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 3 May, 882,343 people have been tested of which 186,599 tested positive. As of 5pm on 2 May, of those tested positive for coronavirus in the UK, 28,446 have sadly died (deaths in all settings not just in hospitals).  In Suffolk there are 1,105 confirmed cases. You can view the latest UK dashboard and cases by local authority here. 
• Government’s Daily Press Conference: 3 May – as of 10AM, transcript not available

• • At the end of this week the prime minister will reveal his “roadmap” to get the UK out of lockdown
  • NHS contact-tracing app aimed at limiting a second wave of coronavirus will be tested  on the Isle of Wight this week
  • 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

• Testing update:

• • 100,000 testing goal met – the number of tests on the last day of April was 122,347
  • As part of the test, track and trace plan, initial 18,000 contact tracers will be in place by mid-May
  • Tracking and tracing will allow us to get R down, and hold R down, and so it will allow us to lift lockdown measures. R is the reproduction number – the average number of people that one infected person will pass the virus on to – which rates a disease’s ability to spread.

• New Bounce Back Loans to launch today – Britain’s small businesses will be able to apply for quick and easy-to access loans of up to £50,000 from today – with the cash expected to land within days.
• Reopening of fertility services – New guidance will allow clinics to reopen if they can prove measures to protect staff and patients are in place.
• Emergency funding to support most vulnerable in society during pandemic – Communities Secretary announces £76 million extra funding to support survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and vulnerable children and their families and victims of modern slavery.
• Government taskforce on rough sleeping during pandemic – Spearheaded by Dame Louise Casey, the taskforce will work hand-in-hand with councils across the country to ensure rough sleepers can move into long-term, safe accommodation once the immediate crisis is over – ensuring as few people as possible return to life on the streets.
• Top-up to local business grant funds scheme – A discretionary fund has been set up to accommodate certain small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme.
• NHS England is urging people to attend all regular vaccination appointments to prevent outbreaks of serious diseases and reduce pressure on the health service
• Potential Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms reported through NHS Pathways and 111 online – This data is based on potential COVID-19 symptoms reported by members of the public to NHS Pathways through NHS 111 or 999 and 111 online,  and is not based on the outcomes of tests for coronavirus.
• Institute for Government: Lifting lockdown – How to approach a coronavirus exit strategy by balancing competing demands and making unpalatable trade-offs based on imperfect information.
• COVID-19 with Chris Whitty – What is COVID-19, how has it been managed and what role will science play in combating it? Gresham Professor of Physic (and Chief Medical Officer for England) Chris Whitty explains what we know – and what we don’t.
• BBC: Possible post-lockdown workplace rules – reduced hot-desking, staggered shifts and continued home-working wherever possible are all among measures being considered.
• BBC: The science behind the two-metre rule – Many scientists regard close proximity and surface contacts as the main routes of transmission.
• BBC: New Coronavirus drug developed by UK scientists is being trialled in Southampton.
• BBC: France, Italy and Spain have registered the lowest daily death tolls for weeks as they begin easing restrictions on public life.

 

image004.jpg@01D62214.32775520″ src=”http://www.rwsfm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/image004.jpg” style=”width: 3.3472in; height: 2.1111in;” width=”321″ hspace=”8″ height=”203″ align=”right”> Suffolk

 

Home, But Not Alone: A postcard (image on the right) has been sent on behalf of the Collaborative Communities Covid-19 Board to every home in Suffolk with details of the emergency phoneline (0800 876 6926). It is essential that we make everyone aware that there is emergency help and support available. There are hundreds of people who are not online, or do not have access the internet, so it is incredibly important than we reach out to all Suffolk homes. Sadly, we know that people’s circumstances will change and the number of people, and the types of people, who need help will grow and evolve as the pandemic continues. This support will exist throughout the longer term phases of the pandemic – it is not a temporary solution. It is important to reiterate that this helpline is only for those who are in urgent need of help and support. It is not a general helpline for any Coronavirus enquiry. For those who can get online, there is lots of helpful information at suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/home-but-not-alone/

 

 

 

Cyber Aware: The government have published advice on how to stay secure online during coronavirus. With many of us spending more time online the advice helps you keep yourself and your family secure. Visit; www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home

 

Pension Scams: Some fraudsters are using the coronavirus pandemic to offer guidance or advice on pensions via fake websites. Suffolk Trading Standards have urged people to make sure they are using the official Pension Wise website; https://pensionwise.gov.uk/en or you can call 0800 138 3944 to get free, expert guidance about pension options.

 

Safe space for domestic abuse victims: Boots are offering a safe space for domestic abuse victims. Those needing help can ask staff at the counter to use the consultation room, where they will be able to contact services for help and advice. For more information click here

Suffolk Fire and Rescue advice for staying fire safe at home: With everyone at home a lot more now, there are two easy things you can do, to be fire safe. 1. Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working and 2. Don’t overload your sockets. This tool from Electrical safety first can help; www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/overloading-sockets/

Vaccinations: Local Clinical Commissioning groups are urging people to keep themselves and their children up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations protect against serious illnesses so appointments should not be missed. GP practices can help if you have any questions about attending appointments during this time. For more information on vaccinations visit; www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

 

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	SignHealth Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and information	those looking for information in sign language	Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and information in British Sign Language, including 2 Minute Daily Coronavirus Updates.
UPDATED	What parents and carers need to know about schools and education during the coronavirus outbreak	parents and carers	Added information about the May bank holiday, a link to the admissions appeals and updates to the support is available to parents to help them educate their children at home.
UPDATED	Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information	critical workers and their household members	Updated to reflect latest testing information and added quick read version of the privacy information.
UPDATED	Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings	staff, parents and carers, pupils and students.	Updated ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020’ to reflect Ofqual consultation closing. Updated ‘Induction for newly qualified teachers during the coronavirus outbreak’. Absences related to the coronavirus outbreak will not trigger an automatic extension of the induction.
UPDATED	Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)	Everyone	Updated to further clarify the requirements of the Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020, and add information on clinically vulnerable people. Clinically vulnerable people are: aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions), or under 70 with an underlying health condition (that is, anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds).
UPDATED	Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do	Everyone	The changes reflect the updated regulations, including: – There is no time restriction on being outdoors for exercise, but do not linger and go home immediately. – Advises against unnecessary travel to an open space, unless, for example, it is difficult to exercise locally and follow the guidelines. – individuals with learning disabilities or autism may require specific exercise in an open space two or three times each day – ideally in line with a formal care plan agreed with a medical professional.
UPDATED	Closing certain businesses and venues	businesses	updated to further clarify the requirements of The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020. Parks can remain open.
UPDATED	Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding – guidance for businesses	businesses	updated with information on tax
UPDATED	Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)	businesses	Bounce Back Loan scheme is open now.
UPDATED	Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme	employees	New section for maternity allowance and added links to: shared parental pay guidance; webinar; help and support page for businesses affected by coronavirus
UPDATED	Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested	critical workers who are self-isolating	Added personal care assistants to list of essential workers
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 – 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	Coronavirus: How to help safely	Everyone
5	Coronavirus (COVID-19): Accessing food and essential supplies	Everyone
6	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
7	Chronic disease self- care during COVID-19: Asthma Diabetes	General public
8	Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services	local authorities and their partners
9	Coronavirus (COVID-19): adult social care guidance	social care
10	Support for the bereaved	bereaved families, friends or next of kin
11	European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) COVID-19 homepage	Professionals
12	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 104, 3 May (new since last 24hrs)

Location	Confirmed	Deaths
Globally	3 349 786 cases(82 763)	238 628 deaths (8657)
Europe	1 518 895 cases(27 032)	142 667 deaths (2081)
Americas	1 384 641 cases(44 050)	78 409 deaths(6213)
Eastern Mediterranean	200 609 cases(5618)	7871 deaths (130)
Western Pacific	151 444 cases(1041)	6229 deaths (63)
South-East Asia	64 047 cases(3557)	2375 deaths (119)
Africa	29 438 cases(1465)	1064 deaths(51)