Liverpool City Region COVID-19 Updates

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Reminder not to party on Monday night ahead of new Coronavirus restrictions

SEFTON Council's Director of Public Health Margaret Jones has appealed to Sefton residents to show restraint and not to 'party hard' before new Coronavirus restrictions are introduced from Tuesday. Mrs Jones said:- "Of course, with this news of further restrictions some people will be tempted to go out and celebrate before they kick in, but I would again urge them not to as they could be putting themselves and their vulnerable relatives at risk. As people party more, they tend to become less inhibited and we can not forget the need for:- social distancing, mask wearing and frequent and thorough hand washing, all of which are key to preventing the spread of the Covid19 virus when we're out and about. While those people may be younger, meaning they are probably less likely to affected badly by COVID-19 and are less worried about the pandemic, the risk is that they could take the virus home to relatives for whom Coronavirus could be very serious or even fatal if they are vulnerable or elderly. Our pubs, bars and restaurants will still be open on Wednesday and if we all remember the rules, they can stay that way as we get the infection numbers back down."

English Coronavirus Strategies questioned

AS the UK Parliament struggles to get on top of the UK's response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Government has consistently come under fire for its lack of early preparation to tackle the virus, and all the mess around the Test and Trace system, plus a growing list of other issues. Amid deepening concern over the rise in cases, the Government seems to be puzzled as to why people are confused about the rules. Announcing the yet more new rules on 19 September 2020, Mr Johnson said:- "The best way we can fight this virus is by everyone following the rules and self isolating if they're at risk of passing on Coronavirus."

Now people who refuse an order to self isolate, within England, will face fines of up to ₤10,000. Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has also warned of more restrictive measures as the UK:- "faces a tipping point."

The toughening up of the regulations is designed to help stop the spread of the virus and to protect the most vulnerable from becoming infected, but businesses and health leaders are being left stumped, as the Government seems to flounder around like a beached whale.

A local business leader in Southport commented:- "They only concerned with grabbing headlines and not engaging with reality. On 29 August, when they said:- "Go back to work or risk losing your job" and then on 19 September, with the headlines:- "₤10,000 fine for leaving your house." And you wonder why people are no longer paying any attention?"

On top of all this, we are also told that Ministers are still looking at further restrictions, including a temporary 2 or 3 week "circuit break" in an attempt to break the chain of transmission. In the defence of the Government, we are experiencing an exceptional and unprecedented situation, that is fast moving and changing by the minute, but that is why we need clear statements and proper information, not rhetoric, that is continually being churned out by Number 10.

The powers that be appear to be continuing to fail to support many on lower incomes along with many already falling through the support net. They face even more problems ahead, as people weigh the need to work with the need to obey the law. Some have suggested that the Government should reward people for self isolating, when needed, by paying them minimum wage, for 30hrs per week, over that period, no matter what their normal income is, in a scheme like Statutory Sick Pay, but not the ₤95.85 per week, paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks, if you're too ill to work. Well could you live on just ₤95.85 per week? Also, this should cover everyone in employment, not just employees, with the Government acting as employer if someone isn't covered by a PAYE scheme.

At the same time as the Government announced that along with significant toughening up of the regulations, those on lower incomes, who face a loss of earnings as a result of going into quarantine, will be eligible for a 1 off support payment of ₤500 to help them cope financially. But it appears this will still not help some who have already excluded from existing support. As a result of these latest developments, Liverpool City Region's Mayor, Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham and General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, Frances O'Grady are now calling on the Government to offer proper financial support to people who have to self isolate, but can't work from home. Andy Burnham commented that:- "It looks like the Government has woken up to the problem, but we will be studying the detail closely."

Many have also criticised the application systems for being too complex and confusing. With wording in press releases by Government adding to the confusion, including the wording over the furlough scheme. The furlough scheme, created by the Government to safeguard workers' jobs during the Coronavirus Pandemic, allows employers to claim cash grants worth up to 80% of wages, capped at ₤2,500 a month, up to the end of October 2020. Poorly worded statement has lead to a huge host of issue like:- "The furlough scheme allows volunteering or training so long as it does not provide services or profit for the employer." Also other issues like perhaps the word "furlough" has too much of a connotation of "vacation" or "rest" and the use of an uncommon word has added to the confusion around it, leading to allegations of wide spread furlough fraud, following concerns by HMRC that the system was being abused.

TUC Regional Secretary Jay McKenna, commenting on new Coronavirus restrictions announcement for the North West, said:- "The announcement from the Government, on toughening up of the regulations was expected. But it still causes real concerns for public health and the economy across the North West. Many will be asking what this latest pronouncement means, and will it have a very real impact on millions of workers and their families? They will be worried about their health and their jobs. The Government must step up to protect public health issues. We need an effective testing and tracing system, and those who are sick or self isolating whilst they might be waiting days for a test need proper sick pay. We've been clear that the current rate of Statutory Sick Pay (₤95.85 per week) is not enough to live on. Matt Hancock himself said he couldn't afford to do so. Increasing this will help people do the right thing to protect public health, and prevent people falling into financial hardship. And the government has to step in and protect jobs. With furlough due to end, many are already worried about the future. They must do more to protect industries and local areas affected by Coronavirus restrictions."

Issues are also being raised widespread about the ridiculous distances people are being asked to travel for Covid19 tests. Is it really sensible to have potentially infective and possibly not in a fit state to drive, being told to go to testing centres as far away as over 200 miles? We have heard of a number of incidents of people travelling over 100 miles! Worse still 1 person reported they were told to go to the Isle of Wight from the Liverpool City Region! Interestingly, national headlines have also pointed out that the new Coronavirus testing app doesn't know Isle of Wight is an island! Another was referred to Scotland.

Unions and businesses are still shouting at the Government to extend the furlough scheme so that vulnerable workers are not forced to quit their jobs or work in unsafe conditions. Many businesses are worried that if vulnerable people may be forced to return to work when it is not really safe for them to do so. Their employers could be opening themselves up to being sued or fined under Covid Safe rules, which are impossible to implement in some cases. Also, if they let the vulnerable employees go, the business could face going under, due to the cost of redundancy. Under these circumstances, the business community, trade unions and charities are stepping up their calls on the Government to wake up and extend the furlough scheme so that vulnerable people do not have to return to work if an employer deems it is not safe!

A Southport shop owner who doesn't want to be named, as he don't want to add to worry of his affected employees, said:- "We have no way out. We are dammed if we do and dammed if we don't. No wonder why people are just ignoring the Government. I have need no help personally, yet I'm forced to run the business. My employees are mostly furloughed as social distancing and health issues prevent them from returning. What do I do? If I'm ill, the business will fail, that will take out 4 jobs in the process. If I close up, then I will be made bankrupt by redundancy payments and if I stay open..... I just can't win."

What are your thoughts on the Government's support of Small Businesses? If you have any views on the tropics coved within this report, please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

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:- 3,899 cases and the total number now stand at:- 394,257, that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The number of Covid19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be 18 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 41,777.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 1,081. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 134. Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 138.

In England, there are a total of 339,901 confirmed cases. North West - total of 68,105 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, 4,228 4,057 confirmed cases.

171

► Halton, 1,028 994 confirmed cases.

► Knowsley, 1,475 1,439 confirmed cases.

► Sefton, 2,148 2,083 confirmed cases.

► St. Helens, 1,703 1,672 confirmed cases

► Wirral, 3,016 2,955 confirmed cases.

Colour Key:-

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, 2,309 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 1,246 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 3,866 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 2,102 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 2,658 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 2,407 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 10,283 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 5,748 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 3,632 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 1,871 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 2,814 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 2,508 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 2,352 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 2,550 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 2,001 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 1,916 confirmed cases

► Wigan, 2,840 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 ...