DAILY EMERGENCY COVID-19 NEWS
... Important Daily Notices ...

AS This page is to place quick update important notices that are being sent to us from Government and other organisations over the Coronavirus Emergency affecting our country (UK)...  Please remember that the information changes quickly, so always check to see what time and when the last post was made.  We will update as and when we can...  Users of our Formby Reporter's Free Email Service will get most updates 1st and then they will be added on here as soon as we can...  If you have any updates to send in or any views on the posts on here, please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

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This page last updated on 9 April 2020

Plan for huge civic 'thank you' to key workers in Liverpool when COVID19 crisis is over

MAYOR of Liverpool Joe Anderson has announced the City will come together to support, celebrate and remember the efforts of health staff and other key workers when safe to do so, after the COVID-19 crisis is over. In a keynote address; broadcast on the Council's digital channels earlier today; the Mayor committed to a large scale civic event for people to say:- 'thank you' and pay tribute to staff in the likes of the NHS, care, public sector, retail and logistics sectors who are on the frontline in keeping the City going during the pandemic.

Joe Anderson made the announcement in response to a question from Alder Hey Nurse Helen O'Boyle, who asked what would be done to thank healthcare staff. He said:- "I hope people recognise how important and how valuable they really are because it is now that we need them more than ever that they are stepping up to the plate and in some cases putting their lives at risk. What I intend to do, to celebrate when it is safe to do so, is to hold a parade in our City. I hope it will be the biggest parade ever; that tops Liverpool and Everton's parades, the Giants parades; where we come out and celebrate our public services and everything they have done for us and to us during this time of crisis."

In answer to direct questions put by senior members of the business and cultural community in the City during the broadcast, he said the Council will go over and above in order to re-energise the economy when the pandemic is over:- "We've got to plan now for now how we come out of the blocks once it's safe for us to actually try to come back to some sort of normality. So I've brought in some consultants, we're talking to them and working with them to look at what we can do. I've raised this already with central Government. I know the combined authority and the metro mayor is also doing similar in terms of arguing that we need more support and more funding. We've got to work with businesses to make sure that we support them and that we support development and investment to come back into our City with a clear plan on how we're going to be growing our economy, strengthening our economy and making sure we get investment and development running."

He also outlined the importance of the cultural and tourism sectors, which support tens of thousands of jobs in the City. He said:- "It actually supports the City in a tremendous way by promoting our City across the world, keeping our reputation going as one of the friendliest and best cities to visit, so we've got to make sure that we give you the support in the short, medium and long term."

But he warned the Council is losing ₤1 million a week as a result of Coronavirus and the loss of income from the likes of leisure centres, parking and other fees and charges, and forecast that an emergency budget will have to be called in the summer "to take stock and assess the deficit that we are going to be facing."

He urged people who have lost their jobs and struggling with Council Tax payments to contact the Council to see if they are eligible for support.

The Mayor also urged people to dig deep and find hope during the current situation, revealing that he himself is finding it extremely difficult to handle the current restrictions on movement as he is unable to see his children and grandchildren. He said:- "I know how hard it is for you and I know how difficult it is for you to remain indoors and stay to away from your families. I desperately miss, as an old grandad, my 6 grandchildren…so I know how hard it is. 1 of the traits of scousers, of Liverpool people, is that we love in times of difficulty to put our arms around each other, and help each other and support each other, and I think that is what is hurting us; the fact we're not able to do it."

Mayor Anderson has also released a personal letter, urging people to stay strong during the current crisis and saying the City will get through it. It can be read here.  The broadcast can be watched again on Vimeo.

CLA urges public to support under threat rural businesses

MILLIONS of people have had to cancel their Easter holiday plans because of Coronavirus. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which represents 5,000 rural tourism businesses, is urging them to re-book cancelled holidays in the UK once it is safe to do so. Choosing a:- 'staycation' is not only greener but is a great way to support the local economy. Rural Tourism is worth ₤18.5 billion a year to the economy and employs over 600,000 people. Yet, almost overnight, many businesses have shut down for an unknown period of time. This is having crippling consequences on a beloved industry. Going on holiday in the UK is also 1 of the easiest steps you can take to reduce your emissions. An average domestic flight gives off 3 times more Co2 emissions per km travelled compared to travelling in a car. Many farms now provide holiday lets, camping, bed and breakfasts and farm stays as a way to support their business. These farmers, who have already suffered from flooding and uncertain trading conditions, now face another hammering to their income. They need the support of British holidaymakers after this crisis is over.

The CLA is seeking reassurances from the UK Government on support for the sector, such as:-

► A clear definition of what businesses make up the tourism industry so every business that needs it can access relevant Government support schemes.

► Fast payments of financial support to struggling firms, including:- wage cost support.

► A flexible approach from the insurance industry when dealing with rural tourism business claims.

► Clear and prompt guidance on what will happen to support schemes in the next 3 to 6 months so businesses can put in place recovery plans.

CLA Director North Dorothy Fairburn said:- "Once the Coronavirus pandemic is over, millions of people will want to take a well deserved break, eSpecially those who have cancelled their Easter holiday with friends and family. When re-booking their holidays, we are asking people to consider staying in the Great British countryside to support local businesses. The hard truth is that thousands of businesses, who are extremely welcoming to their guests, will go bust without their support. Choosing a staycation not only helps out small businesses up and down the country, but is also a great way to lower your carbon footprint."

Easter holiday opening for Liverpool's childcare hubs

PARENTS of children attending 1 of the childcare hubs in the City are urged to check which hubs are open both across the whole Easter holiday period and on the 2 bank holiday, Good Friday and Easter Monday. All Special Schools are closed during the Easter holiday period except Sandfield Park which is offering limited provision for children of keyworkers who usually attend the School. Most Special Schools will have a limited opening from Monday, 20 April 2020, for some vulnerable pupils with an EHCP and need provision which cannot be delivered safely at home.

Hubs open throughout Easter Holiday period including Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Nurseries:-

► Bluebirds Nursery.

Primary Hubs:-

► All Saints.

► Anfield.

► Banks Road.

► Barlows.

► Belle Vale.

► Blackmoor Park Infants.

► Fazakerley.

► Florence Melly.

► Holy Name. *

► Kensington.

► Liverpool College.

► Matthew Arnold.

► Monksdown.

► Mosspits. *

► Middlefield.

► Northcote.

► OLI. *

► OLSS.

► Rudston. *

► St Nicholas. *

► St Sebastian's.

► St Teresa de Lisieux.

► St Pauls (Junior site) *

► Sudley Juniors.

Hubs closed Good Friday, but open Easter Monday....

► Springwood Heath *

► Hunts Cross Hub relocated to Hunts Cross Nursery.

Nurseries closed, both Good Friday and Easter Monday, reopening Tuesday, 14 April 2020...

► Ellergreen.

► Chatham.

Hubs closed, both Good Friday and Easter Monday, reopening Tuesday, 14 April 2020...

► Arnot St Mary.
► Beacon.
► Dovedale
► Norman Pannell
► Phoenix
► Rice Lane
► St Ambrose
► St Christopher
► St John's
► St Margaret's Anfield
► St Oswalds *
► Stocktonwood
► Wavertree
► Windsor
► Woolton*

Hubs closed over Easter period reopening Monday, 20 April 2020...

► St Hugh's (redirected to Chatham Nursery)

► Sacred Heart (redirected to Kensington)

* hubs open 7am to 7pm.

Don't call us - we'll call you

PEOPLE making new claims for Universal Credit will no longer need to call the Department as part of the process. Instead a bolstered frontline team will proactively call claimants if they need to check any of the information provided as part of the claim, as well as messaging them on their online journal to confirm details. The move is designed to take some of the worry and frustration out of submitting a claim, while speeding it up by putting an end to long call wait times. The change is a response to the huge volume of calls to Universal Credit phone lines, which meant some people were faced with an engaged tone when calling or were left waiting for several hours.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Therese Coffey said:- "We are doing whatever it takes to make claiming benefits as straightforward as possible during a time when we are receiving an unprecedented number of claims. That's why no one making a new claim to Universal Credit needs to call us. Once you've completed your online application, you can rest assured we have received your claim and we will call you if we need to check any of the information you've given us."

Since 16 March, more than a million new claims for Universal Credit have been processed, and 10,000 staff are being redeployed to help on the frontline. A rapid recruitment drive has been launched for an additional 5,000 to aid the effort. Already, DWP staff have been making proactive calls where they can see people haven't been able to get through. Already working through weekends, the DWP team will continue to make calls over the Easter bank holiday weekend, helping people complete their online claims and making sure the safety net catches those who need help. This change goes further, putting the emphasis on the Department to follow up with claimants if more information is needed; although anyone who is unable to get online can still call the Department as normal. Appropriate measures to protect people from fraud have been put in place to safeguard the new process. DWP will never ask you for your bank details over the phone and people should never give out personal information unless they are sure it is DWP calling.

Chancellor must "act now" for businesses and individuals hit by virus crisis

A Merseyside MP says the Chancellor must "act now" to help thousands of individuals and businesses who are struggling to access help during the Coronavirus crisis. Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson met with business leaders from across the Liverpool City Region to help understand the gaps in the job retention and business grant and loan schemes announced by the Chancellor. The MP and Shadow International Trade Minister said thousands of businesses risked going under due to the unprecedented slowdown in the economy.

Mr Esterson said:- "There are numerous gaps in the support currently being offered. I am hearing from constituents every day who are telling me the problems they are facing. There are businesses that are based in shared offices where they pay their business rates within their rent, so because they are not a business rates payer they are not eligible for the small business grant of ₤10,000. The landlord, because his or her name is on the business rates bill, will get the grant instead, yet may still be receiving rent. One business owner who contacted me doesn't want to take out a loan because he has no idea what demand will be like when he is allowed to start operating again. He has had to let his one employee go. The issue with bank loans is huge, as banks are often trying to get businesses to take out their standard products instead of the Government backed loans. The Government backed loans expose the banks to 20% risk, therefore they are charging high interest rates for these. I'm told that the local authorities in the City Region have done a great job getting the grants out to qualifying businesses who have applied but many businesses have not applied because they don't know about the grants and many businesses have been left behind because they don't qualify. Constituents have contacted me who started a new job since 28 February 2020, and have now been made made redundant. They are told to go back to their old employer to qualify for the job retention scheme but their former employer is not able to help. Unless you were on the payroll on 28 February 2020, you don't qualify for the job retention scheme by your employer so these poor employees are left with nothing. Agency workers are being told that they are eligible for the job retention scheme but the company can't take advantage of it because they have not been told when the Government's money will come through, and they don't have adequate cash flow to pay 80% wages until it does. Everyone must be put in a financial position where they can make the right choices for their health and the health of others. If people are put in a position where there is no pay if they don't go to work, they might not always make the right choice. Everyone has to pay the bills. So it is so important that businesses are understanding about the choices people face, especially if they live with vulnerable people. Employees must be able to access adequate sick pay and the Government support must filter through as quickly as possible."

Mr Esterson said there were several gaps in the current economic support packages:-

"► Employers are choosing not to furlough staff even though they are eligible, because they have not been told when they will be repaid by the Government.

► Banks have been reluctant to lend via the CBILS scheme and have been trying to push businesses onto mainstream products
A hardship scheme for businesses that cannot access other help is needed.

► Company directors who are paid via dividends are not able to access support through the self employed scheme.

► Universal Credit is inadequate for those who have average to higher earnings and high outgoings.

► Businesses who pay business rates through their landlord are not able to access grants.

► Landlords of commercial property are pursuing struggling businesses for rent, and threatening legal action.

► Self employed support needs to be provided before June, which is the current expected date when payments will be made.

► Any newly self employed, who have not submitted at least 1 Tax Return, miss out on the support scheme.

► Social enterprises have been deemed ineligible for the small business grants.

► Evidence of income needed for universal credit claims was seen as a barrier to getting support.

► A 5 week wait for universal credit is too long!

► Banks are still directing borrowers to their 'business as usual' products rather than the emergency funding.

► Interest rates on business interruption loans are not capped and are too high.

► Customers are finding banks difficult to contact."

Mr Esterson continued and explained that:- "The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced an unprecedented package of support for businesses and employees. But these are not so far working in practice as the cash is not reaching workers or employers. He must act now to plug the gaps in the financial support available so everyone has the support they need to stay home and stay safe."

For more information about support for businesses see:- GrowthPlatform.Org.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is available for advice during the crisis. For general advice call:- 03444930012, Monday to Friday, from 9.30am until 4.30pm. For debt advice call:- 01513186407. For Universal Credit help call:- 08001448444.

Impacted of Coronavirus - Survival of many tourists destinations threatened

TOURIST Towns and Seaside Resorts reliant on seasonal crowds are under the threat of becoming:- "Ghost Towns" as people stay at home amid the Coronavirus emergency, warn Councils. Around the country, places heavily dependent on the booming holiday season are anticipating plummeting visitor numbers in the months ahead, pushing businesses and jobs to the brink.  Many would normally expect a large influx of visitors over the Easter period, but this year will be a different story altogether. The District Councils' Network, which represents Councils for many of England's tourist and culture locations, says Councils are working with businesses on the frontline to help them get by, but that more help is needed. It is calling on the Government to support local efforts to avoid permanent scarring as a result of the lockdown, and to protect the future livelihoods of workers reliant on busy summer months. As people rightly stay at home during the Coronavirus outbreak, District Councils will be working hard to help struggling tourist towns and seaside resorts, including:

► Helping businesses stay afloat with administering rate reliefs and distributing grants.

► Helping families through the benefits system and administering the Hardship Fund.

► Making sure key Council services continue, such as housing advice and homelessness, waste collection and more.

However, the DCN is calling on the Government to go a step further ensuring sufficient funding for Councils to help local businesses, increasing future high streets funding for all Towns, and expanding the Hardship Fund to respond to rising demand and enabling Councils to help solve problems.

It says a short term emergency intervention now could secure the future of seasonal businesses and save livelihoods, building on the support for local tourism organisations known as destination management organisations.

Cllr Mark Crane, DCN lead member for stronger economies, said:- "Some of our finest, most picturesque and beautiful Tourist Villages and Towns, including those rich in cultural importance and heritage, face an unprecedented challenge. These are places dependent on seasonal demand in order to survive, which are usually guaranteed large numbers of visitors week in week out, but this year this is sadly unlikely to be the case. With people rightly staying away to minimise the spread of infection, this could have a devastating impact on many places that rely on the tourism industry. There's a real risk that if they don't recover, our Tourist Towns could become ghost towns. It will also put huge pressure on families suffering lost income and high unemployment. Districts Councils know our businesses, our restaurants, our cafes and our attractions, and we know our residents. We are doing all we can to support them, but whatever the time of year our tourist towns will need further help and investment to ride out this storm."

NHS Service launched for IT workers to volunteer their skills

PEOPLE Source's NHS Team have launched a national service for skilled IT workers to volunteer their time to support NHS organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic, following the enormous success of the GoodSAM volunteering initiative. Since the People Source went live with its own free to use NHS IT volunteering service and within 48 hours of the platform going live, the service has helped the NHS find a much needed IT support for a Hospital in London. Now, just 1 week later, KeyWorkerVolunteer.Co.UK is supporting Hospitals across the UK with their IT volunteering needs.

An NHS IT Director in London recently commented:- "Bravo! This keyworker volunteer website is incredibly helpful to NHS IT departments for finding the IT staff we need to keep our information systems going for our heroic doctors and nurses. Thank you People Source! The idea is very simple... The site acts as an online community for IT volunteers to offer their time to the NHS and as a channel for NHS Trusts to communicate the support they're missing so those with relevant skill sets can quickly connect and go on site with that trust. This is a call for all skilled IT workers to register and support our NHS. It is very simple to sign up as a volunteer, just head to the website and click "find a position" or "sign in" to register. If you are an NHS trust that has a requirement, select:- 'post position.' It really is that simple. The service is completely free for all parties and costs are covered by People Source. The platform was the idea of David Wylie, People Source e-Health Director. David and his team quickly worked with a web design company to launch the service in less than a week, and since it went live, we have seen an increasing number of volunteers registering on the website each day. A recent advert on the site for IT Support Volunteers in London generated over 1200+ responses. David and our Healthcare recruitment team are leading this project and expressed that if an NHS organisation is not getting the right volunteers then they will go 1 step further and try to source volunteers themselves for free."

Quote from David Wylie, People Source e-health director:- "I would be delighted if the platform can benefit NHS IT teams across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. For it to be successful we firstly need people to know that the platform exists (so please share the URL with your NHS colleagues!) Secondly, we need the NHS to publish their requirements and lastly, and most importantly, we need volunteers to sign up, via the volunteer website."

Co-op Funeralcare offers guidance on how Coronavirus outbreak is affecting funerals in Southport

WHILE the nation is on lockdown, the UK's leading provider of funerals, Co-op Funeral Care, has released its latest guidance on funeral arrangements to ensure the ongoing safety of its clients and colleagues in Southport.  In spite of the current restrictions, Co-op Funeral Care is committed to supporting clients in new ways to help them still create a personal and fitting tribute to their loved one.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, David Collingwood, Director of funerals at Co-op Funeralcare, says:- "Funerals aren't changing; they have changed... Losing a loved one is a devastating time for any family, but even more so to lose someone in the current circumstances. We have a social responsibility to limit the spread of disease and play our part to save lives, whilst fully supporting our colleagues and communities through a time of loss. Our colleagues are working tirelessly to provide families with access to the services they need to navigate the loss of a loved one, whilst also adhering to government safety guidelines and social distancing requirements to limit and slow the spread of Coronavirus. Where crematoriums have filming facilities, in most circumstances they should be available to families who wish to access them, and the systems should be resilient enough to cope with extra the demand. It's crucial we support families and communities during these devastating times, and ensure they feel part of their loved one's funeral even if they can't physically attend. We aim to protect our communities and have therefore had to make some tough, but responsible choices to help families and individuals say goodbye in the safest possible way."

Latest funeral guidelines issued by Co-op Funeral Care:-

► We believe it's important we pause the use of limousines in our funerals given the current government safety guidelines.

► In the safety interest of our staff and clients, we will carry out funeral arrangements over the phone where possible and ask just 2 clients to meet with funeral arrangers if necessary.

► We now ask that no more than 10 people attend funeral gatherings so that attendees can follow social distancing guidelines.

► For up to date advice from Co-op Funeral Care, please here.