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 1 April 2020

Renters and landlords urged to communicate as emergency rental measures are announced

UK renters are being urged to have an:- "honest and frank conversation" with their landlord as new measures are announced amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government's newly introduced rules will ensure no renter in either social or private accommodation will be forced out of their home. There are also measures in place to protect landlords too. TDS, a Government approved tenancy deposit protection scheme, wants to ensure tenants and landlords can work together to ensure both sides can find a mutually beneficial agreement.

Steve Harriott, Chief Executive of TDS, said:- "Under the new guidelines tenants are still liable for their rent, however, if they are facing financial hardship there is support out there. It's really important during this unprecedented situation that the lines of communication between renter and landlord are kept open. Now is the time to be having an honest and frank conversation about rents and financial concerns, working together to put a rent payment scheme in place. Support has also been announced for landlords too as the Government has asked lenders to provide a 3 month mortgage payment holiday for those who have a Buy to Let mortgage."

TDS has also issued a guide to help renters and landlords who may be moving in or out of a property during the period of social distancing. In a bid to adhere to the current social distancing requirements, the organisation is recommending tenants carry out their own inventory, sending it onto their landlord after they move in, and if vacating the property, renters are being asked to carry out a virtual walk round with their landlord via video call, as a way to document the state of it with the landlord. Measures to prevent eviction during the pandemic have also been announced by the Government, which now means landlords must give renters 3 months' notice if they intend to seek possession of the property. However, this does not waive the tenants' obligation to pay rent during the 3 month period, so if not paid it will remain due and may be recovered by the landlord. In addition, all ongoing housing possession action has been temporarily suspended.

Steve added:- "We're committed to maintaining a positive partnership between tenants and their landlords. The economic upheaval created by COVID-19 has put many people and businesses into a very uncertain position, but we urge parties to communicate proactively to find solutions. If landlords are willing to accommodate changes to rent payments, we highly recommend formally documenting all the agreements in the interests of clarity for all parties."

TDS is the only not for profit tenancy deposit scheme in the UK, which means it continuously invests surpluses into raising industry standards with excellent service levels, quicker call response times, user friendly technology and faster tenancy dispute resolutions.

UCLan waives final semester halls accommodation fees

THE University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has today taken the decision to waive all 3rd semester accommodation fees for students who have a UCLan accommodation contract. In collaboration with the UCLan Students' Union, the measure has been taken as part of the University's on going plan to support students during the Coronavirus pandemic. The fee waiver applies to students, regardless of whether they have already moved out of halls or continue to live there and means that the April rent instalments will not now be payable.

UCLan's Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said:- "Throughout this national crisis we will remain consistent in our commitment to put the interests of our students 1st. We also understand that for many of our students it is a time of financial concern as many have been working part time and are now unable to do so. We hope our decision to waive accommodation payments helps ease the financial burden at this challenging time. While we cannot make the same decision for private 3rd party providers, we are in discussion with them to see if they can agree to similar measures. As a University we are keen to support our students as much as possible and minimise any disruption to their academic studies."

Suntosh Kaur, President of UCLan's Students' Union, added:- "Following discussions that I've had with students and conversations with the University, I'm thrilled UCLan is waiving the third term rent for students. I know the money saved will help students support themselves over the coming months. I appreciate the hard work of the Students' Union team, Officers and University staff over recent weeks. The Students' Union will continue to work closely with the University to provide student feedback that helps students during this difficult time."

The University currently has 1,600 student places in its University owned halls accommodation with over 750 currently occupied with UCLan students. These include international students and some, based in the UK, who due to family reasons cannot return home. The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a leading modern university with thriving campuses in:- Preston, Burnley, Westlakes (Cumbria) and Cyprus.

Founded in 1828 as the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge, UCLan now has a staff and student community approaching 38,000 and an employment focused course portfolio containing over 350 undergraduate programmes and nearly 250 postgraduate courses.

As well as being a national leader in the number of student and graduate start up businesses it supports, UCLan is also Lancashire's largest provider of graduate level qualifications, supplying highly skilled graduates into the workforce. The University also has established links with global businesses, Police Constabularies, NHS trusts and more than 1,000 regional enterprises across a variety of sectors.

Internationally the University now enrols students from more than 100 countries and has partnerships with 125 institutions from across the globe.

The University has an established research reputation with world leading or internationally excellent work taking place within the areas of Business, Health, Humanities and Science. UCLan is also ranked in the top 6% of Universities worldwide, in the 2019 to 2020 Centre for World University Rankings, as well as holding the maximum 5 QS stars for the quality of its teaching.

With a strong focus on continually improving the student experience, UCLan is currently undertaking a ₤200 million project to redevelop its Preston Campus. The vision is to create an attractive and inviting, world class environment helping to create jobs, kick start regeneration and attract inward investment into the City and North West Region.

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) website:- UCLan.AC.UK.

Home care firm urgently recruiting to tackle Covid-19

CAREMARK (Sefton), a local home care company based in Southport, is urgently recruiting for front line care workers to support elderly and vulnerable clients during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Covid-19 is heightening demand for home care services to unprecedented levels, while care and support workers find themselves having to self solate, either because they are displaying symptoms themselves or have come into contact with somebody who has, or might have, the virus.

"The epidemic is exacerbating existing staff shortages, whilst creating bigger demands for our services. We urgently need to recruit care and support workers in order to bridge this gap and make sure residents of Sefton who need high quality home care receive it." said Ruth Pye, Registered Manager at Caremark (Sefton).

Caremark (Sefton) is working with the United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA), the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the government to temporarily amend certain regulations to make it faster to recruit staff.

Ruth Pye continued:- "If you've been laid off or forced to cease trading and want to help others perhaps you could join our amazing team. Care and support workers are the lifeblood of this local community, especially when the country is in the midst of a national emergency. We urgently need compassionate people, so get in touch."

Caremark (Sefton) is part of an award-winning network of over 120 home care businesses. It offers competitive rates of pay, flexible hours, full training and ongoing mentoring support, so no prior experience is required. Post Coronavirus, there will be opportunities to obtain further qualifications and to be promoted through the business.

Successful candidates will provide personalised care and practical assistance to clients, such as helping them dress and bathe, preparing meals and assisting with household chores.

For more information please call:- 01704 563333, send them an email to:- Sefton@CareMark.Co.UK.

Alternatively, to find out more those interested can visit the groups website at:- CareMark.Co.UK/Sefton.

Yorkshire Building Society launches ₤100,000 charity support fund

YORKSHIRE Building Society Charitable Foundation has launched its Coronavirus Response Fund to support smaller charities during the Covid-19 outbreak. The ₤100,000 fund will make donations of ₤250 to ₤2,000 to charities that are helping UK communities to cope with the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Charities can apply for support with running costs, staff and travel costs as well as volunteer expenses.

Gordon Rogers, Chair of Trustees for Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation, said:- "The impact that Coronavirus is having across the country including the charity sector is unparalleled. With the launch of our fund we are aiming to help charities that support the ongoing needs of vulnerable people and people suffering from poverty. We will be prioritising smaller charities that have an income of ₤100,000 or less and ones that for example may be helping vulnerable people who are self-isolating, supplying items for foodbanks, or alleviating the impact of children no longer receiving free school meals due to school closures."

Charities can apply for a donation from the Coronavirus Response Fund and see the full eligibility criteria at:- YBS.Co.UK/CharitableFoundation. Charities will receive a decision on their application within 2 weeks of submitting a request.

We are here with you through Covid-19 - Maggie's supporting people with cancer

MAGGIE'S Merseyside is supporting people living with cancer through the Covid-19 emergency by:- phone, email or through their online community.  They are currently not seeing people in person, but the charity is continuing to provide free practical and emotional support to people living with cancer, as well as family and friends, at what is an incredibly difficult time.

People like, Shelley who is now regularly speaking to a Maggie's cancer support specialist by phone. "I was feeling a little sad after attending my appointment at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and not being able to pop in for a cuppa and my usual pick me up. When I got the call from Maggie's, it really made my day. Knowing they are just a phone call or message away is making this situation easier. I cannot thank them enough for bearing me and everyone else in mind, I really don't know how I'd cope without them. I'm looking forward to joining their online groups and keeping them connections with the friends I've made at Maggie's."

Shelley Wright has been visiting Maggie's since she was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2018. After first visiting Maggie's feeling vulnerable and in need of vital support, Shelley attended numerous sessions and support groups to help with the impact of her cancer, such as relaxation and mindfulness. She found that having a safe place to visit during her treatment gave her hope.

Shelley has been an avid supporter of the centre ever since; she even took her Maggie's t-shirt on her holiday to Spain to get involved with the Maggie's Go Outrageously Orange initiative. Shelley's next endeavour was a 70's and 80's charity night and through ticket sales, raffles and a lot of air guitar she raised an amazing ₤1,350.

Shelley says:- "I'll do all I can to show my gratitude for the incredible support Maggie's have shown me. Being at home won't stop me fundraising, I'm planning fun ways to do this online with quizzes and games with my friends and family. I hope people join me to help this much needed charity in these challenging times."

Maggie's Merseyside Centre Head Kathy wright said:- "We understand how the current situation increases stress and anxiety levels for people undergoing treatment, as well as family and friends, but we are here with them offering practical and emotional support to help them cope with the uncertain times ahead. We have been supporting people with cancer for 25 years and our professional staff are here with you now."

The Centre was built within the grounds of Clatterbridge Health Park.  Since Maggie's opened their 1st Centre in 1996, the charity has developed a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer and their loved ones take back control.

Maggie's Merseyside relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to be able to offer this high quality, professional support. You can donate via:- JustGiving.Com.

To find out more about Maggie's Merseyside please get in touch on:- 01513344301 or send them an email to:- Liverpool@MaggiesCentres.Org.

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

IN order to maintain patient and staff safety, Litherland Walk-in Centre will move to a telephone triage and appointment system, with effect from 1 April 2020.

Open access will still be available to all, however to reduce the number of face to face consultations, patients will now be triaged over the phone based on clinical need.

Appropriate advice will be given on the call and where necessary, an appointment will be allocated at the Walk In Centre. This telephone triage approach will be consistent with the model being used by other Walk In Centres across Sefton and Liverpool.

The number patients are now advised to call before accessing Litherland Walk In Centre is:- 0300 100 1004 where they will also be screened for potential symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19).

Those who only have Covid-19 symptoms will be directed to NHS 111. If you have Covid-19 symptoms and still require walk-in centre treatment for another problem (e.g. for minor injury) you will still be triaged and seen.

Dr Rachel Williams, Associate Medical Director for Sefton, said:- "The steps we're taking will help us maintain patient safety by supporting social distancing during the Coronavirus outbreak. The telephone triage system will ensure that we can provide safe and effective care for all."

John Heritage, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:- "We aren't prepared to compromise patient safety and want to ensure clinical quality, which is why we have introduced this new system at Litherland Walk-in Centre. If anyone thinks they might have Coronavirus symptoms, please follow the government's advice by staying at home and contacting NHS 111 online."

For further information on our walk-in centres in Knowsley and Sefton, please visit:- NWBH.NHS.UK/Walk-In-Centres.

Merseyrail announces extra evening services for key workers

ON 31 March 2020, Merseyrail announced a reduced timetable, starting on Thursday, 2 April 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with services operating betweenL- 07:00 and 19:00, Monday to Saturday (Sunday services differ). This was based on staff availability to provide a reliable service to key workers and those making essential journeys. Following feedback from those still travelling on the network, Merseyrail's planning team has worked hard and staff have agreed to longer hours to make small adjustments to the reduced timetable using the resources available. Merseyrail is now able to provide an additional limited service on some lines between:- 19:00 and 22:00, Monday to Saturday, to better accommodate those travelling to or from work.  The additional evening services are as follows:-

Kirkby line...

Additional services leaving Kirkby, at:- 19:13, 20:13, 21: 13 and 21:58.

Additional services leaving Liverpool Central, at:-19:35, 20:35 and 21:35.

Southport line (Southport to Liverpool Central only)

Additional services leaving Southport at:- 18:43, 19:43 and 20:43.

Additional services leaving Liverpool Central at:-19:53, 20:38 and 21:38.

Chester line...

Additional services leaving Chester, at:- 20:15 and 22:00.

Additional services leaving Moorfields and terminating, at:- Rock Ferry, at 22:41.

Additional services leaving Moorfields and terminating, at:- Chester, at 19:11 and 20:56.

West Kirby line...

Additional services leaving West Kirby, at:- 20:01 and 21:31.

Additional services leaving Moorfields, at:- 19:15, 20:31 and 22:01 (22:01 terminates at Bidston)

As the situation is changing so rapidly, it is likely that this timetable may change again in the future. All passengers are advised to check Merseyrail's website and Twitter account @merseyrail before travel for the most up to date information. Passengers who still require alternative forms of transport due to the reduced timetable are encouraged to visit:- MerseyTravel.Gov.UK/Bus/ as many bus services are continuing to run into the evening..

Thousands join Liverpool's Coronavirus Volunteer Army

AN incredible outpouring of community spirit has resulted in more than 3,000 people volunteering to become part of Liverpool's'community army' to help tackle the Coronavirus challenge. Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson set up the hotline just 13 days ago, on 20 March 2020, and it was immediately inundated with pledges of help. The overwhelming response means the volunteer hotline has been temporarily suspended. All those who have registered will now be contacted by email for further details; for example to establish what skill sets they have.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said:- "The kindness and generosity of the people of Liverpool never ceases to amaze me. Coronavirus is posing an unprecedented challenge to us all, but we now have 3,000 people on our books who can work in partnership with the city council and help us emerge on the other side, stronger and more unified than ever. God willing, we won't have to use 3,000 people but we need to be prepared. There is a huge amount of work going on across the city already; including those dealing with the food banks and a whole host of local organisations who are rallying around to do everything they can for their communities. This is a whole City effort; not just the Council; and as this crisis unfolds the friendships and community spirit we have seen will help us through. Thank you to all these volunteers who will, without a doubt, make a real, positive difference to the lives of others."

Liverpool City Council will continue to work in partnership with charitable organisations across the City; including:- LCVS and The Trussell Trust; in order to assign people to a variety of much needed roles. These roles will vary from delivering essential food supplies to making phone calls to lonely residents. Another support hotline was established at the same time for anyone to call who feels they need help with a range of basic tasks because they don't have a network of family and friends. This is still operational. The number is:- 0151 233 3066 and will be open, from 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively, people can request help online via an online portal:- Liverpool.Gov.UK/Coronavirus.

Marie Curie pledges to support additional dying patients across Merseyside to help relieve pressure on NHS during Coronavirus crisis

THE terminal illness charity is geared up to care for additional patients at the end of life across Merseyside to relieve pressure on the NHS during the Coronavirus pandemic. Marie Curie needs to raise ₤2.5million a week to continue to run its essential frontline services, however its ability to generate this money has been seriously compromised. Given the choice, people overwhelmingly say they would prefer to die in their own home, or in a hospice, rather than a hospital. People who are dying can leave hospital quickly, if the right package of care is in place and it is safe to do so. Marie Curie are experts in providing that care. Now more than ever, dying people who do not want to be in hospital need to be moved to a more appropriate setting, as precious beds in critical care units are urgently required for patients who need lifesaving treatment for Coronavirus. Marie Curie can help, but only if it continues to raise the donations it needs to fund its vital work.

Marie Curie's Chief Executive Matthew Reed has released a stark warning that the charity desperately needs more donations from people across Merseyside if it is to continue caring for dying people and help the NHS cope with the Coronavirus crisis.  Matthew said:- "At this time of national emergency, Marie Curie Nurses and frontline staff are needed more than ever as the NHS is put under ever greater strain. We're ready and geared up to help, with hospice beds and nurses on standby. Sadly, some people's lives will be shortened by Coronavirus, so the need for end of life care will be greater. Marie Curie can meet this need, and in doing so will help free up intensive care beds needed for Coronavirus patients. But just as we want to help, our income has been decimated. We need donations urgently to keep our Nurses and Hospice staff on the frontline. Unlike other healthcare providers, Marie Curie is reliant on donations from the public to survive. Every week the charity needs to raise ₤2.5million to care for the tens of thousands of people who require nursing and hospice care. Now, our ability to fundraise is seriously compromised. Events are being cancelled, and we've had to close our Shops. That is why we have launched an emergency appeal to make up the shortfall and ensure the charity can care for more dying patients, support the NHS and ultimately save lives in the weeks and months ahead. We are all in this crisis together and already we are seeing how the public in this country is rising to support each other and the most vulnerable.  Please donate now." 
 
• Donate today, online at:- MarieCurie.Org.UK/Emergency.

• Text:- 'NURSE' to:- 70633 to help them reach the families who need them. Texts cost ₤5 plus 1 standard rate message. 98% is received by Marie Curie. To unsub text:- 'OUT' to:- 78866. Thank you.

If you, or someone you know, is affected by a terminal illness and concerned about Coronavirus, their Support Line team are ready to help with the information you need when you need it. Call free:- 0800 090 2309. You can also find more information on their website.