Liverpool City Region COVID-19 Updates

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.

7.5m pints of beer destined for the drain are saved, as pub takeout rules are eased

LOCAL pubs have been thrown a lifeline which means that the predicted 7,500,000 pints of beer destined for the drain tonight can be consumed by regulars after all.

"Basically as long as the takeaway beer has been pre-ordered and customers do not enter the premises, pubs have the greenlight to sell the leftover beer this weekend; it's saved potentially 7.5m pints of beer from being tipped down the drain later today," explains Charlotte Green from waste company TradeWaste.Co.UK

Yesterday a huge campaign was launched by TradeWaste.Co.UK to reduce the amount of waste beer being thrown down the drain due to the Lockdown restrictions on pubs and restaurants. It was backed by pub loving celebs like Chef Tom Kerridge and Jodie Kidd themselves complaining of the "absurd" rules regarding not allowing pubs to sell off leftover beer for takeaway drinkers.

Overnight the Government relaxed the rules, but stipulated that no customer must cross the pub threshold and must not congregate outside the pub. Pubs will also be allowed to serve takeaway food and beer during the Lockdown, a welcome reprieve for many.

"We think the change will save at least 3m pints from being binned over the weekend if not more; but we need beer loving locals to support their pubs ordering the leftover beer," Green explains.

You may now contact your local pub by phone, email or text message to order takeaway beer.

How to Help Your Local Pub and Reduce Beer Waste...

► Phone, email or text your local pub and ask them if you can buy their leftover beer.

► Ask to either collect, or where available organise delivery.

► You must not enter the pub and you must leave immediately after collection.

A Government spokesperson said:- "They [pubs] can sell alcohol as part of delivery services, including through click and collect, over the telephone and by other remote methods of ordering for collection, provided customers do not congregate as groups once they have picked up their order."

"It's a big breakthrough for local pubs during Lockdown, and will no doubt save small breweries too; many are switching their delivery methods to more direct to consumer ones anyway; however it's important to ensure that all glass and packaging is recycled after use." concluded Charlotte Green from TradeWaste.Co.UK.

Mass testing should have been introduced months ago, says MP Bill Esterson

MP Bill Esterson has welcomed mass testing in Liverpool as a way to fight the spread of Coronavirus, but says the Government should have introduced this months ago. The Sefton Central MP said he had been contacted by a British owned company company, in April, that was offering to carry out 50,000 saliva only rapid Covid tests per day, which had been ignored by the Government. The MP said the ability to carry out mass testing has been available for many months, and if the Government had embraced it in the summer when they had the chance, they would have been better prepared for a 2nd national Lockdown.

Mr Esterson said:- "The Government has been far too slow to act and this has cost lives and caused more damage to the economy. Mass testing in Liverpool is welcome of course, because if we know where the virus is we can isolate it and reduce the spread, but it should have come far sooner. The ability to carry out mass testing has been available for many months."

In April, the MP was contacted by representatives from Curative, a British owned American company which has UK facilities. Curative had a saliva only test that is used in the US and which they have been trying to bring to the UK, which could deliver and analyse 50,000 tests per day as long ago as April 2020.

Mr Esterson representatives have told us that:- "They 1st contacted the Government on 4 April 4 with evidence of the test's efficacy. On April 7 they were told by the Government that their test was:- 'undifferentiated against the existing portfolio of tests' therefore the Government would not pursue working with them. But this wasn't true as Curative were offering saliva only tests, not nasal swabs, and that at the time the Government was trying to ramp up testing to a promised 100,000 a day, and Curative would have significantly added to testing and lab capacity. The company say they received no response to this. The test had emergency use authorisation from the US Food And Drug Administration (FDA) having been through its evaluation process, and had higher accuracy than other saliva tests. It is not known which saliva tests the Government is planning to use in the Liverpool mass testing trial. The Curative test was used 70,000 times in Los Angeles in April and was used extensively by the US armed forces. The test can also be carried out at home."

Mr Esterson added:- "It was clear back in April that Curative offered a route to mass testing the population, so why has it taken the Government until November to trial this in just one area? The roll out of mass testing is welcome but it should have been done far sooner. If it had been done in the summer we could have reduced the need for this 2nd national Lockdown. The Government has failed on every level and the result is more deaths, more pressure on the NHS and more economic harm."

Curative representatives told Mr Esterson in July that they had faced a number of roadblocks in trying to get the saliva test clinically evaluated in the UK even though it was already being used to carry out mass testing in the US.

Mr Esterson representatives have alleged that:- "1 million of the tests were carried out in the US in the 1st 105 days of the programme in the spring, and another 1 million tests, in the next 25 days. By the end of August they had run around 4 million tests, including testing all the staff of Florida's Care Homes as well as running numerous state drive through programs. However, they were ignored by the UK Government. The importance of mass testing was highlighted in a paper released on 12 September 2020, by the Tony Blair Institute For Global Change:- 'The Risk Calculus of Covid19: How We Avoid a 2nd National Lockdown This Winter,' which identified mass testing as key to avoiding another national Lockdown. The Authors wrote:- 'A critical element of the infrastructure needed to avoid a 2nd wave is mass testing' and that the Government should "bring on stream all possible viable tests by not letting the best be the enemy of good enough."

Mr Esterson has consistently called for the test and trace system to be handed to local public health teams.

Mr Esterson concluded:- "The Government has delayed for too long in introducing mass testing. The capability has been there since April and the knowledge that this would be crucial to avoiding a 2nd wave and a 2nd Lockdown has also been widely known for months. The NHS Test and Trace system, costing an astounding ₤12bn, has been a failure. It is time to hand some of those funds over to the local public health teams to start getting this right."

Care England issues statement on visiting Care Homes

CARE England, the largest representative body for independent providers of Adult Social Care, has called for greater clarity around DHSC's revised position on care home visiting.

Professor Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England, says:- "There is a continued importance of balancing safety with well being and Care England awaits further details from the DHSC on its latest guidance for care homes for older people and those for younger adults. Care providers cannot prepare overnight, they need time, assurance and confidence in the guidance. Moreover any new protocol needs to include indemnity for care providers."

The latest press release from DHSC can be found at on the .Gov.UK website. Care England is desperate for reassurance that the DHSC will be working intensively over the next few weeks to ensure that a robust visiting policy is in place once Lockdown has been lifted.

Martin Green continues:- "We sent the Secretary of State some visiting principles last month and hope that they will be taken into account when the fuller guidance is issued. We anticipate that visiting will remain a prevalent topic at our Conference next week; we have many unanswered questions. We are really upset that a proper policy has not been published in time when a 2nd Lockdown was always on the cards."

Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, Kate Terroni, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care at CQC and Matthew Gould, CEO of NHSX are scheduled to speak at Care England's Conference, on 12 November 2020. You can register for free at Care England Conference 2020, or for more information please email:- Conference@CareEngland.Org.UK.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service scoops prestigious Spirit of Fire Award for Charity fundraising

MERSEYSIDE Fire and Rescue Service's Charity Committee, has today won a prestigious Spirit of Fire award at a virtual ceremony held by The Fire Fighters Charity and introduced by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge.

Winning the Supporter of The Year - Team award at the Charity's virtual awards ceremony, the Committee; made up of serving and retired volunteers from across Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service; was recognised for its outstanding fundraising and awareness raising achievements over recent years.

The Merseyside Committee's award was announced on the night by comedian, radio and television presenter, and host of The Last Leg, Adam Hills.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge introduced The Fire Fighters Charity's virtual Spirit of Fire Awards via a recorded video message.

Opening the ceremony The Duke spoke of the challenges faced by fire service personnel in the wake of Covid19, reiterating why it's so important that they know where to turn when they need support themselves.

The Duke also announced the 1st award of the evening; the Special Recognition Award for Excellence in The Field of Mental Health; recognising the achievements of winner Shilla Patel, Inclusion Manager at London Fire Brigade.

A further 13 awards were announced by a host of famous faces over the course of the evening, including: Brian May CBE, Jason Watkins, Michael Sheen OBE, Dame Julie Walters DBE, Simon Day, Reverend Kate Bottley, Dame Katherine Grainger DBE, Clare Balding OBE, Susanna Reid, Les Ferdinand MBE, Maddie Moate and Greg Foot.

The Spirit of Fire Awards recognise the fundraising and awareness raising achievements of members of the UK's Fire Services community in their support of The Fire Fighters Charity, as well as the courage of the Charity's beneficiaries in the face of personal adversity.

Usually held in London, with a reception at No.10 Downing Street, the Coronavirus pandemic meant that the Charity took the awards ceremony online in 2020 for the 1st time.

The Fire Fighters Charity Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey, said of the Committee's award:- "The team of volunteers on Merseyside's Charity Committee has transformed the way the Service approaches its fundraising. Giving up their time, pouring their energies into fundraising and sharing information about the Charity, has made a huge difference. They are a model Fire and Rescue Service and everyone at the Charity sends their congratulations on this well deserved award."

Letter to Editor:- "Warning Palm Oil is still on Ainsdale Beach."

"HI, Just to let you know the Palm Oil is still being washed up on to the Ainsdale Beach. My 3 year old Bedlington Terrier, Herbert, picked up a small amount from Ainsdale Beach at 9am, on 4 November 2020, and was immediately taken to the vets within 30 mins to receive treatment (Induced Vomiting) which is extremely important as palm oil in any capacity is fatal if not treated within a few hours. Herbert, along with our other Bedlington Terrier, Bruce (4 yrs) hit the headlines a year ago having consumed Palm Oil from the same location and received treatment, induced vomiting, at that time and had a full recovery. Although I (Neil Prior) noticed it was only a small amount that herbert had consumed this time around ,I wasn't going to the any risks,particularly as from experience I was 100% sure that it was Palm Oil as the remnants left were white, greasy, soap like pieces that smelt of fish... That is exactly the same as what he and Bruce had consumed in October 2019. Herbert is back home having received the treatment and prescribed charcoal and anti biotics The vets confirmed that they hadn't had any reports of palm oil for a very long time." Regards Neil Prior and Martha Prior, Ainsdale, Southport.

Editors note:- "We have had reports of Palm Oil being found on Crosby, Hightown and Formby. We forwarded the posts on our Twitter accounts, both:- FormbyReport and SouthportReport. thanks for letting our readers know about this and we hope you dig makes a full recovery."

Celebrate and vote for your favourite park or green space in Sefton

AS Sefton residents and visitors alike have enjoyed exploring our beautiful parks and green spaces more than ever this year, now they can reward their favourite with a vote as part of the Green Flag People's Choice Award.

Across the Borough there are whole host of stunning Green Flag and Community Green Flag Award winning spaces eligible for the public vote. They include Ainsdale Village Park, to Seaforth Green, and King's Gardens, to the Queensway Allotments.

Supporters of Sefton's green spaces simply need to visit:- GreenFlagAward.Org to find their favourite from the Borough on the winners map before clicking the vote button.

Voting is open until Wednesday, 25 November 2020, with the top 10 winning sites set to be announced in early December 2020.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:- "Having quality green spaces is very important to residents and visitors, and we know just how important those places have been this year for people to exercise and enjoy time outdoors safely during the health crisis. What's more, we have a network of dedicated volunteers and community groups, working alongside our Green Sefton team, who put so much effort into maintaining these spaces to such a high standard for everyone to enjoy. It would be wonderful to see Sefton represented among the People's Choice Award winners, so please do vote for your favourite to give them a chance to get in to the top 10."

Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award Manager, said:- "This year we have all seen the importance of our precious parks and green spaces. The People's Choice Award is an opportunity to show how much your favourite park means to you. Make your voice heard and vote now."

Cllr Ian Moncur added:- "2019 saw thousands of people voting for their favourite park, with winners coming from all across the UK, from London to Lanarkshire so we have our fingers crossed that Sefton will be victorious this year. Once you've submitted your favourite, why not encourage your friends and family to vote, and all the very best of luck to our Green Flag and Community Green Flag Award winning sites in Sefton!"

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust Annual Members Meeting Invite

THE Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust will be holding its Annual Members Meeting on Monday, 16 November 2020. It takes place from 9.30am and is open to all members of the public. To find out more or register to attend visit:- MI-Nomination.Com or call:- 023 8076 3987.

LGA calls for a 'UK Lockdown Exit Stratergy'

COUNCILS are working urgently to put measures in place to support people; especially those who are clinically extremely vulnerable; ahead of further nationwide restrictions and are preparing to distribute funding quickly to businesses forced to close as a result. The Local Government Association, which represents Councils of all types across England, said the next four weeks will undoubtedly be a daunting time for residents and businesses. It is urging people to do their bit to help drive down infection rates by continuing to follow the rules. Ahead of the 2nd Nationwide Lockdown tomorrow, the LGA said lessons must be learnt from the past seven months, particularly around the importance of tapping into and using local expertise. It is calling on the Government to:-

► Work jointly with Councils to co-develop a clear strategy for after the national restrictions are set to end on 2 December 2020, with clear criteria about which restrictions or Tier Alert Levels will apply.

► Urgently build upon successful local contact tracing efforts to address the current limitations of the national NHS Test and Trace scheme. For that to happen, Councils need timely, clearer, more precise information on who they should be trying to contact as soon as possible. The Government also needs to better understand and provide the funding needed for Councils to undertake the contact tracing they are picking up; as well as what they could do in the future.

► Ahead of the roll out of a Covid19 vaccine, it is vital that the Government and NHS engages with Councils' Directors of Public Health now so they can help co-ordinate the roll out and utilise their local knowledge and expertise to ensure residents can be immunised as quickly as possible. This will be too big a task for the NHS to do on its own.

While Councils continue to do all they can to support communities, the Pandemic has amplified financial pressures that already existed. This has taken place alongside a loss of income from fees and charges and other income. The Government has provided much needed funding and introduced positive financial measures to help. However, significant challenges remain both this year and in the long term which are likely to be exacerbated even further by these latest national restrictions. Councils in England face a ₤4 billion funding gap to maintain services at today's levels, in 2021/2022. As Councils set their budgets for 2021/2022, it is critical that Government provides the funding needed to ensure Councils can continue to support their communities. Cllr James Jamieson, LGA Chairman, said:- "This 2nd Lockdown will be tough for many, but Councils are stepping up again to support residents, especially those who are more vulnerable, businesses and education settings. It is imperative that we use this Lockdown to get on top of this virus and bring down infection and transmission rates. This means all of us continuing to follow the guidance, self isolate if necessary, wear a face covering and wash our hands regularly but also must include the Government accelerating mass testing and enabling local contact tracing arrangements to be scaled up. Clarity about the criteria for lifting restrictions locally will be important for people up and down the country and we urge the Government to work with Councils to co-design the exit strategy from this Lockdown. Driving strong local action will add further pressure to already over stretched Council budgets. Only with the necessary powers and resources, can Councils continue to lead local efforts to tackle outbreaks swiftly and effectively, keep services running and support communities and businesses."

Sikh Council UK Statement on restrictions imposed during 2nd Lockdown

"NANAK Naam Chardikala. Tere Bhaane Sarbat Da Bhalla, 'Through the Name of God may there be high sprits. Through the will of God may all flourish.' Sikhs begin and end their day with the above prayer for all humanity. This prayer forms the basis of our actions as a community. We continue to stand, support and protect society during the Covid19 Pandemic. We do so only through the teachings of our Guru. We are deeply offended and disappointed by the Prime Minister's announcement and related guidance that infringes on the practice and expression of faith in the United Kingdom. Whilst we are hopeful for members of this nation to be able to enjoy the festive season (of Christmas) we are equally troubled by the Governments' approach to Sikhs. It seems the Prime Minister, who has frequented Gurdwaras on numerous campaigns, has ignored Bandi Chorh Diwas (Diwali) and the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Jee, the founder of our faith, in any considerations. Faith communities such as ours, have displayed a high level pragmatism by making considerable changes in their operation. Most Gurdwaras have become exemplary Covid19 secure venues, and their contribution to society during these testing times has been disproportionately large. Therefore, it seems unreasonable to continue with the 'blanket' policy adopted by the Government. We hoped the Government had learnt lessons on consultation from the controversy it incited due to the appointment of a 'Sikh Faith Leader,' earlier this year. The Sikh community, like other faith groups, is not homogenous but has a range of organisations and institutions with diverse views and opinions. The majority of our community has viewed this as the Government's attempts to recruit agreeable voices in the guise of 'consultation.' Unfortunately, this continues to date. Sikhs around the UK were dismayed that the 1st Lockdown acted precipitously and impacted Vaisakhi. We have repeatedly urged the Government to broaden its approach and be more inclusive and aware of the faith practises of Non-Christians. The Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Jee is the most important event in the Sikh Calendar. It is clear that spiritual needs are paramount in times of stress, and they can continue safely in a Lockdown if considered carefully with wider input. These restrictions, without sound reasoning, remind the Sikh Community of some of the darkest phases in history. Politicians in the United Kingdom have always been welcome in Gurdwaras. Boris Johnson is amongst many who have used the Guru's Free Kitchen (Langar) during electoral campaigns. It seems, apart from 'photo-ops,' no learning or inspiration was drawn from the Guru's Free Kitchen for all. If this approach of the Government continues, places of worship may also change their approach towards politicians." Gurpreet Singh Anand, Secretary General, Sikh Council UK.

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 25,177 cases and the total number now stand at 1,099,059 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:- 492, 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:- 47,742, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 60,051.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 12,320. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 1,142 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 1,421.

In England, there are a total of 934,099 confirmed cases. North West - total of 231,043 confirmed cases.

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

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

ENHANCED RESTRICTIONS

Tier 3

LIVERPOOL City Region

► Liverpool, 19,882 confirmed cases.
212

► Halton, 3,681 confirmed cases.
48

► Knowsley, 6,608 confirmed cases. 93

► Sefton, 8,500 confirmed cases.
108

► St. Helens, 6,098 confirmed cases
122

► Wirral, 8,419 confirmed cases.

90

Colour Key:- 0 1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to100 100 over

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

► Blackburn with Darwen, 7,060 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 3,992 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 11,356 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 7,128 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 6,605 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 6,307 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 35,506 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 21,807 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 10,765 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 5,320 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 9,090 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 9,718 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 7,910 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 7,795 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 6,794 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 6,503 confirmed cases

► Wigan, 12,071 confirmed cases.

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.

Liverpool City Region COVID19 Updates ... and Important Emergency Notices ...

Total UK cases COVID19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

Liverpool City Region COVID19 Updates
... and Important Emergency Notices ...