Liverpool City Region COVID-19 Updates

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Bill Esterson MP criticises the Government in debate on procurement during Covid19 Pandemic

THE Sefton Central Bill Esterson MP has criticised the UK Government, in a Parliamentary debate, over it's procurement process during the Covid19 Pandemic. Mr Esterson has previously spoken about Merseyside company, Florence Roby, an established uniforms manufacturer that failed to win a contract to provide washable gowns to the NHS, while brand new companies, such as PPE Medpro, with links to the Conservative party, were given lucrative contracts. Florence Roby then had to lay off staff as a result.

The Westminster Hall debate on the NAO Report on Investigation into the UK Government's procurement during the covid19 Pandemic was heard on Wednesday, 9 December 2020. The debate can be seen on the ParliamentLive.TV website.

At the debate Mr Esterson said that it was:- "PPE Medpro was incorporated on the 12th of May, they were awarded a contract for 122 million for medical, single use disposable medical robes which they were going to import. The contract wasn't advertised they had a link to a conservative peer. In contrast, my constituents who own Florence Roby spent months trying to get a contract for read multi use medical groves up to 100 times, they were given the run around and after months had to give up and laid off stuff. Isn't this contrast, a perfect example of everything the National Audit Office highlights it's been wrong with procurement in the crisis, a missed opportunity for environmentally sustainable production and value for money with reusable equipment, knock single use a missed opportunity to support local local economy and workers against important local jobs and opportunism using a fast track access to the Government party."

Play Audio Copy of his speech and the session:-

Climate change report sets ambitious targets - CLA responds

THE CLA Deputy President, Mark Tufnell, has responded to the Committee on Climate Change's (CCC) report on the 6th Carbon Budget, said:- "Cutting greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 63% across the economy over the next 15 years is an extremely ambitious target. To reach this goal, the CCC has scaled up the level of ambition required from the agriculture and land use sectors, calling for emission reductions in farming alongside large targets for tree planting and peat land restoration; strengthening land use is a big part of the 'solution' to achieving net zero. For this to be feasible, Government policies to support urgent action from English and Welsh landowners need to be put in place. The new Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMS) is seen as the main vehicle to reduce these emissions from agriculture, alongside increasing biodiversity and meeting other environmental targets. However, ELMS will not be available until 2024, and so we also need the right policy framework to allow private investment to come on-stream, such as for carbon offsetting. Many rural businesses are already taking steps to move towards low carbon farming practices from improving sequestration and carbon storage, and are keen to encourage the rapid adoption of new technologies and innovation. However, the wider needs of both farming and nature must be considered in plans to combat climate change. The CLA is also supportive of decarbonising the building stock, although this hugely ambitious target can only be achieved if the EPC methodology accurately assesses the thermal capacity of older buildings and the metric moves from using the fuel cost to carbon cost in its calculations. Targeted support must be made available for off-gas grid rural homes to enable an effective transition to low carbon heating. Furthermore, rural electricity grids need to be upgraded to cope with more electric heating."

Engagement campaign launched on Liverpool City Region Digital Strategy

THE Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, is encouraging businesses, organisations and individuals across the Combined Authority to have their say on a new draft Digital Strategy and Action Plan. The draft documents set out how the City Region will achieve its ambition to become the UK's most digitally connected and inclusive City Region, that maximises the benefits of digital for all of its businesses, residents, and communities.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- "Since I was elected, I've been working to make our City Region the most digitally inclusive in the country. The past few months have reiterated just how essential technology is in almost every aspect of our lives; from how we work and learn, entertain ourselves and, especially, in how we keep in touch with our loved ones. Moving forward, digital technology is only going to play a bigger and bigger role in our lives. We've decided to take stock of where we're at and where we want to go by putting together an action plan for our digital strategy. I'm really excited by some of the things we're developing, but I know that we don't have the monopoly on good ideas. I'd really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to have your say on the plans and help us make them even better."

Councillor David Baines, Portfolio Holder for Digital Connectivity and Inclusion, said:- "The Combined Authority has led on producing the 2021 to 2023 Digital Strategy and Action Plan, however I am very clear that they are for the whole City Region and will be collectively owned and delivered. We are therefore keen to get detailed input from stakeholders from all sectors and all parts of the City Region. Please take the time to let us know what you think; you will be directly influencing our City Region's digital future."

The draft LCR Digital Strategy and Action Plan sets out six key areas through which change will be delivered by partners across the City Region. The 6 key areas are:-

► Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity.

► Tech for Good & a Smart City Region.

► Digital and CreaTech Sector Development.

► Cross Sector Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

► Digital Skills for Recovery and Growth.

► Digital Inclusion.

The documents highlight the scale of the City Region's ambition, showcase its distinctive assets and capabilities, and identify where more needs to be done to maximise opportunities. They will act as a framework to inform all aspects of "digital" activity across the LCR, from the Combined Authority's own Strategic Investment Fund (SIF), to the work of its constituent Local Authorities.

They also highlight some of the region's incredible digital assets, including:- transatlantic internet cables, world leading high performance computing via the STFC Hartree Centre and IBM collaboration, and a vibrant and growing tech sector. Exciting ongoing digital projects include a 5G health and social care test bed, plans for a City Region wide ultrafast fibre network, and digital inclusion projects for our most disadvantaged.

The Strategy has been produced on behalf of the City Region by the Combined Authority (CA), working with the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and following significant input from the 6 Local Authorities. The CA has also actively engaged industry led Sector Boards, academic and research institutions, plus other stakeholders and partners, including:- voluntary and community organisations.

To comment on the Liverpool City Region's 1st Digital Strategy and Action Plan, please visit:- LiverpoolCityRegionalCA.ResearchFeedback.Net and follow the survey instructions. If you cannot access the survey online you can request a copy by calling:- 01513301249.

The closing date for responding is 13 January 2021, and the final draft Strategy and Action Plan will be presented to the LCR Combined Authority in February for approval.

Campaign to Ban Disposable Face Masks Launched

THE UK will consume 19.2 billion single non-recyclable face masks in 2021. Most of these will be sent to landfill, the weight equivalent of 5 Eiffel Towers. Some will end up in watercourses causing an environmental nightmare. A new campaign has been launched in an attempt to reduce this number.

"It's really important to consider the wider impact of single use face masks as they can't easily be recycled and end up in landfill, in rivers and the sea; that's why we are supporting a new petition on the Government to ban their sale to the general public," explains Charlotte Green from commercial recycling company TradeWaste.Co.UK

It should be noted that the petition is specific in that it is not asking the Government to completely ban their sale, they have an important role in medical situations, and where use is controlled, they can be recycled; although this is not always easy.

What 19.2 billion single use face masks in numbers looks like?

► 52,602,739 a day.

► 1,578,082,191 a month.

Charlotte explains that:- "We are promoting the petition to raise awareness of the environmental problems created by single use face masks, and also to offer an alternative to those worried about the harm cause to wildlife and the impact on the environment in the UK."

The Petition will be discussed in Parliament when it reaches 100,000 signatures. The aim of the campaign is to hit this number before the end of 2020 in an attempt to slow down the consumption of disposable masks, and encourage washable alternatives. A link to the Petition is available here:- TradeWaste.Co.UK. Charlotte concluded:- "We know the consequences of their use, and funnily enough the alternative is actually cheaper, we just need to get the word out that single use face masks just get buried in the ground and that isn't acceptable!"

Remember this Christmas to...

► Ditch your Disposable Face Mask and save ₤190 in 2021...

► A single use disposable face mask costs 18p.

► Over a year using 3 per day this is ₤197.10.

► A washable face mask costs ₤1.40 (Pack of 5 is ₤6.99)

If you can use 5 masks by washing them, then over a year this is a saving of ₤190.11.

Covid19 - Sefton GPs are still there for you

AS the Coronavirus (Covid19) Pandemic continues to affect our daily lives, people in Sefton are being reminded that although GP practices may be working a little differently at the moment, they are still there for those who need them. Since March, people have quickly adapted to using phone and video in all aspects of their lives; for shopping, pre-booking time slots to access various services and venues, along with GP services have been no different.

Fiona Taylor, Chief Officer of NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:- "GPs and practice staff across Sefton have been amazing in their response to the Pandemic; drastically increasing the number of telephone and video consultations to ensure patients could still access services during the Pandemic. I cannot thank them enough for their dedication to supporting residents throughout this challenging and very busy time."

Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said:- "As GP Surgeries enter their busiest time of the year and manage additional Pandemic pressures, I'd like to thank Sefton residents for their ongoing patience and support of their local GPs and practice staff. We know that it is a worrying time, but we would like to reassure you that your GP is there for you should you need them. If you are unwell or have a concern about your physical or mental health then please contact your Surgery by calling them, going to their website on using the NHS App. Where possible, your GP will talk to you over the phone or online to find out more and discuss the next steps. If you are asked to come in for an appointment, please don't delay getting the care or treatment you need and attend your appointment straight away. Coronavirus safety measures are in place to ensure that we can continue to see patients face-to-face when necessary."

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:- "The Covid19 vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTech has met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness and therefore been approved for use in the UK. Other vaccines are being developed and will be thoroughly tested and approved before we start to use them. At 1st, the vaccine will be offered to people who are most at risk from Coronavirus, before being offered more widely. You will be contacted by the NHS when it's your turn so please do not contact your GP to ask about the vaccine."

See the NHS website for more information about the Coronavirus vaccine.

If you have any Coronavirus symptoms such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste; you must self isolate at home and get a test as soon as possible. Get a test online or call:- 119.

If you need medical advice or treatment, there are lots of options available to you:-

► Self care is about keeping fit and healthy, understanding when you can look after yourself; including managing any long term conditions you have, and knowing when you need to speak to your GP, pharmacist, or another health professional.

► Pharmacists are trained to help with a range of symptoms and are often open in the evenings and at weekends.

► Find your nearest Pharmacy online and check their opening times.

► Do not go to a Pharmacy if you have Coronavirus symptoms.

► If you're not sure which service is right for you or if you need urgent medical help, use the NHS:- 111 online service, or call:- 111 if you are unable to get help online.

► For help with mild to moderate stress, anxiety, or depression, contact Access Sefton or call:- 01519553200 to access talking therapies.

► For help from a GP, visit your GP Surgery's website, use an online service to contact your GP, or call the Surgery.

► For life threatening emergencies, call:- 999 for an Ambulance.

Long term economic growth should be Treasury's top priority

RESPONDING to the launch of the Wealth Tax Commission's report, CLA Director of External Affairs Jonathan Roberts said:- "We recognise the significant strain Covid19 has placed on the national economy, and no doubt Government will want to explore a number of different revenue-raising options in due course. But it should remember that no country ever taxed its way to prosperity. Government will know that many rural business owners might, on paper, be asset rich, but still have very low cash reserves. Oftentimes these are the people who do most to feed the nation, develop environmental schemes or diversification projects to create jobs for local people. The Treasury must look on these businesses favourably in any change that lies ahead. In the meantime, it is vital that Government furthers its 'levelling up' agenda by investing in the countryside. The rural economy is, at present, 16% less productive than the national average; a productivity gap worth ₤43bn in England alone. Policies designed to create sustainable, long-term economic growth should be the Treasury's number one priority."

'A Year in Search 2020' reveals Caroline Flack was Googled more than Coronavirus Symptoms in the UK and...

ON Wednesday, 9 December 2020, Google announces the results of its:- 'Year in Search 2020,' revealing the people, topics, events, and TV shows that captured the world's attention through the lens of Google Search.

In the midst of a global Pandemic, people everywhere tried to make sense of what was going on around them which is why it's no surprise Coronavirus was the top trending search in the UK this year. As the world adapted to new ways of living, searches for:- "How to make a face mask" and "How to make hand sanitizer" came out on top of the "How to�?" list, closely followed by:- "How to make bread" and "How to cut your own hair."

From DIY and fitness, to local deliveries and recipes, the nation turned to Google Search for lockdown activity inspiration while spending more time at home. As favourite eateries were closed for parts of the year, searches for:- "KFC recipe," "Wagamama katsu curry recipe" and "Ikea meatball recipe" all made the top 10 recipes. In fantastically British fashion:- "afternoon tea delivery" was the top trending delivery as people craved scones and finger sandwiches, closely followed by:- "wine delivery" and "compost delivery."

Despite the impact of the Pandemic on sporting events, searches for the:- "Premier League" topped the Sports list as football fans rejoiced when the season kicked off again with Aston Villa against Sheffield United in June. Other sports searches included the:- "NBA," "IPL" and the "Masters leaderboard."

With more time spent at home, television programmes and movies were more important than ever before. Marianne and Connel's love affair tugged at the heartstrings of the nation in:- "Normal People," with an admirable 4th place. Closely followed by Netflix's documentary about Joe Exotic aka:- "Tiger King," coming in 6th position in the TV list.

Although this year's summer series of Love Island was postponed because of the Pandemic, it was the top trending TV programme of the year, as people looked for information about their favourite reality dating show. Elsewhere, sinister thrillers proved popular this year, with searches for:- "Dennis Nilsen" the serial killer who inspired Des, taking 2nd place; while:- "White House Farm," "The Stranger," "The Fall" and "The Undoing" also claimed top 10 places this year.

"Philip Schofield," "Carole Baskin" and "Joe Exotic" took the podium of this year's list of trending celebrities, even beating:- "Prince Harry" and "Kanye West" to the top. BBC Radio 1 DJ and I'm A Celebrity contestant:- "Jordan North" holds fourth place comfortably above SpaceX CEO and electric car extraordinaire:- "Elon Musk."

Other queries which had the UK turning to Google Search include searches for the lyrics to Cardi B and Megan 3 Stallion's WAP, which was the most Googled lyrics of 2020 in the UK, whilst:- "Where does vanilla flavouring come from?" was the 2nd most searched for question. People also wanted to know:- "How to cook eel," after I'm A Celebrity campmates were given eel for dinner and "Who did Zara cheat on Sam with?" surfaced following their recent breakup on reality TV show Made in Chelsea.

Kirstin Wright, a Google Trends expert said:- "The 2020 Year in Search lists not only reveal the most popular trends from the past 12 months, but also give insight into the biggest events in the news, politics, sports, entertainment and popular lockdown trends. As people continue to look for information in new and different ways, Google Search keeps evolving to make the world's information accessible and useful to all."

Below is a quick summary of UK-specific lists for 2020:-

UK Top Trending Queries... 1. Coronavirus 2. US election 3. Caroline Flack 4. Coronavirus symptoms 5. Coronavirus update 6. Premier League 7. Boris Johnson 8. Eat Out to Help Out 9. Kobe Bryant	Movies... 1. 1917 2. Parasite 3. The Gentlemen 4. Lion 5. Jojo Rabbit 6. 365 Days 7. Tenet 8. Enola Holmes 9. Little Women
News Events... 1. US election 2. George Floyd 3. Madeleine McCann 4. VE Day 5. Captain Tom 6. Iran 7. Trump vs Biden 8. Ghislaine Maxwell 9. Storm Ciara	How To... 1. How to make a face mask? 2. How to make hand sanitizer? 3. How to make bread? 4. How to get tested for Coronavirus? 5. How to cut your own hair? 6. How to cook eel? 7. How to cut men's hair? 8. How to boost immune system? 9. How to self isolate?
Top "trending" queries are the searches that had a high spike in traffic over a sustained period in 2020 as compared to 2019, showing us what was popular in 2020.

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:- 16,578 cases and the total number now stand at:- 1,766,819 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:- 533, 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:- 62,566, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 73,125.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 15,254. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 1,272 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 1,459.

In England, there are a total of:- 1,514,139 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 319,058 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

Tier 2

Liverpool City Region

► Liverpool, 24,646 confirmed cases.
90

► Halton, 4,886 confirmed cases.
15

► Knowsley, 8,001 confirmed cases. 23

► Sefton, 10,778 confirmed cases..
45

► St. Helens, 7,910 confirmed case.
33

► Wirral, 10,253 confirmed cases.

31

Colour Key:- 0 1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to100 101 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, 10,149 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 5,474 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 15,674 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 10,296 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 9,496 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 9,432 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 50,139 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 32,306 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 15,285 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 7,535 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 13,243 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 13,801 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 10,961 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 10,741 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 8,975 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 8,537 confirmed cases

► Wigan, 17,322 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.

Location of the NHS Vaccine hubs

IT has been announced that there will be 50 hospital hubs in Britons to carry the Pfizer/BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. This is the full list of 50 NHS Hospital hubs for Covid19 vaccine:-

► Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

► Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

► East Suffolk And North Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

► North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust.

► James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

► Norfolk And Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

► Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

► East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.

► Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

► Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.

► Croydon Health Services NHS Trust.

► St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

► King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - Denmark Hill.

► King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - Princess Royal University Hospital.

► Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

► Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

► Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

► University Hospitals Coventry And Warwickshire NHS Trust.

► Royal Stoke Hospital.

► Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust.

► University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.

► United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

► Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

► Shrewsbury And Telford Hospital NHS Trust.

► Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

► North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.

► Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

► The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

► Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

► South Tees NHS Trust.

► Wirral University Teaching Hospital.

► Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

► Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

► Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust.

► Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.

► Blackpool Teaching Hospital.

► Lancashire Teaching Hospital Trust.

► Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust - Wexham Park Hospital.

► Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

► East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - William Harvey Hospital.

► Brighton And Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust - Royal Sussex County Hospital.

► Portsmouth University Hospitals Trust.

► Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust.

► Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

► Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

► Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.

► University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

► Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

► Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

► North Bristol NHS Trust.

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 ...