Liverpool City Region COVID-19 Updates

Police Commissioner welcomes introduction of new 'pet abduction' law

MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner has welcomed the news that pet abduction is to be made a criminal offence in England. At present, dog theft is not defined as a specific crime, and is instead classed as a loss of an owner's 'property.' This introduction of this new law recognises the emotional distress it can cause when someone's pet is stolen and that most people do not categorise their pet as property. The proposal is 1 of a string of recommendations made by the Pet Theft Taskforce, that has been set up to tackle an increase in incidents during lockdown. It also follows the results of a survey run by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) and promoted in Merseyside which elicited a huge response; with nearly 125,000 people taking part nationally and 10,000 from the North West. The consultation found strong support for changing the law to reflect the emotional impact of having a pet stolen.

Merseyside�s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "We are a nation of dog and pet lovers and the results of the APCC survey clearly show that we don�t view our cherished companions merely as:- property.' The survey also highlighted how concerned people are about the possibility of having their beloved family pets stolen. As a dog owner myself, and having spoken to many others, I welcome the introduction of this new law. I hope it will act as a deterrent to those who would carry out this callous crime and ensure perpetrators are appropriately punished."

The Pet Theft Taskforce comprised Government Officials, Police and Crime Commissioners, Police, Prosecutors, and Local Authorities. It also received evidence from:- animal welfare groups, campaigners, academics and other experts. They also recommended:-

► Requiring additional information when registering a microchip, especially when transferring ownership.

► More straightforward access to the different microchip databases available to make it easier to track lost or stolen dogs.

► Improving collection and recording of data on pet thefts.

► Further initiatives by police and others to raise awareness about prevention tips.

The taskforce also looked at measures such as requiring proof of identification for all online pet adverts, and allowing owners to register their dogs with Police, including:- photos and DNA, as well as contact and microchip information.

Andreea returns with her clown antics, ready to run rings around Ringmaster Ryan   

IF you have never seen Gandys Circus, this production has it all! It's the heart stopping spectacular dreams are made of, where an international cast of over 25 fearless artistes perform death defying acts hand picked direct from each corner of the Earth, including:- high wire, trapeze, the exhilarating motorcycles in the Thunderdome and the introduction of the roller-skating Duo Eclipse performing incredible hand to hand skills topped off with a daring neck spin! With the Gandey showgirls full company finale and the appearance of the largest and most magical suspended carousel seen in a Big Top!!

Yep, Europe's largest touring big top show is returning back to Aintree Racecourse and this year they will be once again supporting:- 'Alder Hey Children�s Hospital...'

Binky Beaumont, who is the Tour Director for Exchange Events Ltd. told us that:- "Gandeys have based in the North West for over 100 years and are now recognised as 1 of the largest production companies in the UK and Gandeys Circus is just 1 off our numerous shows. We were delighted to have been recognised and to have been supported by the UK Arts Council to help our productions open again in England alongside 30 other famous companies including:- the National Opera and the Royal Ballet in support of our company and the number of diverse and large scale productions we create and produce across the world. Thanks to the support, we are still able to offer our fans an unforgettable fun filled voyage for all the family. We have also now added plenty of new measures to keep us Covid Compliant as well! With the Gandey Premiere of:- 'The Double Acrobatic Swing' from the sensational Didyk troupe, who are from the Ukraine, fearless acrobats being thrown up from 1 giant swing to another, somersaulting across the ring... This act will truly have you on the edge of your seat!!"

The Circus has also confirmed that... "Andreea will be back, with her clown antics, ready to run rings around our Ringmaster Ryan.... Our show that will create those all important cherished memories you will keep for the rest of your lives! From the Gandeys Family to yours, we look forward to welcoming you to our big top!"

For tickets and more information, visit:- GandeysCircus.Com or call:- 08717055507. The Box Office opens on site, from Thursday, 16 September 2021, daily, f9.30am to 8pm.

Show Times are as follows:-

► Friday, 17 September 2021, 6.30pm only.

► Weekdays, at 4.45pm and 7.30pm, daily (except Tuesday, 28 September 2021, when 4.45pm only)

► Saturdays, at 2pm, 5pm and 7.30pm.

► Sundays, at 11am, 2pm and 5pm.

MFRS reminds businesses not to overlook fire safety

MERSEYSIDE Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) is urging businesses that have reopened their doors not to overlook fire safety and ensure it remains a top priority in the workplace. The call comes after many businesses had to implement and enforce news ways of working due to the Pandemic. MFRS is reminding businesses about the everyday fire risks in the workplace and both the legal and moral responsibility to ensure premises are safe from fire. Many businesses had to respond quickly to the pandemic once they were allowed to reopen and while revisiting risk assessments, fire safety may not have been at the forefront of planning. MFRS is backing the National Fire Chiefs Council�s (NFCC) Business Safety Week; which runs from 6 September to 12 September 2021, and they are encouraging business owners and Responsible Persons (RPs) to ensure they review their Fire Risk Assessments. MFRS staff, including:- operational firefighters and fire safety staff, will be visiting businesses across Merseyside throughout the week to offer free help, advice and guidance to help minimise the risk of fire in the work place.

Station Manager Steve McManus, from MFRS' Fire Safety Department, said:- "We know it has been a challenging 18 months for businesses and we want them to get back to work so they can continue to make their valued contribution to the economy and local communities. However, it's vital that businesses continue to prioritise fire safety and take steps to ensure staff are suitably trained, fire equipment is checked and maintained and any Covid secure measures do not compromise fire safety. Fire can have a devastating impact on a business with many never recovering. That's why we are committed to working closely with our local business communities to ensure they are aware of what they can do to reduce the risk of fire and keep their business, staff and customers safe."

Some of the key areas of focus during the week will be fire risk assessments and ways to reduce false alarms. Around 44% of fire service call outs in the UK are as a result of false alarms. Not only do they impact on business productivity, but they increase pressure on fire service resources and time, both of which could be spent on dealing with genuine emergencies and community prevention and protection activities. Advice is also available to businesses on reducing the risk of arson by taking simple steps to protect premises. There were more than 4,700 deliberate fires in businesses in the UK in 2019 to 2020, and most attacks are unplanned and opportunist crimes.

Top tips for keeping your business safe:-

► Remember, where Covid secure measures remain in place, they should not adversely affect fire safety. Keep exit routes clear and available for use.

► Are your staff adequately trained?

► Do your staff know what to do in the event of a fire?

► Do staff know the building evacuation plan?

► Are staff aware of the fire exit routes?

► Is someone nominated to dial:- 999?

► Are staff expected to use fire extinguishers and, if so, are they trained?

► Is your Fire Risk Assessment up to date? The fire risk assessment should be completed by a competent fire risk assessor. It is usually reviewed at least every 12 months and if there are any changes that may affect the fire safety of the premises. Such as, changes to the premises, processes and/or management system. Further information on fire risk assessments can be found online.

► Does your fire alarm work? An alarm test should be carried out on a weekly basis using a different call point each time and it should be subject to an annual test by a suitably qualified engineer. Do you have enough fire extinguishers for your premises?

► Extinguishers should be checked weekly and have an annual test by a qualified engineer. Are your exits clear? Escape routes should be kept clear and designated fire exits should not be blocked by furniture or excess stock. DO NOT prop open fire doors, even if this is intended to minimse contact between staff and door handles. Fire exit doors should be available for use whenever the premises is occupied. Fire doors should be maintained in good condition so they can perform the job they are designed to do.

► Do self closing devices work?

►►Are the intumescent strips and smoke seals around the edge of the door frame undamaged?

► Do your fire doors close snugly against the frame?

► Are they free from damage (eg. from stock trolleys)?

►Is your business protected against arson?

► Make sure your business premises are secure out of hours.

► Ideally all rubbish should be removed from site on a regular basis and stored securely until collection.

► Keep all entrances and exits of the building clear at all times.

► Stock should not be kept in excessive amounts.

► Lighting, CCTV and fencing will deter criminals.

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:- 37,578 cases and the total number now stand at:- 6,941,611 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:- 120 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:- 133,161, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 156,119.

In England, there are a total of:- 5,993,444 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 957,361 confirmed cases.

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