Liverpool City Region COVID-19 statistics
... & Important Emergency Notices ...

RESPONDING to the Early Years Alliance report which warns that the childcare sector is at risk of mass closures without urgent government intervention, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association's Children and Young People Board, said:- "Childcare providers have been a vital part of the nation's response to Coronavirus and councils have been working closely with them to ensure that vulnerable children and critical workers have the childcare they need. This report reflects the concerns Councils have repeatedly raised with Government about the financial pressure facing the sector. While early years and childcare providers have been asked to step up in the same way that Schools have in recent months, their costs have not been covered in the same way. These problems will not go away anytime soon. Limits on the number of children who can attend settings and reduced demand from parents mean that settings simply cannot raise the income they usually would. This is already putting businesses, jobs and childcare places at risk. Having enough childcare places will be essential to support families and get the economy moving again, while supporting children's development and getting them ready for school. It is therefore vital that the Government urgently provides additional funding at a national level to protect childcare providers and see them through this crisis."

AS Britain braces itself for a heat wave this week, Councils are urging people to take all necessary health precautions against the rising temperatures, while maintaining social distancing and protecting those most vulnerable to Coronavirus. With the mercury in parts of the country set to reach highs of between 30ºc to 34ºc between now and Friday, the Local Government Association, which represents Councils in both England and Wales, warns that the elderly and those suffering from heart and respiratory problems are most at risk. It comes as Public Health England and the Met Office has today updated its Heat Health Alert to Level 3. Social Workers, Community Wardens and Maintenance Staff are all going on high alert, identifying and looking out for those who might be struggling, while making sure social distancing measures are maintained. Residents are being urged by Councils to keep an eye on vulnerable or elderly family and friends and help save lives, while following Government guidance on preventing the spread of the virus. Many of these people are already being closely monitored by Councils and local partners during the pandemic, due to the overlapping risks from both public health emergencies. This includes the need for those most vulnerable to stay at home, such as those who are shielding and self isolating and who may be exposed to high indoor temperatures. Care services including care homes and domiciliary care providers also need to make sure they have the capacity to meet any rise in demand from both heat and Coronavirus related issues, while following guidance to reduce and prevent infection.

Following the 2003 heat wave in which more than 2,000 people in England died due to the extreme temperatures, the country has developed an annual heat wave plan with local authorities, health professionals and the emergency services working together to help keep people safe. Councils are now adapting their heat wave plans in keeping with the latest Coronavirus advice, making calls and extra visits to vulnerable people as required. They are also urging people to call their local council if they believe anyone needing help is being missed out. Local Authorities are involved in year round preparations for exceptional weather conditions, making sure their areas are as able to cope with high temperatures as they are with freezing temperatures or flooding, which have been made all the more important due to the impact of the pandemic.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board, said:- "High temperatures combined with the impact of Coronavirus makes for a potentially deadly combination and councils are doing all they can to reduce the risk, but they cannot do it alone. Hot weather advice might seem common sense, but local people can make a massive difference by helping us to identify other residents who may need some advice or practical help. We know that effective action, taken early, can reduce the health impacts of exposure to excessive heat. There are simple preventive measures which, to be effective, need to be planned in advance of a heat wave. No 1 is immune to the power of the sun. Drinking plenty of water, keeping our homes cool, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day and using sunscreen are sensible precautions we all need to remember. Looking around at how our older neighbours are coping as we head out to the shops or the beach for a day out takes no effort, but could be crucial in making sure they are also able to make the best of the summer."

Hot Weather Tips:-

► Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.

► Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.

► Drink plenty of water and take water with you, if you are travelling.

► Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals/

► Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.

► Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat.

► Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.

► Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes.

FOLLOWING the UK Government's announcement on the further reopening of businesses from 4 July 1010, the CLA has published guidance for rural tourism operators which will reopen on this date. Businesses that are allowed to reopen including:- self catering accommodation, B&Bs, hotels, caravan parks, camping and glamping sites, public houses and restaurants. Accommodation should be self contained. However, shared facilities can be used as long as they are kept clean according to Government guidance. The Prime Minister also announced that the social distancing rule to 1+m where 2m not possible from 4 July 2020.

► The CLA has produced a series of guidelines to help members prepare to reopen. The guidelines include:-

► Operational procedures required of businesses under Covid-19.

► Guidance on how to complete a risk assessment together with a template.

► A series of easy to use checklists to ensure that businesses cover most eventualities.

► What businesses need to think about in communications with staff, visitors and the local community.

CLA Director North Dorothy Fairburn said:- "The reopening of rural tourism businesses will give a much needed boost to our rural economy, and the CLA wants to ensure that such businesses are fully prepared to reopen. The guidance focuses on practical measures that can be actioned to ensure the safety of both employees as well as visitors to such establishments. However, we encourage due vigilance by visitors to continue following government advice on social distancing, and to use common sense when out and about."

Chief Executive Officer at Raby Estates, Duncan Peake said:- "We welcome the publication of the CLA's guidelines as it makes for essential reading for tourism and related businesses in restarting their operations. Many tourism providers, including Raby, have given their input to this guide to ensure it is fit for purpose and useful for operators prior to reopening. The Walled Gardens and Deer Park at Raby Castle and High Force Waterfall are already open to the public, with parking, take away refreshments and limited toilet facilities available at both locations. We are looking forward to reopening and welcoming back visitors to the Castle, High Force Hotel and other areas after 4th July as soon as appropriate safeguarding measures are in place."

The CLA guidelines can be found online. The CLA has published a dedicated advisory and information page (regularly updated) on the Coronavirus; which can be accessed on the CLA's website.

Will this affect you? Please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com with your thoughts and views on this issue.

PLEASE stay away from Crosby, Southport, Ainsdale and Formby Beaches this weekend as temperatures are set to rocket. British Transport Police and Merseyside Police will be issuing fines of  £50 upwards to anyone caught drinking alcohol. Also, fine will be issued for those with BBQ's and to anyone using quad bikes or motorbikes on the beaches, dunes or footpaths. On 24 June 2020, Merseyside Police have already been dealing with a string of issues, from dangerous parking to people heading to the beach for a 'party.'  You might be allowed to travel, but please thing about the area you are going to before heading to it. The local roads and paths can not handle the volume of people that have been going to those areas since lockdown restrictions have eased.  This risks starting a second wave of Covid-19 infections and also to increases other dangers, from fires to drowning and worse. Is a trip to the seaside really worth the risk?