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 31 March 2020

Charity responds to Coronavirus with specialist support for people with sight loss in Lancashire

THE Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is offering support to people affected by sight loss in Lancashire after unprecedented changes to everyday life. The current social distancing and self isolation measures can be particularly difficult for the 6010 blind and partially sighted people who live in Lancashire, as many rely on guides and public transport to live independently. In response, RNIB has improved telephone and online access to its Sight Loss Advice Service; which offers emotional support and practical advice to blind and partially sighted people and their families.

Jamie Dormandy, Head of Customer Service and Advice at RNIB, said:- "The measures to stop to spread of Coronavirus are having an unprecedented impact on the way that people with sight loss go about their day to day lives. Social distancing and self-isolation are presenting new challenges; with a lot of blind and partially sighted people worried about how they can continue to travel to the shop for essential supplies or find the items they need without the support of a guide. We have scaled up our telephone and online advice service to answer the questions that blind and partially sighted people have right now and are connecting people with local support. It's very important that anyone affected by sight loss in Lancashire knows they are not alone, and we are here to support them."

The service is providing information on a range of issues affecting people with sight loss during this national health crisis, including:-

► How to access essential items, such as food and medicine.

► Navigating safely while adhering to social distancing advice.

► Advice on eye health at a time when non-urgent appointments have been cancelled.

► Support to reduce loneliness during self isolation.

► Information about benefits and financial support provided by the Government.

RNIB Eye Health Liaison Officer (ECLOs), which are normally clinic based in hospitals, are also on hand over the phone to offer practical advice on living with sight loss and emotional support.

RNIB's Sight Loss Advice Service is available to anyone concerned on:- 0303 123 9999 between 8am and 8pm on weekdays, and between 9am and 1pm on Saturdays. Advice is also being updated online.

CLA and TFA issue joint statement in challenging times

THE Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) are working together to support landlords and their farming tenants in these unparalleled times, with all sectors being impacted by the current COVID-19 pandemic.

In a joint statement, the TFA and CLA, with DEFRA's support, are appealing to all rural landlords and tenants to work together collaboratively and compassionately during this unprecedented time. The plea is made in respect of all tenancy matters, but particularly rent payments, notices to quit and finalising new tenancy agreements.

Both the TFA and CLA say neither party should seek to take advantage of the current situation or use it as an excuse to act unreasonably. Both parties should consider the impact of their actions on the other and avoid taking a hard line on any issue, at what is a very difficult time. Never has it been more important for the whole of the farming industry to focus one hundred percent on supplying the nation's food.

CLA President Mark Bridgeman said:- "We know that landowners value their relationships with tenants deeply, and we are working with CLA members to underline the importance of working closely with tenants who are experiencing difficulties due to Coronavirus. We have advised landlords to discuss with farming tenants any problems they are facing so that a mutual solution can be found, and we make sure farming businesses can carry on as well as possible in these difficult circumstances. We also suggest that, as far as possible, current disputes are put on hold and that formal proceedings for any non-payment of rent are used only as a matter of extreme last resort."

TFA national chairman Mark Coulman said:- "It is inevitable that some tenants will struggle to meet rent payments or other tenancy obligations due to cashflow difficulties or other knock on impacts of the Coronavirus situation. In these circumstances we are urging landlords and tenants to work together to agree alternative arrangements. We are already hearing of positive examples of landlords and tenants working together during this trying time."

The TFA has been actively assisting members left in difficult situations beyond their control due to Coronavirus restrictions. In one case, a conversation with a TFA member's landlord's agent led to agreement on a better frequency of rental payments to assist cash flow and reduce the stress of having to find large sums of money upfront.

In a 2nd case, the member has decided in light of the recent events to give up farming, but he had just gone beyond the point at which he could break his tenancy. Although the landlord had previously rejected his notice to quit, the TFA managed to negotiate its subsequent acceptance.

"As always, communication will be vital and we would encourage dialogue between landlords and tenants, so that practical solutions can be found for any ongoing issues or any that arise during this challenging period. TFA and CLA members should contact their respective organisations for any further guidance needed." said Mr Coulman.

Liverpool's Samaritans still here for you!

SAMARITANS volunteers have been pulling out all the stops to continue their free helpline service during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Although it has had to suspend face to face calls at its Liverpool branch, the charity has promised to carry on providing emotional support via telephone and email to anyone struggling to cope.

The country wide lockdown had led to concerns that the lifeline service might have to close temporarily. However, the Government has confirmed that Samaritans volunteers are classed as delivering a 'critical' service, so local listeners can continue to travel to the Clarence Street office and keep the 24/7 operation going.

While some members of the 140 strong team are currently having to self isolate, others are stepping up to fill the void and ensure the branch remains open.

"We have been pulling together and doing everything we can to keep our confidential listening service up and running because it's needed more than ever. People are understandably concerned about the health of themselves and their loved ones, as well as their finances, and the current situation might be making the lives of people who are already struggling even more difficult." said branch director Sheila Campbell.

Volunteer safety remains of the upmost importance and the branch, which marked its 60th Birthday in March 2020, is applying strict guidelines with regard to hygiene standards and social distancing.

"It is a very challenging situation but our dedicated listeners are rising to the occasion and helping ensure that, for anyone who is going through a difficult time, we are here for them." added Sheila.

Anyone in need of emotional support can contact the Samaritans on the free number:- 116 123 or email:- Jo@Samaritans.Org.

Free additional services to the vulnerable circumstances over power cuts

IN the event of a power cut, customers should call the national 105 hotline, no matter who they pay their bill to. Customers who have received a letter from the NHS advising them that they are:- 'at risk' and should take additional measures to protect themselves from COVID-19 are being advised to sign up for the Priority Services Register. This provides free additional services to customers in vulnerable circumstances if there is an unexpected power cut. They should sign up at:- SPErgynetworks.Co.UK or text:- 'PSR' to:- 61999.

˝ a million fed with food destined for bin

COVID-19 has highlighted a dichotomy in our food system. Whilst supermarket shelves are empty, thousands of tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables are spoiling in fields and warehouses across the country. The current situation has exaggerated an already pressing issue: up to 40% of fresh produce grown in the UK is wasted.

Hounslow based start up FruPro want this to stop. They are developing a communications and trading platform that connects the fruit and veg industry. Their goal is to reduce waste by creating a centralised platform that puts those with produce in touch with those who need it.

Eventually, FruPro will take a commission from these trades; however, in response to the disruption caused by COVID-19 they have launched a not for profit version.

"The key thing for us is that no food ends up in the bin. Despite empty supermarket shelves there is a huge amount of fresh produce available, because may wholesalers sell directly into the hospitality sector; which has closed down. The issue now is getting that food to retailers." says William Hill, CEO of FruPro.

Reynolds, a leading supplier for the foodservice industry, is one of the platform's earliest participants. FruPro put Reynolds Catering Supplies into contact with WT Hill, a food marketing company, who have helped divert 180 tonnes of fresh produce to independent retailers and wholesalers across the country. They estimate this could feed half a million people for two days. Without FruPro, much of this produce could have been wasted.

"FruPro have been a great help to Reynolds in ensuring that we have been able to divert produce, which might have otherwise gone to waste, to people who really need it. Now more than ever it's important that our industries works together to prevent food shortages and minimise any wastage" says Matthew Jones, who is a Senior Buyer, at Reynolds.

Currently, FruPro is focused on diverting produce to independent retailers. This includes food markets, corner shops and greengrocers, as well as the growing fresh produce delivery sector. They are also developing a mechanism for transferring stock to food banks.

William added that:- "Supermarkets do a great job, but we also need to support our independent retailers and charitable organisations. These businesses don't have the levels of bureaucracy and regulation that you see in supermarkets. This means that we can get stock to them quickly; and then on to the general public. Greengrocers, butchers and fishmongers have been supporting our communities for centuries; and I think the next few weeks are going to remind us how valuable they are."

FruPro is still some months away from releasing the full version of their platform, which they say must be international to reflect the complexity of supply chains. They are also in talks with Agrimetrics, an artificial intelligence and data platform with the backing of UK Government and Microsoft, regarding how to scale their solution and integrate valuable information, such as crop disease models and yield predictions.

"In a couple of years, we want everyone to be able to buy fresh fruit that would otherwise have ended up in the bin, and be able to track that piece of fruit back to the farm that produced it: complete traceability. Over the next few months, we want to make sure that no one goes hungry whilst good food is being wasted." concludes William.
 

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Metro Mayor has issued important advice for key workers using public transport

THE Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, is issuing important information and travel advice for key workers who need to travel to deliver vital services to communities. Whilst all non-essential travel should currently be avoided, Merseytravel and transport operators are working hard to provide resilient, dedicated services so that all those who have to make essential journeys are able to do so. Services and timetables are under constant review and changes are being introduced this week in light of a number of key factors including large reductions in passenger numbers, as people adhere to the national advice regarding non-essential travel, working from home wherever possible and social distancing to help reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. Like all sections of the community, the crisis is having an impact on transport staff, meaning reduced staffing levels. From Thursday, 2 April 2020, Merseyrail services will be running between 7am and 7pm, every 30 minutes on all lines. This decision takes into account reduction in passenger numbers, currently down by around 70% on weekday journeys, and to help ensure a reliable service can be maintained. From Monday, 6 April 2020, Mersey Ferries will temporarily suspend the current morning and evening commuter service, due to a reduction in demand, as current figures show there are less that 20 passengers per day using the service. Bus services are also seeing a decline in passenger numbers and operators are continuing to provide services with revised timetables across the network.

The following advice is for those key workers using public transport for essential journeys:-

► Check timetables before you travel each day.

► Go to websites, journey apps and social media for the latest information.

► Merseyrail users should consider changing your times of travel to meet the network availability.

► If this is not possible, consider other modes of transport such as bus to make your journey.

► Mersey Ferries customers should look for cross river rail and bus services.

► For cross river travel, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has suspended tunnel tolls allowing for reduced cross river travel costs.

► Maintain social distancing, there remains sufficient capacity to meet demand and allow this.

► Use contactless payments if you can.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- "Everyone knows that, other than for essential journeys, you should stay at home and our transport figures reflect that so thank you to people for following that crucial advice to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus. I also know how important it is for our key workers to be able to use public transport, so they can get to and from work to carry out essential services in our communities. That is why we are working with transport operators to do everything we can to provide the best and most reliable services possible, against a backdrop of extremely challenging circumstances, whilst protecting both people who have to travel and transport staff. I must commend our customers who continue to be extremely understanding and I know you will appreciate that some decisions are currently being made to ensure that we can continue to provide a resilient transport network and options rather than have no services at all. I strongly urge everyone to continue to follow the latest official advice, stay safe and thank you."

For the latest travel and timetable information customers should check the Merseytravel and transport operators' webpage's and social media platforms in the first instance and on a daily basis as there are likely to be more changes ahead.

Merseyrail...

From Thursday, 2 April 2020, services will be running between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Saturday, with services every 30 minutes across all lines. Sunday services will operate between the hours of 8am and 7pm and are as follows:-

► Northern line =  Hourly service

► Chester line = Hourly service

► Ellesmere Port line = Hourly service operating calling at all stations between Ellesmere Port and Hooton. Passengers can change at Hooton to continue their onward journeys.

New Brighton and West Kirby lines...

► 45 minute service

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:- "Our colleagues have continued to work tirelessly to keep our train service operating. The role they have played in this national effort to support our NHS and other key workers in the fight against COVID-19 is commendable. However, we are now unfortunately seeing an increasing amount of them being affected by COVID-19, and, as such, have made the difficult decision to significantly alter the way that we operate. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we recognise the impact it will have. Merseyrail is committed to providing a service to key workers and those making essential journeys across the Liverpool City Region during this difficult time. The announcement today is about just that; ensuring the service we can offer is as reliable as possible as we move through these uncertain times. The prime minister was quite clear that people should only be travelling where absolutely necessary, and I would encourage people to continue to follow that instruction."

Other rail operators, Services are running to revised timetables; but please check before you travel.

► Northern @northernassist

► Transpennine Express @TPEassist

► Avanti West Coast @avantiwestcoast

► London Northwestern Railway @LNRailway

► Transport for Wales @tfwrail

► East Midlands Railway @EastMidRailway

Bus services...

Bus services are running but the frequency of some services has been reduced; please check before you travel.

Stagecoach @stagecoachMCSL

Arriva @arrivanorthwest

Mersey Ferries...

From Monday, 6 April 2020, the morning and evening commuter services will be temporarily suspended. This is due to an unprecedented fall in demand but this will be monitored on a regular basis.

Please keep checking the Mersey Ferries website and @merseytravel for the latest information.

Mersey Tunnels...

► The Queensway (Birkenhead) and Kingsway (Wallasey) Mersey Tunnels are currently open.

For the latest national information and guidance in relation to the Coronavirus please visit:- Gov.UK and Public Health England websites.