Liverpool City Region COVID-19 Updates

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'V Day' in the UK

THE 8 December has been hailed as:- �V-day� marling the 1st day of Covid-19 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccinations in the UK has been described as the beginning of the end for the Pandemic. Despite the bad weather and the dark nights, the UK has seen some light today as it became the 1st country to begin its mass vaccination programme. The eyes of the world have turned on to the nation as the biggest mass vaccination programme in the NHS�s history started. Also, as news broke that the UK's Covid19 - Oxford/AstraZeneca Vaccine is safe and effective, according to the findings of independent analysis. Researchers say the jab will have a "big impact" on the Pandemic and hope it will be approved for use in the UK "within weeks." If approved, this will speed up the mass vaccination programme and give us a new line of defence against the virus. But we can not relax yet, as Sir Patrick Vallance said:- "We don't know yet how good all the vaccines are going to be at preventing the transmission of Coronavirus." Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Mr Hancock said:- "It's been such a tough year for so many people," adding:- "it makes you so proud to be British." The news will bring joy to millions of vulnerable people, but we may have to wear masks for another year, despite this "watershed moment" in the fight against Covid19. Sadly, it will take time to deliver the vaccinations and UK 1st faces a huge logistical battle. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine needs to be stored at minus 70C and can only be moved a handful of times before it becomes less effective. As a result this will slow down its ability to be distributed, and the 1st batch only has 800,000 4m [doses] doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech Vaccine, so it will only cover 400,000 people. We are told that Public Health England has secured 58 specialised Twin Guard Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers, in which they will be able to provide sufficient storage for approximately 5 million doses, so the approval of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Vaccine is even more important, as that doesn't require this type of storage, so it will mean more people can be vaccinated quicker. Email our newsroom with your thoughts and views on this via:- Please do let us know and go to our Twitter feed @SouthportReport and take part in our poll.

LGA responds to latest suicide statistics and reports

RESPONDING to latest official statistics and reports showing that 2018 saw the highest suicide rate in 14 years, with the greatest long term increases seen in young people aged 10 to 24 and men aged 45 to 64, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, said:- "Every suicide is a tragedy and it is worrying that today's analysis has shown particularly high rates among males and in certain age groups, including a long term increase in under 25's. Suicide prevention is an absolute priority for local Government. Every Council has a suicide prevention plan in place, working closely with the voluntary and community sector, Schools, railway operators, businesses, Hospitals and the Police to prevent suicide and help those affected by it. A new national focus is also needed on helping everyone stay mentally well throughout their lives, including those affected by Covid19, backed up by funding for Councils to spend with local partners, to help prevent more serious problems from developing. No new public health funding, or recognition of the vital role of statutory children's and adults mental health services, in the recent Spending Review makes this incredibly challenging next year. Urgent investment in these essential local services is needed, so that Councils can help everyone to stay mentally healthy and prevent suicide."

Needless 999 calls

THE North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has revealed a few of the unusual reasons that some people have called:- 999 for in 2020. Among them, were people phoning:- 999 for a lift home from Hospital, not being able to get a Dentist appointment, and even someone nursing a hangover. NWAS is asking people to think before dialling:- 999 and consider whether they could find appropriate treatment elsewhere, such as NHS 111 online, their GP or Pharmacist. With more than 1 million 999 calls received every year, anytime someone rings needlessly, it risks someone else in real need having to wait longer. This year callers have complained of a splinter in their finger, a stubbed toe, demanding an operation for a boil on their bottom and because a bandage on their head slipped slightly. In addition 1 patient already in Hospital called:- 999 wanting medical advice. Director of Operations, Ged Blezard said:- "We understand that people do need help and panic when something is worrying them, however, this is a busy time for the Ambulance service and as the Pandemic continues and weather gets colder we need the public to use common sense so that we can help people who need us most. Phoning:- 999 doesn't automatically get you an Ambulance. All calls are handled by experienced staff and triaged so you'll receive the right care from the right service. The Ambulance service is there for you when you need us the most, so please help us to help you by only dialling:- 999 in emergencies and life threatening situations. Examples of emergencies include:- cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, confused state, fits that aren't stopping, chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, severe allergic reactions, burns and scalds, suspected stroke, suspected heart attack, fall from height, serious head injury, stabbing, shooting and serious road traffic incidents. For medical help when it is not an emergency, use NHS:- 111 Online, contact your GP or speak to your local Pharmacist."

Green number plates for electric cars across the UK

TODAY sees the introduction of green number plates for electric vehicles across the UK. Car Insurance Expert, at Confused.com Alex Kindred says:- "Incentives such as cheaper parking and permission to drive in bus lanes should make the switch to electric more appealing, but it doesn't tackle bringing down the huge initial outlay cost of the car itself. Almost 60% of drivers told us that they're put off buying an EVs as they are too expensive. Drivers looking to sell their car may also be concerned whether it's now worthless with just 9 years to go until the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles. As more of us transition to EV use, clearly there's still some confusion around things like charging, running costs and battery life. Our guide breaks down the pros and cons so you can feel more confident about making the switch"

Sefton Council will be providing meal vouchers over the Christmas holidays for families in Sefton who receive free School meals

SEFTON Council will be using part of its Winter Grant Scheme allocation to provide Schools with vouchers that can be allocated to eligible families. As with the October half term scheme, the vouchers will be valid to buy food in store and online at local supermarkets. It will not be possible to use the vouchers to:- buy alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, phone top ups or stamps.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said:- "In October, Sefton Council funded meal vouchers for around 8,500 children as part of an initiative which received widespread public support. We will be using part of the Borough's allocation from the Winter Grant Scheme to provide that level of support and security that nearly everybody agrees families need during the holidays and over the Christmas and New Year period."

In October, the Council stepped in at short notice to provide local families with food vouchers and by the second day of the scheme was dealing with more than 2,500 applications. During the half-term week, the Council team was processing around 1,0000 applications per day.

Cllr Hardy added:- "With very short notice last time, the Council took on the application and allocation process centrally. While, thanks to the massive effort of our team, we got through the applications and families received the vouchers, this time we are going to be able to distribute the vouchers to Schools, which will make it easier for everyone."

Gil Bourgade, Headteacher, at Birkdale High School said:- "Schools are only too aware of the significant difficulties some of their families are experiencing at the moment across all our communities, and we really appreciate Sefton Council's decision to fund free School meals through these vouchers. It will provide direct and much-needed support to our pupils and their families over the Christmas break."

Local businesses and voluntary organisations, which were already being hit by the Government's COVID restrictions also pitched in by providing:- packed lunches, food hampers and meals to local families.

Families across Sefton who do not currently receive free School meals but think they might be eligible can visit:- Sefton.Gov.UK/FreeSchoolMeals to find out whether they qualify and how to apply.

Bill Esterson MP says public will blame PM for Brexit chaos

LOCAL MP Bill Esterson has spoken out against the controversial 'Internal Market Bill' in a debate in the House of Commons. The Sefton Central MP said the public would blame the Prime Minister if here was no trade deal agreed with the European Union. Mr Esterson said the UK's standing in the world would be affected by the clauses in the Internal Market Bill that the Government has admitted break international law.

Mr Esterson told the House of Commons in the debate, on Monday, 7 December 2020 he said:- "We're being asked to break international law albeit in a limited and specific way, it's still breaking international law. It tears up a deal that was negotiated by this Prime Minister, that was put to the people of this country by this Prime Minister and was voted on by every single member of the governing party earlier this year. And it isn't just about breaking international law. This is a breach of trust with the same partners who we are now 24 days away from ending a transition period with that we desperately need to conclude a deal with. And didn't the members opposite who are sitting laughing at the prospect of no deal and the effects on the prosperity of their constituents. Didn't they anticipate the reaction of the European Union to us proposing to breach international law? Didn't they know that one of the key elements of negotiation is to understand what your negotiating partner will ask for? So it is any surprise that they have asked for the level playing field protections because of the breach of faith implicit in the breaking of international law? They all voted for this withdrawal agreement that they now want to abandon. And most people believed the guarantee of the Prime Minister when they voted for him in last year's general election on the basis that he had an oven ready deal for them. And it wasn't out of ignorance or dishonesty, it was a shameful, shameful abandonment of the trust of the people of this country, and if no deal is the consequence, people will remember that promise, that they all made, when they were elected last year on the back of the Prime Minister's promise. So they must move on from this. They have 24 days left and the clock is ticking because no deal will be disastrous. It will be disastrous for those workers in the car industry, it will be disastrous for livelihoods, it will be disastrous for national security as well. And it will be disastrous for security in Northern Ireland if the Good Friday Agreement is upended too. It will be disastrous for the prospects of future trade agreements, the United States' President-elect Biden has already made clear what it means to him if the Good Friday Agreement is put at threat by what this Government is doing in this Bill. And as to our reputation and authority on the world stage, we will be in no position to lecture anyone on the world stage, will we, if we go ahead and break international law. Our credibility will be shot. And how will investors be able to trust that their investment will be safe in this country if we're prepared to tear these things up so readily. Who will trust our word, who will believe anything we say, who will believe in this country from overseas? Our people deserve better than this. So for the sake of the jobs, the livelihoods of the people that I represent, the people that they on the Government benches represent, do not allow no deal to happen. Because if they fail, the British people will remember who was responsible, and they will blame the Prime Minister, they will hold him responsible, and they will hold them responsible, too."

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:- 14,718 cases and the total number now stand at:- 1,737,960 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:- 189, 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:- 61,434, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 69,752.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 14,556. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 1,274 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 1,438.

In England, there are a total of:- 1,490,720 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 316,170 confirmed cases.

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

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

National UK Lockdown

Lockdown

Liverpool City Region

► Liverpool, 24,497 confirmed cases.
53

► Halton, 4,845 confirmed cases.
25

► Knowsley, 7,965 confirmed cases. 22

► Sefton, 10,712 confirmed cases..
17

► St. Helens, 7,862 confirmed case.
19

► Wirral, 10,187 confirmed cases.

32

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, since start of the Pandemic, are as follows:-

► Blackburn with Darwen, 10,033 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 5,417 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 15,562 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 10,155 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 9,391 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 9,326 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 49,570 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 32,035 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 15,159 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 7,466 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 13,118 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 13,705 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 10,853 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 10,691 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 8,909 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 8,449 confirmed cases

► Wigan, 17,131 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.

The latest R number is estimated at:- 0.8 to 1 with a daily infection growth rate range of:- -3% to -1% as of 4 December 2020..