YOU can get daily major and interesting news updates for the Liverpool City Region on our free email news service, via signing up on:- Formby Reporter. If you have any updates to send in or any views on the posts on here, please email us to:-News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Dedicated Mobile Test Unit is now open in the PR9

ON 3 February 2021, a dedicated Mobile Test Unit is now working within the PR9 area of Southport, as part of national measures to identify and stamp 1 the South African variant of the Covid19 virus. Located at the former Kew Park and Ride site, the new mobile units will be open from 8am to 4pm, which will be extended to 8am to 8pm within the coming days. Sefton Council has set up the new mobile site specifically for people living and working within the affected area. Additionally, a team has started delivering the 10,000 home test kits that were delivered to Sefton Council last night to addresses in the area affected.

Made up of Council and Fire Service staff reassigned from other roles and local voluntary service members, the team will take the test kits to homes and businesses. Where possible, they will wait while people test themselves. then deliver the swabs to a collection area. They will also be able to provide advice and information including details of how to self isolate if necessary and the support available.

Results showing whether people have tested positive for Covid19 will come through in about 2 days, as is normal with this kind of PCR test. Analysis of the swabs to identify the presence of the South African variant at Laboratories is expected to take up to 10 days.

Sefton Council is reminding local people that anyone involved in this process will carry clear Council identification and that they will not be asked for any money or to provide financial details. They will never enter people's homes.

Sefton's Director of Public Health, Margaret Jones said:- "Having been told that the variant had been identified in the Borough late on Saturday, I am pleased that we have been able to get this testing for the area up and running today. It is a real testament to the way everyone has worked to make this programme work. We want everyone aged 16 and over in the affected area to take one of these specific tests, either using the home test kit that will be delivered to them or by using the dedicated Mobile Unit at the former Kew Park and Ride site. This will help us identify and nip this variant, which could be more transmissible meaning that it could spread more quickly, in the bud."

Despite its potentially greater transmission rate, there is nothing to suggest the vaccines that are currently being rolled out across the country. Responding to questions that have arisen nationally about what lockdown measures people in the affected areas should be taking, Mrs Jones said:- "We are not asking people in the affected area of Southport to do anything different from anyone across the rest of the Borough or the rest of the country. It remains vital that all of us protect ourselves and others and that means sticking to the national lockdown regulations. We need to stay at home except for essential purposes such as shopping for essential supplies, going to work if we can't do so from home, providing care and going for a Coronavirus test if we need 1. And if we do go out, we all need to make sure we are maintaining at least 2 metres' distancing, wearing a mask or face covering while out and about and washing our hands frequently."

Mrs Jones went on to explain that people across the rest of Sefton, outside of the part of the PR9 postcode being targeted for the variant that if they develop Coronavirus symptoms, they need to book a test by calling:- 119 or visiting:- NHS.UK/Coronavirus.

She also explained that SMART testing sites, at:- Southport's Splash World, Bootle Leisure Centre and Aintree racecourse were only for people with no Coronavirus symptoms who are key workers and people with caring commitments during the lockdown. People in these groups should be going regularly for SMART tests, which tell people if they are carrying the Covid19 virus without knowing in as little as 30 minutes.

Responding to questions that have arisen nationally about what lockdown measures people in the affected areas should be taking, Mrs Jones said:- "We are not asking people in the affected area of Southport to do anything different from anyone across the rest of the Borough or the rest of the country."

Further information, including tips about support during self isolation, can be found at:- Sefton.Gov.UK/Covid19.

Plug isolation payment gap to stop South Africa variant, Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson tells the Health Secretary

THE Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson has questioned whether the Government is likely to succeed at stamping out the new South African variant of the Coronavirus. Mr Esterson said in the House of Commons that people need to be able to afford to self isolate at stay at home. He told the Health Secretary Matt Hancock that the gaps in financial support must be plugged. Following a statement in the House of Commons from the Health Secretary, on Tuesday, 2 February 2021, where he mentioned another new strain of the virus found in Liverpool, Mr Esterson asked for clarification on the new Liverpool strain and for more support for people to isolate.

Mr Esterson said:- "The Health Secretary will understand the concern about the discovery of the South African variant in the borough of Sefton. But I wonder if he can tell us what the variant is that he referred to, the cases in Liverpool. He also knows that a number of times I've raised the concern about the number of people who cannot afford to self isolate or to stay at home. This is even more important now with the spread of new variants and of mutations. So will he tell me now that he is going to push his Cabinet colleagues to plug the gaps in financial support so that everybody can play their part, to stay at home to stop the spread of the virus?"

Mr Hancock responded:- "We have it in place the ₤500 support to ensure that everybody can afford to self isolate. On the question of the South African variant that has been discovered in Southport, and I would say that we are putting in place very significant action with the local Authority to try to isolate that case and any spread and it is vital that all members of the community play their part - stay at home and get a test when it is offered by the local Authority and there is more information on the Sefton website, and I would pay tribute to the MP for Southport, our colleague who wasn't able to get on the call list, with whom I've been corresponding on this, and he has been playing an important part along with the Hon gentleman. The cases in Liverpool that I mentioned were in fact raised in the local media, and described by Liverpool Council a couple of weeks ago, and I included them for completeness to describe all of those cases where we have seen a mutation along with the 11 cases in the Bristol area that we have, that I also describe that have been set out in a scientific study from the University of Leicester today. We've been working very closely with Liverpool City Council and with Bristol City Council on these two clusters along with the Councils of all those where a variant of concern for instance like the South African variant has been found. I hope that's a complete enough answer and I am very happy to talk to the Hon gentleman if he has any further questions."

Sefton Council will start testing door to door in the Norwood area of Southport, since Wednesday, 3 February 2021, and aim to test 10,000 adults who live near to the case of the South Africa variant that could not be linked to any international travel. Those who test positive and their close contacts will be asked to isolate for 10 days. Only those who claim Universal Credit are automatically entitled to the ₤500 payment for 10 days' isolation following a positive Covid test or after coming into contact with a positive case. But often these workers will lose much more in wages than they gain from the isolation payment. And many workers are not entitled to the ₤500, because they do not qualify for Universal Credit, and receive only statutory sick pay of ₤95.85 per week off work while due to isolating.

Mr Esterson said that was a deterrent to getting tested. Mr Esterson said:- "The Government has to look at isolation payments again. The countries that have done best at test, trace and isolate are those where sick pay is very near to what normal pay is. If people are going to be left at a financial disadvantage they will be less likely to come forward for testing, especially if they are asymptomatic. The Government also has to be clearer about what this Liverpool strain is and whether this is another mutation which potentially spreads faster and is possibly more deadly. The Health Secretary suggested his answer was complete but I'm afraid it was not."

Lib Dem win forces developers to take financial responsibility Grenfell style cladding row

A successful Liberal Democrat amendment today will force developers to take financial responsibility for unsafe buildings and ensure the Grenfell style cladding row in Manchester is never be repeated. In a full Council meeting on 3 February 2021, the Liberal Democrat Councillor, Richard Kilpatrick, successfully moved an amendment which will shift the financial responsibility of re-cladding away from residents and leaseholders to the building's original developers. The move will push back against corporate giants taking advantage of residents. In 2018, Lendlease, which reported pre-tax profits of $1.2bn a year earlier, was embroiled in a Grenfell style cladding row in Manchester for over a year when Labour awarded the company a ₤330m contract to refurbish Manchester Town Hall despite fierce opposition from the Liberal Democrats. Lib Dems slammed the decision and said Lendlease should never again be awarded a Council contract until they paid for renovations on their unsafe developments. The row rumbled on until the corporate giant finally gave in and agreed to pay for re-cladding. This win by the Liberal Democrats will ensure residents will never be left to foot the bill again. The Liberal Democrat amendment was accepted and the motion passed unanimously.

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Manchester Councillor Richard Kilpatrick said:- "Developers in Manchester have been avoiding responsibility and passing on the costs to local people. It is crippling residents and leaving many with the choice of either facing bankruptcy or selling their home for next to nothing. This win by the Liberal Democrats is a clear and stark warning to greedy developers that enough is enough. We will ban these outrageous costs and force you to take responsibility, whether you like it or not. But we want to go further: we also want to introduce a register to ensure homes receive a fire safety rating to secure desperately needed accountability and transparency. Too many people have too often pledged to ensure a tragedy such as Grenfell can never happen again, but not enough people are taking real action. I'm pleased that Labour Councillors accepted the amendment put forward by the Liberal Democrats, given they have been less than forthcoming in standing up for residents dealing with this crisis previously. Together we will ensure no fire will claim more innocent lives and wreck the livelihoods of people in Manchester."

Calling All Writers.....

PAGE Turner Awards is inviting creative Writers to join their community of Writers and get involved in the Page Turner Awards 2021. The Page Turner Awards is an inclusive writing and book award with 1 goal; to change the lives of as many Writers as possible. Page Turner Awards passionately believes that talented Writers can be from any background, age, race, religion, or interest.

Members of the creative writing community contain talented Writers and undiscovered literary gems. Whether you have a memoir, a gasp inducing:- thriller, or the next big thing comedy screenplay, Page Turner Awards can't wait to pass your story to their panel of influential literary judges and publishers. If you've already written a manuscript or published a book and would like to reach a wider audience, you may want to enter for the possibility of winning a publishing deal or an audio book production.

The inaugural Page Turner Awards ceremony, held online in October 2020, was a huge success; both on the night with Writers winning high value prizes, and in terms of how many lives it changed. Success stories include:- 3 Writers winning literary representation, 6 Writers winning a writing mentorship, 5 Writers winning a publishing contract and 13 independent Authors winning an audio book production.

Beyond the life changing prizes, Page Turner Awards Writers have been most impressed with the scope of support offered to them; a rarity in the world of writing awards, which usually offer little beyond a letter confirming your submission. The Page Turner Awards offers so much more than a simple prize, but instead has created a supportive writing community and a:- "movement" focused on Author growth and development.

The Page Turner Awards Fiction Writing Award 2020 winner Mark Stibbe, from Kent in England, has some words of advice:- "I recommend all Writers, especially aspiring Writers, enter writing contests. I'm so glad I entered! Winning the Page Turner Fiction Writing Award and receiving a literary agent to represent me�wow!"

Agent Yasmin Kane was immediately hooked on Stibbe's story, A Book In Time, and anticipates a bright publishing career ahead for the novelist. Elizabeth Goodhue from New Hampshire, USA was also delighted to gain recognition for her memoir, The Truth About Down Syndrome, which is an emotive story showing how the lives of people with Down Syndrome can be as rich and rewarding as any other.

Elizabeth said:- "When I heard a literary agent was interested in my book, I couldn't believe it. Now, having been announced as the Writing Award Non-Fiction Winner and with a literary agent representing my writing... I'm stunned! Anyone with a true life story told well can be a Writer and even win an award."

The Page Turner Awards gives Writers and Authors the chance to enter unpublished or published fiction and non-fiction books, to be read by a carefully curated judging panel made up of influential players in the publishing industry. Prizes span everything from mentorships to audio book production and publishing packages. Screen Writers may also get their film script optioned.

Founder of Page Turner Awards and award-winning novelist, Paula Wynne said:- "There are Writers from all walks of life, from manual labourers to academics, all with stories to tell, and most of them, heart warming and moving. We're proud that our awards celebrate excellent writing and help both Writers and Authors to get their stories discovered. There is no doubt that members of the creative writing community, with their unique life experiences and creative mindsets, also have some excellent and fascinating stories to share, and we would love to read them."

During the Pandemic, Writers have been spending more time creating the stories they always dreamed they would tell. Page Turner Awards ran a survey of their Writers and surprise findings showed that 61% of Writers are able to write more since the pandemic started. Submissions for 2021 are now open. Find out more about The Page Turner:- PageTurnerAwards.Com.

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (Covid19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 19,202 cases and the total number now stand at:- 3,871,825 that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The total number of Covid19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be:-1,322 within 28 days of positive test, according to the Department of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS laboratory is:- 109,335, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 112,660.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 32,851. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 3,638 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 2,651.

In England, there are a total of:- 3,390,350 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 531,978 confirmed cases.

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-

Area and number of confirmed cases:- Risen by:-

Liverpool City Region

Nation Lockdown

National UK Restrictions

► Liverpool, 44,034 confirmed cases.
185

► Halton, 10,800 confirmed cases.
50

► Knowsley, 15,803 confirmed cases. 83

► Sefton, 21,469 confirmed cases.
96

► St. Helens, 14,818 confirmed cases.
73

► Wirral, 22,205 confirmed cases.

91

Colour Key:- 0 1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to 100 100 to 199 200 & over

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within Local Authorities around the Liverpool City Region, since start of the Pandemic, are as follows:-

► Blackburn with Darwen, 16,057 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 8,179 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 21,935 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 14,961 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 18,107 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 19,010 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 85,766 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 46,313 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 20,171 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 11,662 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 18,403 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 19,996 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 17,673 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 15,497 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 14,527 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 15,827 confirmed cases.

► Wigan, 25,264 confirmed cases.

Total UK people who have received vaccination

1st Dose 2nd Dose

10,021,471 498,962

Jab Stats correct as of 2 February 2021

The vaccination programme began on 8 December 2020 with people receiving the vaccine developed by Pfizer / BioNTech, and people began receiving the Oxford University / AstraZeneca vaccine from 4 January 2021. Both vaccines are given as 2 doses, at least 21 days apart, for a full vaccination course.

Daily reported Covid19 deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the 1st laboratory confirmed positive Covid19 test. Daily and cumulative numbers of Covid19 patients admitted to Hospital. Data are not updated every day by all 4 nations and the figures are not comparable as Wales include suspected Covid19 patients while the other nations include only confirmed cases.

The latest R number is estimated at:- 0.7 to 1.1, with a daily infection growth rate range of:- -5% to 0%, as of 29 January 2021.

Previous 24hr Data

Monthly Sponsor:- Holistic Realignment

Your local, fully qualified sports therapist. Call now on:- 07870382109 to book an appointment.

PLEASE ALSO SEE OUR WEEKLY EDITION...

Published weekly, as normal...
Click here to see it!

Help us stay online...
Become a Patron!

External links are selected and reviewed when the page is published. However we are not responsible for the content of external websites and links might change. If you find a problem, please report it to us.

Tweets by SouthportReport

Tweets by FormbyReport