Current UK Risk Level: HIGH

The risk to the UK has been raised to high (as of 13/03/2020).

As of 13 Mar, UK is in the ‘delay’ phase of the government’s action plan to limit the spread of the virus.

 

Current UK Situation

• As of 9am on 10 May, 1,334,770 people have been tested, of which 219,183 tested positive. As of 5pm on 9 May, of those tested positive for coronavirus in the UK, 31,855 have died. You can view the latest UK dashboard and cases by local authority here. In Suffolk there are  1,281 confirmed cases, broken down by Districts & Boroughs as follows (highest rate of cases in Ipswich, followed by East Suffolk):

 

East Suffolk	506	203.8 per 100,000 resident
Mid Suffolk	151	147.3 per 100,000 resident
West Suffolk	188	105.1 per 100,000 resident
Babergh	123	134.6 per 100,000 resident
Ipswich	313	227.6 per 100,000 resident
Suffolk	1281	168.9 per 100,000 resident

• Government’s Daily Press Conference: 10 May – transcript available here.
  • PM will be setting out more details in Parliament today (11 May) and taking questions from the public in the evening.
  • New Covid Alert System run by a new Joint Biosecurity Centre. Covid Alert Level, which will be determined primarily by R and the number of coronavirus cases, will tell us how tough we have to be in our social distancing measures. There will be 5 levels: Level One means the disease is no longer present in the UK and Level Five is the most critical – the kind of situation we could have had if the NHS had been overwhelmed.
  • Over the period of the lockdown we have been in Level Four, and we are now in a position to begin to move in steps to Level Three. Currently we have the R below one, between 0.5 and 0.9 – but potentially only just below one.
  • There are 2 more thing we must do – reverse rapidly the awful epidemics in care homes and in the NHS and have a system for testing potential victims, and for tracing their contacts.
  • We have by no means fulfilled all of them (the five tests for easing lockdown). This is not the time simply to end the lockdown this week. Instead we are taking the first careful steps to modify our measures:
    • Anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work, but avoid public transport if at all possible.
    • From this Wednesday, people can take unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise. You can sit in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can play sports but only with members of your own household.
    • We will increase the fines for the small minority who break social distancing rues.
  • In step two – at the earliest by June 1 – we believe we may be in a position to begin phased reopening of shops and to get primary pupils back into schools, in stages, beginning with reception, Year 1 and Year 6.
  • In step three – at the earliest by July – and subject to all these conditions and further scientific advice, we will hope to re-open at least some of the hospitality industry and other public places, provided they are safe and enforce social distancing.
  • I am serving notice that it will soon be the time to impose quarantine on people coming into this country (the initial statement says to those coming by air, but the government later clarified that the rules would apply to those arriving by other means of travel as well)
  • New slogan – Stay alert, control the virus and save lives.
  • Press conference slides with the latest data from COBR coronavirus fact file (transport use, new cases, hospital admissions, deaths) and datasets available here.
  • View past press conferences on YouTube
• £2 billion package to create new era for cycling and walking – Pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors will be created in England within weeks. An updated Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy will be launched in the summer, including: the creation of a national cycling and walking commissioner and inspectorate; higher standards for permanent infrastructure across England; getting GPs to prescribe cycling and exercise; creating a long-term budget for cycling and walking similar to what happens for roads.
• Countering online child sexual exploitation and abuse during the coronavirus pandemic – The Minister of State for Security writes to industry partners on countering online child sexual exploitation and abuse during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Domestic abuse charities can apply for vital funds (see application guidance in the table below) – The money will be used to support additional refuge bed spaces and specialist support and a further £6 million will also be given to homelessness charities to support their work during this time.
• BBC: Use common sense to see loved ones outdoors – Dominic Raab confirms people in England can meet up with other people outside their household as long as they are outside and stay 2m apart. The new rule is part of a 50-page guidance document to be published by the government later.
• BBC: UK split over the new “stay alert” messaging – Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland reject No 10’s new “stay alert” message, preferring to stick with “stay at home”.
• BBC: Global Picture
  • China reported 17 new cases on Monday and there is growing concern over a cluster in north-eastern Shulan city in Jilin province.
  • In South Korea, renewed restrictions have been imposed after a series of new transmissions linked to Seoul’s nightlife district.
  • In Germany, official data shows the infection rate has risen after lockdown was eased.
  • France and Spain are set for a relaxation this week.
  • All Australians will soon be allowed to visit friends and family and schools are starting to reopen.
  • New Zealand continues to take similar steps, while India is resuming some train services.
• The Guardian: Boris Johnson announces five-tier coronavirus alert system – Discusses what each tier might look like.
• NHS England: Nursing leaders are asking the public to ‘shine a light’ to mark International Nurses Day on Tuesday (12 May) and recognise the extraordinary work that their colleagues are doing in the fight against coronavirus.
• NHS urges veterans to get help despite coronavirus outbreak

 

Suffolk

 

Hearts for Care Homes: Not having contact with loved ones has been difficult for all of us during the coronavirus pandemic, but has been particularly hard for people in care homes and on dementia wards. Suffolk Parent Carer network have launched a campaign called #HeartsForCareHomes to help people feel closer to their families while also learning new skills. They are asking people across Suffolk to knit or crochet pairs of hearts. One will then be given to the patient or resident and the other sent to their family, in turn helping bring them together despite the circumstances. For more information visit; https://spcn.org.uk/parent-carer-support/hearts-for-care-homes-3/

One day in Lockdown: Mass Observation are encouraging people to record a one-day lock-down diary for tomorrow (12^th May), as part of the ten year anniversary of their 12^th May Diary Project, where each year on that day they encourage people to submit a diary entry – see:  http://www.massobs.org.uk/write-for-us/12th-may . Since March they have also been asking people to document their experiences of Covid-19 by taking part in a number of projects, with more details here: http://www.massobs.org.uk/about/what-s-on/205-covid19

 

Suffolk Voluntary Sector COVID-19 Impact Survey: Community Action Suffolk’s Voluntary Sectory Covid-19 Impact survey closes today. This is the second survey CAS have run to evaluate the needs of the sector during this challenging and ever changing time. Visit; https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CAS-VCSE-Survey-May-2020

New Anglia LEP Growth Hub Support: The Growth Hub’s team of Business Advisers for Norfolk & Suffolk continue to be available to offer fully funded and impartial business support. If you’re in need of business support or just need a friendly voice to talk through your business worries with, get in touch with them. Their advisers will be able to speak with you during the Growth Hub’s opening hours of Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0300 333 6536 or email growthhub@newanglia.co.uk. For more information or to access their Covid-19 toolkit visit: www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk/

Suffolk Wellbeing service resources: Suffolk Wellbeing Service are continuing to offer a series or regular free webinars exploring how we can all look after our mental health and emotional wellbeing in these challenging times. The session will cover various hints and tips to help attendees look after their understandable worries, stress and low mood during what is a particularly challenging time. This is a live online presentation, where attendees log in on your computer, phone or tablet. A clinician will present the workshop via webcam. For more information on this and other resources available please visit; www.wellbeingnands.co.uk/suffolk/get-support/courses/

Domestic Violence 24 Hour Helpline: For some, having to isolate at home as a family will be a truly frightening experience. Domestic Abuse support services are still available to support them. The number of domestic abuse incidents will rise during the coronavirus outbreak. Being asked to stay at home, uncertainty over jobs and money may lead to increased stress within households. COVID-19 is not an excuse for abuse. National Domestic Violence 24 hour helpline – 0808 200 0247/Respect Phoneline ‘Are you hurting the one you love? Choose to stop.’ – 0808 802 4040

 

Useful Websites (any new guidance is in RED)

The existing guidance is being updated extremely regularly so please check any guidance relevant to your area to ensure that you are accessing the most up to date version. We are not including in this table all the published material but some of the key guidance that would be relevant to Suffolk County Council and our partners

 

	Title	Who For	Comments
NEW	Reallocating road space in response to COVID-19: statutory guidance for local authorities	local authorities	Guidance for local authorities on managing their road networks in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and encouraging cycling and walking.
NEW	Domestic abuse safe accommodation: COVID-19 emergency support fund	domestic abuse charities	This prospectus provides prospective bidders with information on how to apply for funding and how the assessment process will work.
NEW	Coronavirus Act 2020: status		A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020, such as emergency registration of health professionals, social care workers, volunteers, registration of deaths, food supply and other measures.
NEW	Help the government increase coronavirus (COVID-19) testing capacity	businesses	This guidance sets out what’s needed, how to help and contact information.
NEW	Check if you can get Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours free childcare during coronavirus (COVID-19)		Find out about temporary changes that may affect you if you’re applying for, or already getting, Tax-Free Childcare or 30 hours free childcare.
UPDATED	Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings	staff, parents and carers, pupils and students.	Updated Further Education guidance to include new sections on high needs funding for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and traineeship flexibilities. It also includes updates on functional skills flexibility in apprenticeships and acceptance of confirmation emails for qualification achievement from awarding organisations. Updated guidance on ‘Conducting a SEND risk assessment during the coronavirus outbreak’
UPDATED	Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments	people who buy care and support through a direct payment, local authorities, clinical commissioning groups and those who provide care and support	The guidance attachment and the Q&A attachment have been updated to make sure they’re consistent with the latest PPE guidance from Public Health England, in particular what PPE should be worn during a time of sustained COVID-19 transmission. Also, questions have been added to the Q&A attachment on footwear, the use papers towels and responsibility for paying for PPE.
1	NHS – COVID-19 go-to page	General Public – this is the only site we should be promoting to the public for information
2	GOV.UK – COVID-19 homepage	Main cover webpage for all government guidance for public & professionals alike
3	Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance	Main collection of guidance for anyone in any setting	Includes: – Guidance for the public (incl. social distancing and shielding) – Guidance for non-clinical settings (incl. cleaning, educational settings, employees, employers, businesses, residential care, supported living and home care) – Guidance for health professionals – Infection prevention and control (incl. PPE) – Sampling and diagnostics
4	Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)	Everyone
5	Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do	Everyone
6	Coronavirus: How to help safely	Everyone
7	Coronavirus (COVID-19): Accessing food and essential supplies	Everyone
8	Mental health support and advice from: WHO mentalhealth.org.uk Ipswich & East CCG Living Life To The Full NHS Practitioner Wellbeing Samaritans	General public, staff and carers
9	Chronic disease self- care during COVID-19: Asthma Diabetes	General public
10	Coronavirus (COVID-19): adult social care guidance	social care
11	Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services	local authorities and their partners	Guidance updated to reflect the temporary changes made in the Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.
12	European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) COVID-19 homepage	Professionals
13	COVID-19 Hospital Cases Tracker – Quick View for Suffolk	Everyone

 

 

Local Resources:

Below are any local resources that would be relevant to Suffolk County Council and our partners.  

 

	Title	Who For	Comments
	New Anglia: Employment Opportunities in Key Sectors in Norfolk and Suffolk	Individuals and Businesses wanting to know what employment opportunities are available in some of our key sectors	The New Anglia LEP – alongside other partners including local authorities – have pulled together lists and links to key employment roles needed now as part of the response to the current crisis.
	Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership	Everyone	The website aims to help everyone understand the signs of neglect or abuse and what to do if they are worried about a child or an adult.
	NEW ANGLIA GROWTH HUB	Businesses needing support ­	A one stop shop source of information for government support and guidance available to  businesses including 121 business advice sources of business grants and loans.
	Healthy Suffolk: COVID-19 Emotional Wellbeing, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Information Hub	Everyone	This page contains links to a wealth of resources and support for your health and wellbeing.
	Suffolk County Council: Coronavirus information	Everyone	Suffolk County Council coronavirus (COVID-19) information, including health advice, service changes, business support and schools guidance.
	Keep Moving Suffolk	Everyone	The website contains free resources, ideas, tips, useful links and positive stories to encourage people to stay active during these unprecedented times.  The website and our social channels will be constantly updated.

 

 

Global: WHO Situation Report – reports available here

• WHO RISK ASSESSMENT (Global Level) – Very High
• WHO Covid-19 Dashboard for professionals using near real time data.
• GOARN COVID-19 Knowledge hub – central repository of quality public health information, guidance, tools and webinars which can be accessed freely at any point.

 

Situation in Numbers WHO SitRep 111, 10 May