Emergancy Notices - Liverpool City Region - Merseyside - 25 March 2020

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DAILY EMERGENCY COVID-19 NEWS
... Important Daily Notices ...

AS This page is to place quick update important notices that are being sent to us from Government and other organisations over the Coronavirus Emergency affecting our country (UK)...   Please remember that the information changes quickly, so always check to see what time and when the last post was made.  We will update as and when we can....  Users of our Formby Reporter's Free Email Service will get most updates 1st and then they will be added on here as soon as we can...  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 is updated on 25 March 2020


Bill Esterson asks questions about the construction industry

ON 25 March 2020, Bill Esterson MP asked the UK's Parliament:- "If construction workers can't afford to stay at home, they will go to work and if the Prime Minister doesn't close construction sites, they will stay open. So will he pass on to the Prime Minister that he must make sure that every construction worker, whether self employed or employed and it is both can afford to stay at home and will he pass on the message that construction sites absolutely must close. This matter obviously was raised during Prime Minister's Questions."

Jacob Rees-Mogg MP replied:- "I would say that the advice from the Government is very clear. If you cannot work from home, but can work observing social distancing, which is being about 6 feet away from people, which we are doing pretty well at doing, then it is safe to go on to work it into work. And that is an important part of the Government's message. Stay at home, but if you can't stay at home, you have to work away from home, then observe social distancing."

What our our readers thoughts on this?  Email us to:-
News24@SouthportReporter.Com.


Bill Esterson asks questions about the construction industry

SEFTON CVS and local partner agencies have been made aware of an email scam that states:- "As Schools will be closing, if you're entitled to free School meals, please send your bank details and we'll make sure you're supported."

Please DO NOT respond to it, and delete immediately; and please help spread the word to those local families who may be targeted by this malicious scam.

All legitimate information relating to free school meals can be found on the Gov.UK website.

If you spot a scam you think we should take notice of or any fake news, please email us to:-  News24@SouthportReporter.Com.


Emergency Appeal from St John Ambulance

Click on to get a printable copy of this poster...

"IF you or anyone you know can help St John Ambulance with our Equipment appeal in the current COVID-19 Emergency, please make contact ASAP Eva.Szabo@SJA.Org.UK.  Your support will help us replace equipment urgently needed during this national emergency; any level of contribution is welcome to help us reach our overall goal. Thank you."


A message today from Prime Minister Boris Johnson

PM Boris Johnson:- "Thank you to the 405,000 incredible NHS volunteer responders who have signed up today. If you want to sign up, follow this link: https://goodsamapp.org/NHS"


Total UK cases COVID-19 Cases Update for Liverpool City Region and surroundings

IN the UK, as fatalities rise by 41 to 463, including 1 confirmed death in Wirral. The number of COVID-19 infections has risen by 1,542 in just a day, to 9,529, the Department of Health said. In England, there are a total of 7,973 confirmed cases. North West - total of 703 confirmed cases. Current confirmed cases within the following local authorities are as follows:-

► Liverpool, 57 confirmed cases.

► Sefton, 20 confirmed cases.

► Wirral, 16 confirmed cases.

► St. Helens, 16 confirmed cases.

► Halton, 8 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 78 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 18 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 30 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 45 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 45 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 40 confirmed cases.

► Wigan, 14 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 21 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 29 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 23 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 35 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 42 confirmed cases.

► Blackburn with Darwen, 3 confirmed cases.

These stats are according to Public Health England as of 25/03/2020.


Covid-19 lockdown: Charity issues essential advice for pet owners

WITH lockdown now in place pet owners across the UK are either social distancing or self isolating and will be spending at least the next 3 weeks inside their homes. Blue Cross is looking at the impact this will have on the nation‘s pets and their owners during this unsettling time and is offering essential advice and answering the many questions on pet owners minds. Those social distancing can still take their dog for a walk and exercise once a day but they MUST keep their distance from other people by at least 2 metres. However, if self isolating because they, or a member of their household, has had signs of the disease they should not go out at all. Someone from outside of the household may have to take their dog out for them. Owners can ask friends, neighbours or family members if they can help and there are also increasingly numbers of community groups offering to walk dogs and pick up essential pet supplies. Affected owners can check local media and social media to find someone in their area. Volunteer dog walkers should use their own dog lead or disinfect the owner's lead. It is important pet owners wash their hands after handling their pets, and if unwell and self isolating it is also a good idea to avoid other people stroking and handling their pets. If pets aren't getting their usual amount of exercise it is important owners make up for this to keep pets healthy and mentally stimulated. The charity has some tips for pet owners while they are spending more time at home:-

► Encourage pets to play with toys and treats by hiding them around the home or playing fetch (make sure toys are soft to avoid damaging any household items) and even play hide and seek with pets and other family members; especially fun for children at home while schools are closed too. Don't forget if playing with pets using extra treats you may need to reduce the amount they have for their daily meal. Your dog might also enjoy a game of tug with a favourite toy, make sure these are controlled games and your pet understands that when you put their tuggy toy down it is time to stop. Pets can also be kept busy by having their food via a kong or activity toy.

► Cats will benefit from having scratch posts, climbing apparatus and chase toys and many also enjoy playing with toys such as feather wands and balls. While at home, all the family can take some time out to have a few minutes of regular playtime with their cat; fun for both cats and their owners.

► Hide biscuits or food parcels in a cardboard box filled with shredded paper or a cleaned out yoghurt drink pot for pets to bat about to release the food.

Being at home could also be a time to continue pet training; even cats can be trained using a clicker device where they understand a reward is coming for an act they are doing when asked by their owner.

► If pets are becoming a distraction while trying to work from home and to avoid them becoming too clingy (potentially leading to dogs suffering from separation anxiety when their owners go back to work) it is a good idea to pop them in another room to rest for periods during the day. Owners may also benefit from putting pets in another room if using Skype or phone meetings to avoid pets being a distraction.

► Cats who usually spend the day outdoors exploring may prefer to stay in with their owners instead. Owners can encourage their cat to go outside by going into the garden themselves and let them follow and see if they will jump onto fences or into trees to keep them active.

Pet owners regularly using hand sanitiser should remember that many cleaning products are toxic to pets and it is best to avoid stroking and handling your pets straight after using sanitisers. When cleaning, remember that pets should be kept away from areas being disinfected until completely dry and prevent pets going near cleaning buckets and cleaning products. Cats in particular will lick their paws and fur almost immediately if they feel unclean and such products can potentially burn their mouth, tongue or throat.

Find out the situation with your vet practice and where emergency treatment is being offered. Some vet practices are offering routine and non-urgent consultations remotely and any medication needed prescriptions via email to order online.

Blue Cross is offering free Coronavirus update emails for latest news and tips about keeping pets healthy and mentally stimulated with easy to make games and play ideas during the Covid-19 outbreak. Visit:- BlueCross.Org.UK to find out more and sign up.

24/03/2020 - 16:52


What the latest raft of emergency measures means for business

WHILE the past week or so has seen more restrictions on civil liberties to UK citizens than at any time in our history, the Government has also recognised the major implications the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak will have on British businesses. Late last week, the Chancellor set out a package of temporary and targeted measures of support to get through this period of significant disruption. Here, Brian Palmer, tax policy expert for AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) talks through the support package and what it will mean for small businesses:-

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme:- "Under this new scheme, all UK employers will be able to access support to continue paying part of their employees' salary for those employees that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis. All UK businesses are eligible for this, and affected workers will have 80% of their wages reimbursed by HMRC, up to a cap of ₤2,500 per month. To access the scheme, an employer will need to designate affected employees as'furloughed workers' and notify them of this change. HMRC will need information related to the employee through a new portal available on their website. It's important to note that changing the status of employees remains subject to existing employment law."

Deferring VAT and Income Tax payments:- "The Chancellor has promised to support businesses by deferring the requirement to make VAT payments for 3 months (deferral applying in respect of VAT due from 20 March to 30 June 2020). Furthermore, there is some good news for the self employed with Income Tax payments due in July 2020 under the Self Assessment system now deferred to January 2021. Again, all UK businesses are eligible; but this time the scheme is automatic and there is no need for businesses to apply. This means that businesses do not need to make VAT payments during this period. Taxpayers will also be given until the end of the 2020-21 tax year to pay any liabilities that have accumulated during the deferral period. The income tax change is very simple; Self Assessment payments payable, on 31 July 2020, will be deferred until 31 January 2021. Again, all self employed people are available and there is automatic access. No penalties or late payment interest will be charged during the deferral period."

Sick pay:- "Legislation has been passed to allow smaller businesses to reclaim Statutory Sickness Pay which is paid for sickness absence due to COVID-19. The Government will work with employers over the coming months to set up the repayment mechanism, and this is open to all UK-based businesses with less than 250 employees. The number of people employed as of 28 February 2020 will be used as the determining factor; and the refund will cover up to 2 weeks' SSP per eligible employee. While the scheme is still being developed, employers should act now to maintain records of all staff absences and SSP payments. While the employer will not need to provide evidence of GP fit notes, the employee should get an isolation note from NHS 111 online if they get symptoms of Covid-19."

Support for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses:- "The Government is to introduce a business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England for the 2020/21 business rates year. This is for qualifying businesses based in England only. Properties that will benefit from the relief will be those that are wholly or mainly being used as shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues or assembly and leisure as hotels, guest and boarding premises and self-catering accommodation. Access is again automatic and the relief will be applied to the April 2020 non-domestic rates bill. Check your bill when it comes, however, as local authorities may need to reissue bills to exclude the charge. Further guidance for local authorities is available in the GOV.UK expanded retail discount guidance. In addition, the Retail and Hospitality Grant Scheme provides English businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a cash grant of up to ₤25,000 per property; if their rateable value is between ₤15,001 and ₤51,000. Businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of under ₤15,000 will receive a grant of ₤10,000. Your local authority will write to you if you are eligible."

Support for nursery businesses:- "The Government is also to introduce a business rates holiday for nurseries in England for the 2020 to 2021 tax year. Properties will benefit from the relief if they are occupied by providers on Ofsted's Early Years Register, or wholly or mainly used for the provision of the Early Years Foundation Stage; and relief will be applied in their next council tax bill."

Support for businesses that pay little or no business rates:- "The Government is to provide an additional Small Business Grant Scheme funding for local authorities to support small businesses that already pay little or no business rates because they receive small business rate relief (SBBR), rural rate relief (RRR) and tapered relief. Here, the aim is to provide a 1 off grant of ₤10,000 to eligible businesses (who occupy property) to help meet their ongoing business costs. Again, look out for the letter from your local authority to see if you're eligible, and direct any enquiries over the provision of grants to them."

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme:- "This scheme supports SME's with access to working capital (including loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance) of up to ₤5 million in value and for up to 6 years. The Government will pay to cover the 1st 12 months of interest payments and any lender levied fees, so smaller businesses will not face upfront costs and will benefit from lower initial repayments. Lenders will receive a guarantee of 80% on each loan (subject to a per-lender cap on claims) to give them extra confidence in continuing to provide finance to SMEs at this time. Businesses receiving loans will need to have a turnover of no more than ₤45 million annually, and will need to meet the other British Business Bank eligibility criteria. If you wish to apply, talk to your bank or one of the 40 accredited finance providers."

Additional tax support:- "HMRC has extended its Time To Pay scheme to help those who do not believe they are in a financial position to maintain their tax liabilities. If taxpayers have missed a tax payment or is worried they might miss their next payment due to COVID-19 they should call HMRC's dedicated helpline:- 0800 0159 559. If worried about future payments, call HMRC nearer the time."

Insurance:- "Businesses that have cover for both pandemics and Government ordered closure should be covered by the latest closures, as the Government and insurance industry confirmed on 17 March 2020 that advice to avoid pubs, theatres etc is sufficient to make a claim as long as all other terms and conditions are met. Insurance policies differ significantly, so businesses are encouraged to check the terms and conditions of their specific policy and contact their providers. Indeed, standard business interruption insurance policies are dependent on damage to property and will exclude pandemics."

Off-payroll working (IR35) delay:- "
In a sign of the times, what would've ordinarily been a dramatic turn of events passed without hardly being noticed. The planned extension of the off payroll working rules to large or medium sized organisations outside the public sector has now been delayed for one year until 6 April 2021. This is only a deferral, and not the cancellation that some were calling for. The rules continue to apply to the public sector. Sadly, with many large organisations such, as Barclays and Lloyds, having already told their contractors that they will not be extending their contracts beyond April 2020, for many it comes too late."

25/03/2020 - 10:46


Please remember that the UK is on Lockdown!

THE Cronavirus is disrupting everything we know. Adapting isn't always easy. This was Southport on 1st day of the UK's Lockdown, on 24 March 2020. It was a lot quieter than we expected, with most people obeying the rules. The small seaside resort over the weekend had been the location of a massive rise in people heading to the resort, despite requests not to and to stay at home. The footage was taken by our regulated journalistic staff, who are classed as:- 'key workers.' Please remember to stay safe and well by heading home and not going against the UK Government's notices. This is our chance to win the fight against the Coronavirus.

New rules in force now and you must stay at home if you are not a key worker. Key workers should also stay at home if they can work from home! For more information and exemptions, please visit:- Gov.UK/Coronavirus "Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives."

The UK Government, on 23 March 2020, introduced 3 new measures. Requiring people to stay at home, except for very limited purposes. Closing non-essential shops and community spaces. Stopping all gatherings of more than 2 people in public. Every citizen must comply with these new measures. The relevant authorities, including the police, will be given the powers to enforce them; including through fines and dispersing gatherings. These measures are effective immediately. The Government will look again at these measures in 3 weeks, and relax them if the evidence shows this is possible.

  Staying at home!!!

You should only leave the house for 1 of 4 reasons:-

1. Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.

2. 1 form of exercise a day, for example, a run, walk, or cycle; alone or with members of your household.

3.  Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.

4. Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.

These 4 reasons are exceptions; even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 meters apart from anyone outside of your household. These measures must be followed by everyone. Separate advice is available for individuals or households who are isolating, and for the most vulnerable who need to be shielded. If you work in a critical sector outlined in this guidance, or your child has been identified as vulnerable, you can continue to take your children to School.

Closing non-essential shops and public spaces.

Last week, the Government ordered certain businesses; including:- pubs, cinemas and theatres; to close. The Government is now extending this requirement to a further set of businesses and other venues, including:- All non-essential retail stores; this will include:- clothing and electronics stores; hair, beauty and nail salons; and outdoor and indoor markets, excluding food markets. Libraries, Community Centres, and Youth Centres will be closed. Indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, such as bowling alleys, arcades and soft play facilities. Communal places within parks, such as:- playgrounds, sports courts and outdoor gyms. Places of worship, except for funerals attended by immediate families. Hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses for commercial  leisure use (excluding permanent residents and key workers).

Stopping public gatherings.

To make sure people are staying at home and apart from each other, the Government is also stopping all public gatherings of more than 2 people. There are only 2 exceptions to this rule:-

1. Where the gathering is of a group of people who live together; this means that a parent can, for example, take their children to the shops if there is no option to leave them at home.

2. Where the gathering is essential for work purposes; but workers should be trying to minimize all meetings and other gatherings in the workplace.

3. In addition, the Government is stopping social events, including:- weddings, baptisms and other religious ceremonies. This will exclude funerals, which can be attended by immediate family.

These measures will reduce our day to day contact with other people. They are a vital part of our efforts to reduce the rate of transmission of Coronavirus. Every citizen is instructed to comply with these new measures. The Government will, therefore, be ensuring the UK's Police and other relevant Authorities have the powers to enforce them, including fines and dispersing gatherings where people do not comply. This move was announced on 23 March 2020 and will initially last for the 3 weeks, at which point the Government will look at them again and relax them if the evidence shows this is possible.


  • Total UK cases COVID-19 Cases Update for Liverpool City Region and surroundings

    IN the UK, as fatalities rise by 87 to 422, including 1 confirmed death in Wirral. The number of COVID-19 infections has risen by 1,427 in just a day, to 8,077, the Department of Health said. In England, there are a total of 6,843 confirmed cases. North West - total of 593 confirmed cases. Current confirmed cases within the following local authorities are as follows:-

    ► Liverpool, 41 confirmed cases.

    ► Sefton, 13 confirmed cases.

    ► Wirral, 15 confirmed cases.

    ► St. Helens, 8 confirmed cases.

    ► Halton, 8 confirmed cases.

    ► Lancashire, 71 confirmed cases.

    ► Cheshire West and Chester, 18 confirmed cases.

    ► Cheshire East, 25 confirmed cases.

    ► Manchester, 41 confirmed cases.

    ► Stockport, 42 confirmed cases.

    ► Trafford, 31 confirmed cases.

    ► Wigan, 11 confirmed cases.

    ► Bolton, 19 confirmed cases.

    ► Rochdale, 24 confirmed cases.

    ► Bury, 17 confirmed cases.

    ► Tameside, 32 confirmed cases.

    ► Oldham, 34 confirmed cases.

    ► Blackburn with Darwen, 2 confirmed cases.

    These stats are according to Public Health England as of 24/03/2020.

     


    See archived update pages from:-

    Week 1

    22 March 2020

    21 March 2020

    20 March 2020

    19 March 2020


    18 March 2020

    17 March 2020

    Week 2

    25 March 2020

    24 March 2020

    23 March 2020

     


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