin Green continues:- "The care home sector remains in the spotlight and it is important to pay tribute to the hard work of the workforce, the sector's best resource. The Winter Plan was an opportunity to set out a holistic plan for the sector and whilst we are encouraged that it covers some areas it could have been much wider including addressing issues such as testing, occupancy and indemnity."

Biggest flu programme in history rolled out in Sefton

GP Surgeries and Pharmacies across Sefton are starting to vaccinate thousands of people against flu, whilst ensuring that Coronavirus social distancing measures are followed. 2020 will be the most comprehensive flu programme in UK history, with more people eligible for the free NHS vaccine than ever. If you are eligible, please do not call your practice, your GP practice will be in touch to let you know the plans for you to get your vaccine. Those eligible for a free flu vaccination this year are:-

► People who are on the shielded patient list and members of their household.

► All school year groups up to and including year 7.

► People aged over 65.

► Pregnant women.

► Those with pre-existing conditions including, at risk under 2 year old's.

Dependent on supply, people aged 50 to 64 will also be invited to get the flu vaccination. If you are in this age group, please wait for your invitation and do not call for an appointment.

Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said:- "With more people eligible for the flu vaccine and the need for social distancing and infection control measures staff have been working really hard to ensure that everyone will be as safe as possible while receiving their vaccination this year. Don't ignore the flu, it's a potentially fatal illness and one that can spread very quickly. If you are eligible for a free flu vaccine and invited to have it, it is important that you take up that offer."

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:- "Flu should not be underestimated it is a serious illness and can even be deadly for the most vulnerable of our population. The flu vaccination is the best defence we have against the virus. It is vital that those eligible have the vaccine every year as it protects against different strains of flu which can change and evolve each year."

Margaret Jones, director of public health for Sefton, said:- "Having the vaccine is the single best way to protect against flu and will be an important step in preventing not only you, but your family, friends, and colleagues from getting the virus. As well as getting the vaccine, practicing good hand hygiene by catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue, throwing it away and washing your hands after can really help limit its spread; catch it, bin it, kill it."

For more information or to check your eligibility for the flu vaccine, visit:- NHS.UK.

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:- 4,926 cases and the total number now stand at:- 403,551, 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 37 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:- 41,825.

The number of COVID-19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 1,081. The current number of COVID-19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 181. Daily number of COVID-19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 134. Patients in Hospital:- 1,319.

In England, there are a total of:- 347,842 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 70,831 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, 4,515 confirmed cases.

134

► Halton, 1,091 confirmed cases.

► Knowsley, 1,569 confirmed cases.

► Sefton, 2,251 confirmed cases.

► St. Helens, 1,765 confirmed cases

► Wirral, 3,176 confirmed cases.

160

Colour Key:-

1 to 10

11 to 20

21 to 30

31 to 40

41 to 50

51 to100

100 over

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

► Blackburn with Darwen, 2,408 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 1,276 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 4,070 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 2,170 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 2,698 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 2,453 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 10,695 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 5,990 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 3,737 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 1,276 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 2,920 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 2,614 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 2,418 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 2,647 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 2,041 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 2,002 confirmed cases

► Wigan, 2,954 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.

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Liverpool City Region COVID19 Updates ... and Important Emergency Notices ...

Total UK cases COVID19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

Liverpool City Region COVID19 Updates
... and Important Emergency Notices ...