Warning to all swimmers and visitors to any areas of open water

THE North West Police Underwater Search and Marine Unit are reminding people to take care in open water and in the sea. They have told us that 1286 people have accidentally drowned in the UK in the last 5 years. "If you're out in open water this summer make sure; you check the condition before going in. Check that you're properly equipped and that someone knows where you have gone and why. Also check before leaving that you have the means to call for help should you get into any difficulties. If on the coast, always check the tide times and also check and follow the instructions on warning notices. In an emergency dial:- 999 for the Coastguard; Lifeguarded Beaches. When you�re heading to a Beach, we urge you to respect the water and visit a Lifeguarded Beach. If you get into problems at a lake or on a river, call:- 999 and ask for Fire and Rescue."

Staff shortages in food industry are:- "manageable," say Ministers

THE fact that are shops and businesses obviously facing problems as they start to fully open up, Ministers are saying that the staff shortages in the food industry are:- "manageable," but Cabinet Minister, George Eustice, has also told the media that the 16 August 2021 date, for lifting quarantine for double vaccinated people could be delayed. Last week alone, we are told, the NHS tracing app record showed that:- 618,903 people had been pinged, a 17% rise from the previous week. Despite this claim that things are:- "manageable," supermarkets have warned they may have product shortages due to staff self isolating. The Co-op said it was:- "running low on some products," while Iceland said shops might have to be shut. Also, many small shops have been hard hit by this:- 'pingdemic' just as they are about to start paying back the Covid loans and lose support for workers. This leads to many warning that this situation could force businesses who have survived, but are still under huge financial pressure, to go under, plunging many more into unemployment. Despite the problems, downloads of the app continued to rise from:- 26,523,853 in the previous week, to:- 26,826,748. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman told the media that the app was doing:- "what it's designed to do" despite more and more reports of 'pinging errors.' For example some of those contacted by the app were forced to self isolate for 10 days despite never having come into face to face contact with an infected person. Most issues with the App appear to be focused around the Bluetooth signal being strong enough to penetrate walls or even pick up signals from cars stuck in traffic jams. This issue had lead to many alerts being sent by accident. Hundreds of people have taken to social media and we have also had reports of people being 'pinged' despite not leaving their homes. But Ministers have also added that the app alert is advisory only and not enforceable by law, unlike a phone call from the Test and Trace team, leading to many questions about its use. Yet, Mr Kwarteng told the Today Programme on BBC Radio 4:- "If you are pinged, you should self isolate. I know it poses challenges, and we are seeing reports of shortages which we are monitoring, but the rules are clear and I think they should be followed." Not only that, but Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, on 16 July, warned we could be back in lockdown within 5 weeks if cases continue to spiral out of control! What are your thoughts on this issue? Please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Chester Races hosts retro themed Family Funday

CHESTER Racecourse is marking the return of its much loved Family Funday by rewinding the clock to the:- 70's, 80's and 90's for a special retro themed event. Taking place on Sunday, 1 August 2021, at the Roodee, it will be the iconic racecourse's 1st event after the final phase of lockdown restrictions are lifted on 19 July 2021, paving the way for increased capacity. For 1 day only, the site will undergo a retro transformation to welcome families of all ages the chance to activities such as a roller disco, reality arcade games, Make + Do workshop, retro silent disco tours and kids' tattoo artists. To make things extra special, Chester Racecourse have partnered with renowned publication:- ParentFolk, who will be bringing their own brand of effortlessly cool, curated activities to the event and making the whole day an 'Insta' worthy experience. Tickets are now on sale for just ₤12 per adult, with children entering for free. All activities are included within admission price for a day packed full of family fun. The event will also include:- an inflatable play zone, sports day area, giant garden games and DJ with boombox and dance floor. And, for those looking to turn back the clock, there will be an 80's Bowie face painting station, as well as a Silent Adventure 80's themed choreographed dancing tour around the site. For further information, visit:- Chester-Races.Com. Andrew Morris, Director of Racing at Chester Racecourse, said:- "We're thrilled to be able to invite so many visitors back to what will be an incredible day, packed full of fun and activities for families of all ages and sizes. Covid safe measures will be in place, including sanitiser stations across the course, to ensure all of our guests' safety and comfort. With something for absolutely everyone, it�s the perfect introduction back into socialisation, and what a day we have planned! Don't miss out on this unforgettable community event of the summer."

Warning to all swimmers and visitors to any areas of open water

Staff shortages in food industry are:- "manageable," say Ministers

Chester Races hosts retro themed Family Funday

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region