Many restaurants have been lost during pandemic

ACCORDING to national statistics 9.7% of restaurants have closed and will never reopen, with a fall of 19.4% of the:- "casual dining" market. As we get ready to open up on Monday, many of those who stayed trading since outdoor eating was allowed are still struggling. Now, as indoor dining returns, some of those still can not afford to keep as many staff as at pre-pandemic levels. This is a devastating blow for our efforts to rebuild the economic standing of our high streets, and job creation may also stall. Now many leading leisure and hospitality industry representatives are warning that it will take years for the industry to recover. This, considering the business loans, that many had to take on over the lockdowns, will further jeopardise the recovery of the sector, when re-payment is required. Many industry experts are now saying that all small business who have taken on the Covid19 Loans, to cover costs over lockdowns should have them written off. If not, it is predicted that many of those who have survived, will be plunged into bankruptcy, if the market continues to be slow to return. What are your thoughts on this? Does it affect you? Please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Bolton could be in Lockdown again; could Formby follow?

MANY people are concerned that some areas, despite previous reassurances, could face further restrictions, even local lockdowns. This is because, in some places, the infection rates are climbing again, this includes Formby, Merseyside. This comes as Health Secretary, Matt Hancock looks at local lockdowns for Bolton, as the risk from the Indian Variant of Coronavirus, which seems to be 40% more infectious than the current dominant UK Kent strain rises. We must not drop our guard, even if we are allowed to hug again from Monday. Everyone eligible should seriously consider taking up the vaccinations, if they have not already done so. We must also increase local testing and keep up basic hygiene controls, like hands, face, space. The situation in Bolton appears to have been made worse by a lack of uptake in the vaccinations, with the vast majority of those now in Hospital never having taken up the vaccine offer. It is unclear if the cluster within Formby, of this variant, is connected or not to the Bolton outbreak, but questions are now being asked, as we head closer to the relaxing of Covid restrictions. Formby, and other seaside locations, have seen a noticeable increase, in visitors from other areas, such as Bolton. People are now worried about spread from areas with high infection rates, now including Formby. Perhaps the implantation of full local lockdowns, along with full financial support for business, should be used to deal with these outbreaks. How would this affect places like Formby? How can areas safely open up to tourism, without deterring visitors who take sensible precautions? What role could a vaccine passport play and how would it be implemented and enforced? What are your thoughts on this very complex issue? Should vaccination become compulsory? Should swift lockdowns, closing off communities for short periods be used? What are your thoughts? What are the benefits and dangers of such draconian measures? Please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio is more than a music Station

A Liverpool musician, whose family have been personally affected by dementia, witnessed how their shared musical memories had stayed strong. Even if other memories faded. He soon discovered this was universal. The Radio Station he set up celebrated its anniversary in April and is now gearing up for its involvement in Dementia Action Week 2021. Community and memory are the pillars of the Station. It is built on the drive and creativity of a group of people whose lives have all been touched by dementia. At the centre of this group is Nat Gavin. He had his expectations of life and family turned inside out when his mum, Gina, was diagnosed with dementia in 2013. The bond between Nat and Gina had always had a strong relationship to music. Further experience with his grandma and dementia led him to an idea that would be loved by them all. Soon, a Radio Station that focussed on shared tears and smiles was born. 1 that would never be overwhelmed by constant commercial demands.

It was a simple enough idea, but the level of enthusiasm took him by surprise... "When I 1st floated the idea to the local dementia community, it was really encouraging that they instantly recognised its value. They couldn't believe that it hadn't already been done."

Keeping the programming entertaining, while meeting the needs of its target listeners became the 1st challenge. It led to discussion, learning and cooperation across communities and sectors.

Tommy Dunne BEM from THRED CIC was 1 of the people keen to be involved:- "I'm living with Alzheimer's. The importance of music in dementia cannot be emphasised enough. This is why I fully support Nat's Station. He's a person who has total empathy with those of us living with dementia. He understands how music can reach the parts of the brain that normal communication can't."

Since going online, on 1 April 2020, the Station has developed such a broad appeal that it needed to recruit more volunteers, source new equipment, and create constant fresh content. Nat is looking to grow the reach of the Station, as well as bring more and more people on board who have been directly affected. This is all taking place while the range of music and stories continues to grow. Every memory that is sparked by a song leads to a hundred more. But these tales can all be told.

The Station will be supporting Dementia Action Week (17 May to 23 May 2021), in which the Alzheimer's Society is calling on the Government to:- 'cure the care system now' as a result of:- 'decades of underfunding and neglect.'

MDFR works to support and comfort people living with dementia, whilst highlighting the importance of music therapy being a great way for those living with dementia to feel a sense of normalcy with a good quality of life. Radio celebrates memory like no other medium, and Merseyside's tradition of storytelling and music adds sparkle to the mix. So, when community is needed and hard to find, MDFR radio is there for you. MDFR broadcasts 24 hours a day from:- MDFR.Co.UK.

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (Covid19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 1,926 cases and the total number now stand at:- 4,450,777 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:- 4 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:- 127,679, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 151,765.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 991. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 129 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 103. Last update was on 13 May 2021 of these statistics by the NHS.

In England, there are a total of:- 3,887,487 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 612,542 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, 48,618 confirmed cases.
5

► Halton, 12,009 confirmed cases. 4

► Knowsley, 17,423 confirmed cases. - Error -

► Sefton, 24,195 confirmed cases. 13

► St. Helens, 17,133 confirmed cases. 5

► Wirral, 24,358 confirmed cases.
1

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

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.

Total UK people who have received Vaccination

1st Dose 2nd Dose

36,573,354

20,103,658

Jab Stats correct as of:- 15 May 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 Vaccine s are given as 2 doses, at lEast 21 days apart, for a full Vaccination course.

Many restaurants have been lost during pandemic

Bolton could be in Lockdown again; could Formby follow?

Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio is more than a music Station

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region