Ukraine Supplies Help Needed

A message from Jamie Whittaker:

“Hello, Jen Savaris and I are flying out to Poland on the 8th of March to bring selected items from the refugee appeal list to Medyka bordering Ukraine where over 50,000 refugees are arriving every day. We are self-funding the trip and limited with what we can bring as we are flying over, we want to give directly to those in need and see what other assistance we can offer whilst there to the amazing volunteering groups already out there and build a relationship with the organisations so we can share that with the people in the UK who want to further support them.

We have an allowance of 160kg to fly out with and the items we need the most to take with us are:

  • Sanitary pads
  • Toothpaste and toothbrushes
  • Miniature First aid kits
  • Bandages
  • Sudocrem
  • Gloves
  • Warm Hats
  • Packaged soaps

We also have a fundraising page if anyone would like to financially support our efforts whilst out there, after emptying the luggage on Day 1 we will then go and refill a further 160kg each day we are there by purchasing things needed such as food, baby goods and anything else the charities request. Where we can, we are going to try and pass some of the stuff on to those still in the Ukraine and especially those being denied entry into the bordering countries.

The fundraising page is available HERE

BACS bank transfer: Jennifer Savaris, Sort Code: 09-01-28, Account number: 64195110

All donations will be made transparent, and we will be keeping all receipts as proof of where donations are going. If you can support our efforts, we would be extremely grateful. Thank you so much. Jamie & Jen (The Gherkin & Perry’s Pantry Foodbank).

Please drop off at The Gherkin. Let staff know it’s for Ukraine not the kindness kabinet.”

The MEN also has an article about Jen and Jamie’s trip HERE

Covid Support Over Holiday Period

These are the opening times of the Covid Support Helpline over the holiday period.

Manchester Covid-19 Helpline

Manchester Covid-19 Helpline

There’s a Manchester Covid Helpline. Please use it if you have any questions, want to book a vaccination, need to book a test or need help isolating.

Lines are open every day 09.00-17.00

0800 840 3858 (phone)

07890 036 892 (text)

Get vaccinated to protect yourself, your family and your community.

Covid Infection Rates & How To Protect Our Community

Covid infection rates

Our local rates (as of 1 July 2021):

  • 650 (Levenshulme Central)
  • 442 (Levenshulme South & Burnage North)
  • 498 (Levenshulme North)

and within a kilometre the rate is 962.

The rate for Manchester as a whole is now 544. On 17 May the rate was 43.

Levenshulme was designated a High Risk Area on 20 May and the Director of Public Health said action was needed to avoid rates getting to 300 as they were in Bolton at that point. There was a two to three week window of opportunity with it being a “race against time” to prevent a rise in infection rates.

Since then the government also designated Greater Manchester and much of the North West of England an Enhanced Response Area on 8 June with people told to get tested twice a week. An update on ERA status is available HERE.

As of 1 July 61.2% of adults have had one vaccination and 39.4% have had two vaccinations in Manchester.

Rules removed

You can read the full government announcement from 5 July 2021 HERE

Manchester will be the same as all of England on 19 July with pretty much all restrictions and rules used to protect people removed.

Protect Yourself and others

Please get vaccinated for your own protection and for the protection of our community.

Protective measures such as face masks and social distancing may not be compulsory from 19 July but it is advisable to remain cautious during this third wave of infections.

Check the Manchester City Council website for updates including pop-up vaccination centres HERE

The closest pop-up vaccination centre is currently at Belle Vue with a free shuttle bus running through Levenshulme with a pick up point on Matthews Lane.

Council Finally Launches More Vaccination Centres

Over a month after Manchester City Council designated eight areas of Manchester – including Levenshulme – as “High Risk” for Covid-19 infections with low vaccination take-up rates a series of new vaccination centres have been launched. These are walk-in facilities for anyone over the age of 18.

The LCA has been trying for the last four weeks to find out what action was being taken in Levenshulme. Unfortunately no Levenshulme councillors have been able to respond to any phone messages or requests for information in that time. David Regan, the Director of Public Health for Manchester said on 20 May that the city was in a “race against time” in the High Risk areas to prevent infection rates reaching around 300 with urgent action required in 2-3 weeks. We are now a month after this was stated and it is too late to prevent infection rates for Manchester rising from around 43 on 17 May to 328 on 13 June. Hopefully the new vaccination centres can now begin to reduce infection rates.

You can find a list of Manchester vaccination centres HERE

Pop-up vaccination clinics are listed HERE and below. Please note these centres are subject to change so check the link for the latest information.

Continue reading

Greater Manchester Enhanced Response Area & Levenshulme High Risk Area for Covid-19

Greater Manchester has been designated an “Enhanced Response Area” for Covid-19 by the government. This follows Manchester City Council classifying Levenshulme as a “High Risk Area” on 20 May apparently because of low vaccination take up and the high incidence of infections.

David Regan, Director of Public Health for Manchester released a briefing note on 9 June which stated: “ERA work – which is like to start from the end of this week – will give us further support with the plans and strategies we already have in place, along with all the fantastic work that you and our communities are already doing.” You can read and download the full briefing note below.

One of those plans was to prevent infection rates increasing in High Risk areas like Levenshulme although it has been impossible to find out clear information of what this plan was or what measures were taken from 20 May. The intention was to prevent infection rates rising to around 300 as happened in Bolton. This was said to be “…a race against time” with “…a two to three week window” by David Regan. Infection rates for Manchester were around 45 on 17 May and 285 on 12 June.

Thanks to Joanna Midgley, Manchester City Council Executive member with responsibility for health for talking to Jeremy Hoad, LCA Secretary and providing the community briefing note. Unfortunately no Levenshulme councillors have been available over the past month to discuss these matters.

Continue reading

Levenshulme Identified as a High Risk Area for Covid19 Infections

Covid-19 vaccination invitations are being sent out to adults aged over 18 in Levenshulme, Longsight, Cheetham, Crumpsall, Moss Side, Whalley Range, Rusholme, and Ardwick, with new walk-in vaccination centres also expected to open from 22 May 2021.

These neighbourhoods are deemed at ‘high risk’ of being particularly hard hit by the Indian Covid variant’s spread and have been identified because they have: struggled most with persistent rates of Covid during the pandemic; have high-risk ethnic minority populations; and have seen lower vaccine take-up than elsewhere.

Vaccinations will continue to move down the age brackets in the normal way elsewhere in the city, however, with health officials emphasising there is enough supply to keep the usual programme moving in parallel.

Further information and support

You can find the planned COVID-19 pop-up / walk-in vaccination centres HERE

A full list of COVID-19 vaccination centres in Manchester is available HERE

If you need help and support with food, medical supplies or other COVID-related support they can call Manchester’s Community Response Hub (MON-FRI 9am-5pm):

This article includes information adapted from an article in the Manchester Evening News, 20 May 2021. You can read the full article HERE

COVID-19 Advice for South Asian Communities

Please share this message with South Asian Communities. You can download this briefing in Arabic, English, Gujarati, Indian Punjabi and Urdu (see below)

Briefing for South Asian Community Groups and Organisations

VOC-21-APR-02 is the technical term for the new variant of concern that was first identified in India. This variant is thought to be driving the increase in Covid cases being seen in younger adults across the North West, particularly in Bolton and Blackburn.

It is normal for any virus to change over time. Coronavirus is the same – and our vaccines are very effective in preventing serious illness against the strains. It’s also very normal – as with the flu vaccine – to tweak the vaccines or give boosters against new strains as they develop.

We are briefing community organisations and leaders for South Asian communities because the increase in cases has been particularly high, especially among the Pakistani and Indian population. It is important that we take steps to protect ourselves, our families and communities.

The public health team in Manchester has advised that:

– evidence that is being analysed suggests that this variant is more transmissible – or easier to spread.

– it has spread very quickly in other areas and so could spread very quickly among Manchester residents

– people who have not been vaccinated are more likely to catch the new variant and spread it to others

– we need to be cautious as the Covid restrictions in order to protect our communities- especially older family members who may not have been vaccinated and would be more vulnerable to severe disease

The public health team are also looking at providing vaccination, in line with JCVI guidance, to younger people in some parts of the city where the risk of the variant of concern spreading quickly is higher – as they are doing in Blacburn- they will keep us up to date with plans for this and how people can access the vaccine when it is available. As per national recommendations, any vaccine that is offered to people under 40 will either be Pfizer or Moderna.

What should we do now?

It’s really important that everyone who has symptoms, goes for a Covid test – that way we can monitor and pick up any new cases or strains very quickly and take the right action.

In addition, if you don’t have symptoms, Lateral flow or “rapid antigen” tests are free and you can get them and test twice a week.

Stay cautious, even though the rules are changing it is still important to
– limit the number of different people and households you mix with
– meet outdoors wherever possible
– keep washing hands, wiping surfaces, wearing masks or face coverings when needed, – keeping rooms ventilated and social distancing
– get your vaccine as soon as it is offered to you

If anyone needs help and support with food, medical supplies or other COVID-related support they can call Manchester’s Community Response Hub (MON-FRI 9am-5pm) on:

Messages responded to by the next working day. The hub can help with:

• Access to food
• Delivery of medication
• Combating loneliness
• Managing fuel top-up payments
• Getting access to services online

You can download this briefing in the following languages:

The Roadmap Out Of Lockdown

David Regan, Director of Public Health for Manchester, explains some of the key dates for the relaxation of lockdown restrictions assuming the changes go to plan and are confirmed by the government.

Throughout the next few months we must all still adhere to social distancing rules and the hands / face / space guidance.

See below for the full government announcement how the rules will change and when that can also be viewed HERE.

Continue reading

What are the new Lockdown rules?

We are now in another lockdown introduced by the government to attempt to reduce Covid19 infection rates. This is particularly in response to the rapid spread of the new variant of the virus which is much easier to catch. The Health Secretary and Prime Minister have both stated that the virus is currently out of control. These rules became law on Monday 4 January and have subsequently been ratified on Wednesday 6 January in a retrospective debate and vote in Parliament.

You can read the full government guidance HERE.

Summary: what you can and cannot do during the national lockdown

You must stay at home. The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

You should follow this guidance immediately. The law will be updated to reflect these new rules.

Leaving home

You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to:

  • shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
  • go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
  • exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
  • meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
  • seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
  • attend education or childcare – for those eligible

Colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half term. Early years settings remain open.

Higher Education provision will remain online until mid February for all except future critical worker courses.

If you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should always stay local – unless it is necessary to go further, for example to go to work. Stay local means stay in the village, town, or part of the city where you live.

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. You should not attend work

Meeting others

You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with (if you are legally permitted to form one).

You may exercise on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

You cannot meet other people you do not live with, or have not formed a support bubble with, unless for a permitted reason.

Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household.

Prime Minister’s Statement On New Coronavirus Measures

Please see below the statement to the House of Commons by the UK Prime Minister. This includes announcements on stricter measures following the recent surge in infections, hospitalisations and deaths. These measures are expected to last for six months.

There will be a further televised statement by PM Johnson tonight at 20.00 that will be added to this post.

Key points:

  • Schools, colleges and universities will remain open.
  • Office workers who can work at home should do so.
  • Key public service and key workers who cannot work from home should continue to attend their workplaces.
  • From Thursday 24th September 2020 all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate a table service only except for takeaways.
  • All hospitality venues must close at 10pm with doors closed, not just last orders at 10pm.
  • Takeaways must also close at 10pm although deliveries can continue after 10pm.
  • Compulsory wearing of masks extended to taxis, private hire vehicles and all staff in retail.
  • Alll staff and customers in hospitality venues (except when seated at a table to eat or drink) must wear masks.
  • In retail, leisure, tourism and other sectors government covid secure guidelines will become legal obligations. Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they breach the rules.
  • From Monday 28th September a maximum of 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions.
  • Up to 30 people can still attend a funeral.
  • “Rule of Six” will be extended to all adult indoor team sports.
  • The “Rule of Six” (when meeting friends and family you do not live with – or have formed a support bubble with – you must not meet in a group of more than six) will now therefore apply in all circumstances apart from weddings (15 people), wedding receptions (15 people), funerals (30 people) and outdoor organised team sports (30 people).
  • Business conferences, events and large sporting events will not be permitted as was planned for 1st October 2020.
  • People who were previously shielding will not be advised to do so again for the time being.
  • These rules will be enforced by tighter penalties.
  • Fine of up to £10,000 for those who fail to self isolate already exist and these fines will now be applied to businesses who break these covid rules.
  • Fine for breaking the “Rule of Six” or not wearing a mask will double to £200 for a first offence.
  • There will be a greater police presence on our streets and extra funding will be provided to police to enforce these rules.
  • Military support will be called on where required to free up the police for other matters.
  • These measures apply in England. Devolved administrations are taking “similar” measures.
  • 13 million people in England are living under further restrictions over and above these national measures [see HERE for the local lockdown measures that apply in Manchester].
  • “Fire power will be drawn upon” to deploy further measures if these measures do not work and people do not follow these rules.
  • These new restrictions should be assumed to remain in place “for perhaps SIX MONTHS”.

What are the differences between these new national rules and the extra local lockdown rules in Manchester?

Please note at the time of this announcement the rules for the Greater Manchester local lockdown have not been updated to reflect the new national rules that apply variously with immediate effect, from Thursday 24th September and from Monday 29th September 2020 as outlined above.

The rules across Greater manchester vary between different areas. This is outlined in the link above. Key differences to the new national rules that currently apply in Manchester are outlined below.

Key differences in Manchester:

  • You MUST NOT:
    • host people you do not live with in your home or garden, unless they’re in your support bubble*. (support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household. Households within a bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight, and visit public places together.)
    • meet people you do not live with in their home or garden, whether inside or outside of the affected areas unless they’re in your support bubble.
  • You are ADVISED to NOT:
    • socialise with people you do not live with, unless they’re in your support bubble, in any public venue. This applies to inside and outside of the affected areas. Examples of public venues include pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions and parks.
    • visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances.

This information is provided in good faith as an accurate reflection of changing circumstances and the differences between the national and local restrictions and rules. Please follow the links for more detailed guidance and rules from the government.

Prime Minister’s Statement to the House of Commons, 22nd September 2020

Prime Minister’s Statement to the House of Commons, 22nd September 2020

Prime Minister’s broadcast to the nation, 22nd September 2020

Prime Minister’s broadcast to the nation, 22nd September 2020

Harsher Lockdown Rules From Next Week

The government has announced harsher lockdown rules that will apply to all of England from Monday 14th September 2020.

An announcement from PM Johnson is expected tomorrow (Wednesday 9th September) but the new rules will ban gatherings of more than six people with only limited exceptions.

At-a-glance: What are the new rules?

  • Social gatherings of more than six people in England will not be allowed in law from Monday 14 September
  • The new rule applies to private homes, indoors and outdoors, and places such as bars and cafes
  • The rule does not apply to schools and workplaces, or weddings, funerals and organised team sports
  • A full list of exemptions is due to be published before the law changes
  • People who ignore police could be fined £100 – doubling with each offence to a maximum of £3,200

Further information is available from the BBC HERE

We will provide another update when more information is released by the government.

URGENT New Covid19 Restrictions

The government announced around 21.30 on Thursday 30th July that new restrictions would be introduced at midnight. The announcement was made by four tweets and one interview from the Secretary of State for Health who then did not appear on any of the main news bulletins. Nobody from the government bothered to appear.

These new restrictions are now in force. See below for the news reports from Thursday 30th July and the new government rules and press announcement released on 31st July.

The main change is nobody can visit another household either indoors or outdoors.

News Reports

BBC News report
ITV News report
Sky News Report

North West of England: local restrictions – what you can and cannot do

Find out what restrictions are in place if you live, work or travel in the North-West area and other affected areas.

Published 31 July 2020

From:Department of Health and Social Care

Contents

  1. Affected local areas
  2. Local restrictions
  3. Changes in restrictions

An outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified in parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, and West Yorkshire. The government and relevant local authorities are acting together to control the spread of the virus. From 31 July 2020, if you live in these parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire, you should follow these rules when meeting people who you do not live with. Separate guidance advises on the similar rules imposed in Leicester.

Affected local areas

  • Greater Manchester:
    • City of Manchester
    • Trafford
    • Stockport
    • Oldham
    • Bury
    • Wigan
    • Bolton
    • Tameside
    • Rochdale
    • Salford
  • Lancashire:
    • Blackburn with Darwen
    • Burnley
    • Hyndburn
    • Pendle
    • Rossendale
  • West Yorkshire:
    • Bradford
    • Calderdale
    • Kirklees

Local restrictions

Social contact

If you live in one of the affected areas, in order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, you should not:

  • meet people you do not live with inside a private home or garden, except where you have formed a support bubble (or for other limited exemptions to be specified in law).
  • visit someone else’s home or garden even if they live outside of the affected areas.
  • socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions. You may attend these venues with people you live with (or are in a support bubble with), but should avoid interaction with others. If you run such a business, you should take steps to ensure people do not interact with people they do not live with, in line with COVID-19 Secure guidance.

The government will pass new laws to enforce the changes to meeting people in private homes and gardens. The police will be able to take action against those that break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices (starting at £100 – halving to £50 if paid in the first 14 days – and doubling for subsequent offences).

Business closures

In Blackburn with Darwen and Bradford, the following premises must remain closed by law:

  • indoor gyms
  • indoor fitness and dance studios
  • indoor sports courts and facilities
  • indoor swimming pools, including indoor facilities at water parks

Changes in restrictions

Does my household include close family members?

Your household – as defined in law – is only the people you live with. If you have formed a support bubble (which must include a single adult household i.e. people who live alone or single parents with dependent children aged under 18) these can be treated as if they are members of your household.

What will be illegal?

It will be illegal for people who do not live together to meet in a private home or garden, except for limited exceptions to be set out in law. You should not host or visit people you do not live with, unless they are in your support bubble. If you live in the affected areas, you should not visit someone’s home or garden regardless of whether this is in or outside of the restricted area.

Can I still meet indoors with people in my support bubble?

Yes. Where people from single adult households (people who live alone or single parents with dependent children aged under 18) have formed a support bubble with another household, they can continue to visit each other, stay overnight, and visit other public places as if they were one household.

Can I still meet people outdoors?

In line with the national guidance, you can continue to meet in public outdoor spaces in groups of no more than six people, unless the group includes only people from two households. You cannot meet people you do not live within a private garden.

At all times, you should socially distance from people you do not live with – unless they are in your support bubble.

I live in this area. Can I still meet with my family and friends to celebrate Eid?

Due to higher rates of infection, if you live in this area you should not host or visit friends and family in each other’s homes or gardens. It will shortly be illegal to do so, unless specific exemptions apply. You also should not meet friends and family in other venues – including restaurants or cafes.

Up to two households, or six people from any number of households may meet outdoors (excluding people’s gardens) where there is a lower risk of infection. If you do so, you should still socially distance from those you do not live with, and avoid physical contact.

You may attend a mosque or other place or worship, where Covid-19 Secure guidance applies, but you must socially distance from people outside of your household. This means maintaining a distance of 2 metres, or 1 metre with mitigations (such as wearing face coverings). We recommend at this time that, if possible, prayer/religious services take place outdoors.

Can I still go to work in this area?

Yes. People living inside and outside of this area can continue to travel in and out for work. Workplaces must implement Covid-19 Secure guidance.

I live in this area. Can I still go to cafes, restaurants, the gym and other public places?

Yes. But you should only go with members of your own household – even if you are going outside of the restricted area.

I live in the area. Can people from outside of the lockdown area visit me at my house?

No. This will be illegal.

Do I still have to shield if I live in this area?

Clinically extremely vulnerable people will no longer have to follow the shielding guidance from the 1 August, unless they live in Blackburn with Darwen in the North West and other local affected areas across England where shielding continues.

Can I visit a care home?

You should not visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances. Care homes should restrict visits to these circumstances.

Can I still have my wedding if it’s in the lockdown area?

Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies in these areas can still go ahead. No more than 30 people should attend a marriage or civil partnership, where this can be safely accommodated with social distancing in a COVID-19 secure venue. Further guidance can be found here.

Large wedding receptions or parties should not currently be taking place and any celebration after the ceremony should follow the broader social distancing guidance of involving no more than two households in any location or, if outdoors, up to six people from different households.

Can I travel outside of the lockdown area to attend a wedding ceremony?

Yes.

Can I travel into the lockdown area to attend a wedding ceremony?

Yes. Weddings should be limited to no more than 30 people and subject to COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

People living outside the lockdown areas may travel into the areas to attend a wedding, but should not go into a private home or garden.

Can I still visit a place of worship in the lockdown area?

Yes, but you must socially distance from people outside of your household. This means maintaining a distance of 2 metres, or 1 metre with mitigations (e.g. face coverings). We recommend at this time that if possible prayer/religious services take place outdoors.

Can funerals still take place in the lockdown areas?

Yes. Funerals should be limited to no more than 30 people and subject to COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

People living outside the lockdown areas may travel into the areas to attend a funeral.

Can I holiday in the lockdown area, or visit shops, leisure facilities, or cafes in it?

Yes. However, you must avoid socialising with people indoors when doing so.

Can I travel in a car with someone I do not live with?

You should try not to share a vehicle with those outside your household or social bubble. If you need to, try to:

  • share the transport with the same people each time
  • keep to small groups of people at any one time
  • open windows for ventilation
  • travel side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow face away from each other
  • consider seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle
  • clean your car between journeys using standard cleaning products – make sure you clean door handles and other areas that people may touch
  • ask the driver and passengers to wear a face covering

The Department for Transport has provided specific guidance on using private vehicles. Please see their guidance on private cars and other vehicles for more information on car sharing and traveling with people outside your household group.

Published 31 July 2020

Government Press Release

New rules on gatherings in some parts of Northern England

Government announces changes to rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire after increase in COVID-19 cases

Published 30 July 2020

From:Department of Health and Social Care

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The Health Secretary Matt Hancock has this evening announced that new rules on social gatherings will be introduced in Northern England to stop the spread of COVID-19. These changes will also apply in Leicester city.

This is in response to an increasing trend in the number of cases per 100,000 people in the area, and data from PHE and the JBC which suggests transmission among households is a key infection pathway in the area.

The areas that these changes apply to are:

  • The Greater Manchester area
  • Pendle
  • Hyndburn
  • Burnley
  • Rossendale
  • Blackburn with Darwen
  • Bradford
  • Calderdale
  • Kirklees
  • Leicester City

It means people in these areas will not be permitted to mix with other households (apart from those in their support bubbles) in private homes or gardens.

Some exemptions will be put in place, including for the vulnerable.

The government will sign new regulations to make these changes legally enforceable.

The regulations will give local authorities and police forces the powers to enforce these restrictions and more details on these will be set out when the regulations are published.

Households may go to hospitality, for instance bars and pubs, but new guidance will make clear that two households should not go to hospitality together.

Meanwhile local leaders and government have today agreed a number of changes to local restrictions in other areas.

While social gathering restrictions remain in place in Leicester City, the area will benefit from the lifting of restrictions that took place on 4 July in England, and all local restrictions currently in place in the neighbouring borough of Oadby and Wigston will end.

It means from Monday 3 August restaurants, cafes, bars and hairdressers in Leicester City can get back to business but leisure centres, gyms and pools will remain closed. In addition, cinemas and museums will open and religious ceremonies will be able to take place.

And on Saturday 1 August, Luton will be brought in line with the rest of the country after significant progress has been made in controlling the virus.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:

We’re constantly looking at the latest data on the spread of coronavirus, and unfortunately we’ve seen an increasing rate of transmission in parts of Northern England.

We’ve been working with local leaders across the region, and today I chaired a meeting of the Local Action Gold Committee. Based on the data, we decided that in Greater Manchester, parts of West Yorkshire and East Lancashire we need to take immediate action to keep people safe.

The spread is largely due to households meeting and not abiding to social distancing. So from midnight tonight, people from different households will not be allowed to meet each other indoors in these areas.

We take this action with a heavy heart, but we can see increasing rates of coronavirus across Europe and are determined to do whatever is necessary to keep people safe.

The restrictions currently in place in Blackburn, announced last Friday, which saw indoor swimming pools, indoor fitness and dance studios, indoor gyms and sports facilities remaining closed, will continue.

From Saturday, these leisure facilities will open in Luton, bringing it in line with the rest of the country.

We have been working closely with local leaders across Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire and have made the decision to bring in new restrictions on social gatherings for selected areas.

For those preparing to celebrate Eid Al Adha this weekend with friends and family these restrictions will come as a blow but everyone is being urged to follow the new rules and to protect the ones they love from catching coronavirus.

Mosques and other places of worship have reopened for prayer and communal worship, but in a different socially distanced and COVID-19 Secure way. This means that while mosques can remain open, many will not able to welcome as many worshippers as before.

Anyone with any symptoms must isolate immediately and get a test for free by going online or ringing 119. Everyone must continue to socially distance and regularly their wash hands to help bring this virus down further so all areas of Leicester can return to normal as soon as possible.

Dental Problems During Lockdown

What to do if you have a dental problem during the COVID-19 pandemic

If you have a dental issue during lockdown, it is important that you know how to access help when you need it. All high street dental and orthodontic practices can give advice, guidance and prescriptions, which you can collect from your local pharmacy.

If you are in pain or in need of support and need help or advice, please telephone your dental practice in the usual way. If you are not registered with a dentist you can go to https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist or call the dental helpline:

  • Greater Manchester: 0333 332 3800

This may be because you have severe toothache or a dental infection, or you have noticed other changes inside your mouth such as a white orred patch, a lump or an ulcer that won’t heal. You will be assessed and given advice over the phone, which may result in a remote consultation with a dentist.

To support NHS services, it is important that you do not visit hospitals or doctors’ surgeries with dental problems.

This information is from the NHS England and NHS Improvement North West website

UK Government Recovery Strategy

The UK government has released new guidance on its proposed “recovery strategy” described as a “roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis”. The contents are listed below for reference.

The new guidance provides information on changes to the current restrictions in place since 23rd March 2020 and changes planned for the coming weeks and months.

Please note that although this is identified as guidance from the UK government it only applies in England. The devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have independent responsibility for their own approaches.

Click HERE to view the document on the government website.

Click HERE to download a copy of the PDF

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement on the proposals, 10 May 2020

Response from Keir Starmer, Leader of the Opposition, 11 May 2020

Continue reading

11am Minute of Silence Today

The Royal College of Nursing has joined forces with the Royal College of Midwives and UNISON – collectively representing more than a million NHS and public service staff – to campaign for a moment of reflection at 11am on Tuesday 28 April.

The minute’s silence will be held on International Workers’ Memorial Day. It will allow the nation to pay respect to those whose work involved caring, saving lives, and keeping key services running and the rest of the country safe, while showing support for families who have lost a loved one.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dame Donna Kinnair said:

“We’ve become used to hearing a great roar on a Thursday night for key workers, but this respectful silence will be a poignant reminder of the risks they run to keep us safe. I hope the public gets behind this with the same affection they show when applauding our people. 

“The silence is a simple show of respect for those who have paid the very highest price, but their loved ones must know the levels of gratitude we feel as a nation and take some comfort from that.”

Prime Minister’s Statement

Prime Minister’s statement outside 10 Downing Street on 27 April 2020 on the day he returned to work following his illness with Covid19.

Job Retention Scheme Claims

The government’s Job Retention Scheme is now live and taking claims.

Claim for 80% of your employee’s wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions, if you have put them on furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

You can find full information and guidance HERE

You can submit a claim HERE

Nightingale North West Hospital Opening

Please see below a message from Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall opening the new NHS Nightingale North West Hospital in Manchester.

HRH Duchess of Cornwall opens NHS Nightingale Manchester Hospital

GM Law Centre Covid19 Guide

Greater Manchester Law Centre has developed a guide to support residents and support organisations to assist people through the current health emergency.

This guide will be updated regularly as the situation develops. This guide is correct to 3rd April 2020. A downloadable version of the guide is available here

Whils

Press Conferences

A new page has been added to the LCA website for the UK government covid19 press conferences.

The page includes a link to the video of each press conference, a daily transcript / report and downloads of the slides used.

The page is available in the drop down menu on the Coronavirus (Covid19) menu tab. You can go directly to the page HERE

Reporting Lockdown Breaches

How to tell GMP about a possible breach of coronavirus (Covid-19) measures

Is it an emergency?

  • is there a threat to life (including road traffic incidents where someone is injured or the road is blocked)
  • does it feel like the situation could get heated or violent very soon
  • is there a risk of serious damage to property
  • is a serious offence in progress
  • there’s serious disruption to the public or there could be


If so, please call 999 now.If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS serviceExternal Link.

If you’re concerned about a business or venue that’s open and you don’t think it should be, please check the guidance on this first. 

We’re seeking to resolve situations where people appear to be or are contravening the government advice on physical social distancing and the stay at home measures without resorting to enforcement and issuing fines. 

Please only tell us about something if you feel there is a significant issue or breach which you think we need to know about.

Use the form available HERE to report any concerns about breaches of the regulations and where they are.

Corona Helpers Directory

Levy Corona Helpers have compiled a Street Directory of coordinators for help and support.

Contact your street coordinator in the first instance if you either need or can offer assistance. If your street does not have a coordinator email set up, please email levycoronahelpers@gmail.com

You can also inbox the LCH Admins on the Facebook group or if necessary, contact Carey by text on 07968 031085.

If you are hearing from people in your street and have issues arising that you are not sure how to deal with please let LCH know. All the Admins work full time, so it might be that they can’t respond immediately.

Please note Levenshulme Inspire is offering a Corona Phone Hotline for certain streets, check the list to see if it applies to your street.

Directory correct as at Sunday 5 April 2020

STREET NAMEEMAIL ADDRESS / CONTACT
Agnes StreetAgnesStLCH@gmail.com or Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Albert RoadAlbertRoadLCH@gmail.com   
Allandale RoadLindsayAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Barlow RoadBarlowRoadLCH@gmail.com 
Bournville GroveBournevillGroveLCH@gmail.com 
Bowler StreetBowlerStLCH@gmail.com 
Broom AvenueBroomAveLCH@gmail.com 
Broom LaneBroomLaneLCH@gmail.com 
Brook AvenueInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Carnegie AvenueCarnegieLincolnAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Carson RoadEltonCarsonLCH@gmail.com 
Collingwood RoadCollingwoodRdLC@gmail.com 
Craighall AvenueCraighallAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Crayfield RoadCrayfieldRoadLCH@gmail.com 
Cringle RoadCringleRoadLCH@gmail.com 
Cromwell GroveCromwellGroveLCH@gmail.com 
Cuthbert AvenueInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Damian StreetInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Danforth GroveDanforthGroveLCH@gmail.com 
Deepcar StreetInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Dorset RoadDorsetRoadLCH@gmail.com 
Elmsworth AvenueElmsworthAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Elton AvenueEltonCarsonLCH@gmail.com 
Fairview AvenueLindsayAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Fernleigh AvenueFernleighAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Forest RangeForestRangeLCH@gmail.com 
Garfield AvenueGarfieldAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Grange AvenueGrangeAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Guildford RoadGuildfordRoadLCH@gmail.com 
Hawley StreetHawleyStreetLCH@gmail.com 
Hemmons RoadInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Highfield RoadHighfieldRoadLCH@gmail.com 
Horstead WalkInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629 955
Kingsmill AvenueKingsmillAvenueLCH@gmail.com  
Kingsway AvenueKingswayAveLCH@gmail.com 
Langdale AvenueLangdaleAveLCH@gmail.com 
Langthorne StreetLangthorneStreetLCH@gmail.com 
Leybourne AvenueLeybourneAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Lincoln AvenueCarnegieLincolnAvenueLCH@gmail.com
Lindsay Avenue LindsayAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Lytham RoadLindsayAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Maida StreetInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Marley RoadMarleyRdLCH@gmail.com 
Marshall RoadMarshallRoadLCH@gmail.com 
Matthews LaneInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Mayford RoadInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Montreal StreetMontrealStreetLCH@gmail.com 
Newdale StreetInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Osborne RoadOsborneLCH@gmail.com 
Park AvenueParkAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Preston RoadPrestonRoadLCH@gmail.com 
Pascal StreetYorkAndPascalStreetLCH@gmail.com 
Prestage StreetInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Provident AvenueProvidentAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Randolph StreetInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Roseneath AvenueFernleighAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Seddon StreetInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
St. Mark’s StreetStMarksStreetLCH@gmail.com 
St. Oswald’s RoadInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Stovell AvenueInspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955
Thorncliffe GroveFernleighAvenueLCH@gmail.com 
Windsor RoadWindsorRoadLCH@gmail.com 
York StreetYorkAndPascalStreetLCH@gmail.com 

Manchester Covid19 Helpline launched

Announcement from Manchester City Council

Manchester Community Response

If you need help you can get it now by calling 0800 234 6123

We have set up a hub to support Manchester’s most vulnerable people, and help them cope with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.

We want to help you if you are:

  • over the age of 70, are self isolating and have no support network,
  • if you have received a letter from the NHS advising you are high risk, or
  • you are medically vulnerable according to the government criteria.

We can help with things like:

  • Delivery of food
  • Delivery of medication
  • Combating loneliness
  • Managing fuel top-up payments

Help is also be available for other reasons, for example if you are a carer, care leaver or young carer.

Across the City a community of charities, businesses, community groups and the Council have all come together to make sure you have the support you need during this challenging time.

Get help – 0800 234 6123

If you live alone, are struggling to make ends meet, are self-isolating or generally in need of advice or support please contact us between 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

Call our helpline to access the support you need.

Covid19 Advice in 34 Languages

Doctors of the World have developed Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for patients in 34 languages. These documents were produced in partnership with the British Red Cross, Migrant Help and Clear Voice. The guidance is based on the UK government’s updated advice and health information. It is hoped this will help important guidance reach migrant and asylum-seeking communities in the UK.

The advice is available in 34 languages: English, Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Bulgarian, Czech, Dari, Farsi, French, Gujarati, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Hungarian, Kurdish Sorani, Lithuanian, Malayalam, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Romanian, Sindhi, Slovak, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese.

You can find all files on the DOTW website HERE

These files are also available in our Resources section HERE

NHS Volunteer Responder Service

The government is setting up a NHS Volunteer Responder Service, hoping to recruit 250,000 people to do simple but vital tasks such as:

  • delivering medicines from pharmacies;
  • driving patients to appointments;
  • bringing them home from hospital;
  • or making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home.

The NHS Volunteer Responders Service is not intended to replace local groups helping their vulnerable neighbours but is an additional service provided by the NHS.

View the announcement HERE

You can become an NHS Volunteer Responder and join the NHS’s trusted list of volunteers by clicking HERE

Support For Extremely Vulnerable People

Get support as an extremely vulnerable person

Register if you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. For example, you’ll be able to ask for help getting deliveries of essential supplies like food.

If you’re not sure whether your medical condition makes you extremely vulnerable, register anyway.

You can register yourself, or on behalf of someone else.

Start now

Before you start

If you know it, it’s useful to have your NHS number to hand. You can find it on any letter the NHS has sent you or on a prescription.

This service is available in England. If you do not live in England, there’s guidance for:

Prime Minister’s Statement To The Nation

In an address to the nation tonight the Prime Minister has introduced emergency controls and restrictions on people’s movements.

That’s it. We’re in lockdown.

  • All non essential shops will close.
  • Police will enforce restrictions including dispersing gatherings.
  • Only essential travel to / from work allowed.
  • No meetings with more than two people in public.
  • Only essential shopping and medical visits allowed.
  • One form of exercise daily only.

These measures will last for three weeks in the first instance.

The message is stay at home to save lives.

  • View the Prime Minister’s speech HERE
  • Read the full transcript the Prime Minister’s speech HERE
  • Read the full guidance HERE
  • A more detailed list of businesses that must close and those businesses and services that can remain open is available HERE