Health & Wellbeing

The UK could see about 120,000 new coronavirus deaths in a second wave of infections this winter, scientists say.

Asked to model a "reasonable" worst-case scenario, they suggest a range between 24,500 and 251,000 of virus-related deaths in hospitals alone, peaking in January and February. To date, there have been 44,830 official deaths in the UK, but this has slowed with 1,100 in July.

The estimate does not take into account any lockdowns, treatments or vaccines.

And the scientists say: "The risk... could be reduced if we take action immediately".

The report, requested by the UK's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, stresses there is still a high degree of uncertainty over how the coronavirus pandemic will play out this winter. But research suggests the virus can survive longer in colder conditions and is more likely to spread when people spend more time indoors. And experts are concerned the NHS will be under extreme pressure, not just from a resurgence of coronavirus but also from seasonal flu and a backlog of regular, non-coronavirus workload.

The health service is already severely disrupted in the aftermath of the first pandemic wave, with a waiting list that could stand at 10 million by the end of this year, the report says.

Prof Stephen Holgate, a respiratory specialist from University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, who chaired the report, said: "This is not a prediction - but it is a possibility. The modelling suggests that deaths could be higher with a new wave of Covid-19 this winter. But the risk of this happening could be reduced if we take action immediately."

With relatively low numbers of coronavirus cases at the moment, "this is a critical window of opportunity to help us prepare for the worst that winter can throw at us", he added.

Less pessimistic winter scenarios are also possible, with coronavirus deaths in the thousands.

The report makes it clear there is a high degree of uncertainty in the projected death figures.
It is not a prediction of what will happen, rather what might. Researchers can model likely scenarios. But simulations rest on assumptions that do not always play out in real life.
Change any of the parameters slightly, and you get very different projections.

The overall message, however, is clear - prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Currently, coronavirus deaths and cases in the UK are down, which gives the nation a chance to reflect and plan for a second wave. Keeping infection rates low as Britain emerges from lockdown will be critical in controlling the disease.

The virus has not gone away. And we do not have a vaccine for it yet.
But there are things we can all do, including isolating and getting tested if we develop symptoms.

Co-author Prof Dame Anne Johnson, from the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: "Faced with these potential challenges, and after an already tough year, it would be easy to feel hopeless and powerless. But this report shows that we can act now to change things for the better."

It recommends:

increasing capacity of the test-and-trace programme, to cope with the overlapping symptoms of coronavirus, flu and other winter infections
getting more people vaccinated against flu
ensuring hospitals and care homes have enough personal protective equipment (PPE)
creating coronavirus-free zones in hospitals and care homes, to halt infections

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said planning was already under way for dealing with the expected surge in demand on the NHS this winter.

The government had procured enough flu vaccine to roll out the "biggest flu vaccine programme in history" and was working on setting up a coronavirus vaccination programme should a successful vaccine be found, he added.

A government statement said: "We remain vigilant and the government will ensure the necessary resources are in place to avoid a second peak that would overwhelm our NHS."

MPs have called for the government to clarify its position on face coverings, after the PM said a "stricter" approach to their use in England was needed. Senior sources have said the government is considering making face coverings mandatory in shops in England to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he was "in favour" of the change, adding a simple public message was key.

Labour MP Jonathan Ashworth said "strong and clear guidance" was needed.

When a further 148 deaths were recently recorded in the UK, it brought the total number of recorded deaths to 44,798.

Face coverings have, in recent days, been compulsory in shops in Scotland, while currently people in England are advised to wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces where social distancing is not possible - on top of the mandatory requirement to wear one on public transport and when visiting hospitals.

Mr Hunt, chair of the Commons Health Select Committee, said he understood the current advice but it did not answer the "basic question" of whether people needed to wear a face covering when shopping. He said: "I think with public health advice in a pandemic, you just need simplicity so I would favour saying we should wear face masks in shops."

It came as Boris Johnson was pictured wearing a face covering for the first time while visiting businesses in his Uxbridge constituency.

The UK government was initially hesitant - in the early days of the coronavirus crisis - about advising people to wear face coverings, arguing the scientific evidence that they reduce transmission was "weak".

However, rules compelling people to wear face masks on public transport in England were introduced on 15 June.

And Mr Johnson said "the balance of scientific opinion seems to have shifted more in favour of them than it was, and we're very keen to follow that".

He told a Facebook Q&A with the public: "I do think we need to be stricter in insisting people wear face coverings in confined spaces where they are meeting people they don't normally meet.

"We are looking at ways of making sure that people really do have face coverings in shops, for instance, where there is a risk of transmission."

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford said he did not think the evidence on the benefits of wearing facemasks was "decisive" yet but said the "balance is shifting".

He said the view of the chief medical officer for Wales was still that face coverings should be recommended but not required. However, he said if the weight of evidence changed "then we will change our policy".

The rules on face coverings vary across the nations. People in Wales are being asked to wear non-medical face coverings where social distancing is not possible. In Northern Ireland, wearing face coverings on public transport became mandatory on 10 July.

Shadow health secretary Ashworth said it was "welcome" ministers were looking again at the evidence on face masks.

"We urge ministers to conclude this review rapidly to provide the strong and clear guidance needed," he wrote on Twitter.

Following the national applause to pay tribute to its staff on the 72nd anniversary of the National Health Service, it was announced that plans to adequately fund the social care sector us set to be put in place.

As a World War Two Spitfire plane with the words ‘Thank U NHS’ painted on its underside tipped its wings above hospitals and the homes of fundraisers and volunteers, to recognise the way people have supported it during the pandemic, it was announced that social care reform is needed within a year.

NHS England boss Sir Simon Stevens said that the Covid-19 crisis had shone a "very harsh spotlight" on the "resilience" of the care system and that there was a need to "decisively answer" how high quality care could be provided long-term.

After the World War II Spitfire plane with the words ‘Thank U NHS’ painted on its underside tipped its wings above hospitals and the homes of fundraisers and volunteers, to recognise the way people have supported the NHS and local communities during the pandemic, Sir Simon said the Covid-19 pandemic should be used to give momentum to plans to overhaul how the system works.

"If any good is to come from this, we must use this as a moment to resolve once and for all to actually properly resource and reform the way in which social care works in this country," he said.

"The reality is that after at least two decades of talking about it, we do not have a fair and properly resourced adult social care system with a proper set of workforce supports."

He added: "I would hope by the time we are sitting down this time next year on the 73rd birthday of the NHS that we have actually, as a country, been able to decisively answer the question of how are we going to fund and provide high-quality social care for my parents' generation.

"If you take back the history coming out of the Second World War, the country at that point was on austerity.

"The founders of the NHS did not use that as a moment to hesitate, they said, 'let one of the legacies of the war be the creation of the NHS'.

"That's the same legacy we need for long-term care support in social care coming out of coronavirus."

The National Health Service was launched on 5 July 1948, with the core principle that it is free at the point of delivery and is based on clinical need.

Only 22% of people testing positive for coronavirus reported having symptoms on the day of their test, according to the Office for National Statistics.

This hammers home the importance of "asymptomatic transmission" - spread of the virus by people who aren't aware they're carrying it. Health and social care staff appeared to be more likely to test positive.

This comes as deaths from all causes in the UK fell to below the average for the second week in a row. Between the end of March and June, there were 59,000 more deaths than the five-year average

While the ONS survey includes relatively small numbers of positive swab tests (120 infections in all) making it hard to make any strong conclusions about who is most likely to be infected, there are some patterns coming through in the data:

• Those in people-facing health or social care roles, and working outside their homes in general, were more likely to have a positive test.
• People from ethnic minority backgrounds were more likely to have a positive antibody test, suggesting a past infection.
• White people were the least likely proportionally to test positive for antibodies.
• There was also some evidence that people living in larger households were more likely to test positive than those in smaller households.

Although men are more likely to die from coronavirus than women, this study did not find a difference in how likely they were to contract the infection.

The figures are based on tests of people selected at random in homes in England - people living in care homes or other institutions are not included in this study. Some people testing positive without symptoms might go on to develop symptoms, or they may have already had symptoms and cleared them.

The prime minister talked about how asymptomatic spread may have contributed to coronavirus cases in care homes.

His comments provoked anger in the care home sector when he suggested, "too many care homes didn't really follow the procedures". His Business Secretary Alok Sharma later said he'd meant that "nobody at the time knew what the correct procedures were", because of a lack of understanding of levels of asymptomatic transmission at the start of the outbreak.

Asymptomatic transmission was warned of by the World Health Organization and the government's scientific advisors, but they weren't able to quantify how great a risk it was.

People around the UK are being urged to celebrate and commemorate health, care and other essential workers this weekend to mark the 72nd birthday of the NHS, says UNISON.

It will culminate in what is hoped to be the biggest ever clap for carers on Sunday (5 July) as the country shows its appreciation for the health service and those who have been keeping people safe throughout the pandemic.

UNISON has become a partner in the /Together coalition, which has the goal of healing divisions in society and reuniting communities over the course of the next decade. It is backed by NHS bodies, businesses, civil society organisations and celebrities.

On the evening of July 4, the group set to call on everyone to commemorate coronavirus victims, whether key workers or members of the public, by putting a light or a LED candle in their window to show support.

Then at 5pm on Sunday, the anniversary of the NHS’ creation, people across the UK are encouraged to join the biggest ever ‘clap for carers’ to thank all key workers, as well as safely raise a cup of tea – or a drink of their choice – with their neighbours.

UNISON also hopes that everyone will act responsibly as the birthday celebrations coincide with the reopening of pubs in many parts of the UK.

UNISON regional secretary Ravi Subramanian said: “As a society we’re living through troubled times, and sadly we’re not out of the woods yet. Communities and families have been devastated by the virus, which has taken too many lives, kept loved ones apart and made people fear for the future.

“But we can come together, as demonstrated by the weekly claps from our doorsteps and balconies showing our appreciation for those who’ve been keeping us safe.“This is an opportunity to give thanks and thoughts for all those who’ve lost their lives, as well as recognising the wonders of the health service, social care sector and other essential public services.“As the lockdown eases, we must all remain careful. No one wants to spoil anyone's fun as pubs reopen but behaving sensibly is vital, if the NHS is to be protected and the virus is to be kept at bay.

“Overwhelming our emergency services is the last thing that's needed when this weekend is all about celebrating and showing appreciation for our wonderful NHS.”

Boris Johnson is to urge the public to "act responsibly" when lockdown is eased in England on Saturday.

A number of businesses - including restaurants, pubs, hairdressers and cinemas - will be allowed to open their doors for the first time since March.

But at a press conference on Friday, the PM will warn "we are not out of the woods yet" when it comes to the virus.

The rule change comes days after a local lockdown was put in place in Leicester because of a spike in cases.

Businesses and schools in the city will have to remain closed, with residents advised not to travel.

Mr Johnson announced the upcoming changes to lockdown measures last week, along with an easing of social distancing rules from 2m to "one metre plus".

In Friday's speech, he is expected to say the move is about "supporting the livelihoods of business owners and their employees up and down the country".

He will praise the "heroic efforts" of the businesses to get ready for Saturday, but will add: "The success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them, and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly. We must not let them down.

"Just as when we first locked down, we will only succeed in reopening if everyone works together. Because we are not out of the woods yet. The virus is still with us and the spike in Leicester has shown that."/GETTY

The PM will also reiterate that the government "will not hesitate in putting on the brakes and re-imposing restrictions" if there is a spike in the virus as a result of the changes.

"Anyone who flouts social distancing and Covid-secure rules is not only putting us all at risk but letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for this new normal," he will add.

Each UK nation's lockdown measures differ, including varying rules on the reopening of food and drink outlets.

In Scotland, beer gardens and outdoor restaurants will be allowed to reopen from 6 July, and indoor areas can be used from 15 July. In Northern Ireland, pubs and restaurants can open from 3 July.

The Welsh government has promised talks with the hospitality sector about a "potential phased" reopening, but no dates have yet been given.

 One in ten UK couples say lockdown has led them to plan a new baby, a national study* has revealed.

Those most likely to plan for a lockdown baby live in London (18%), the North-east (18%) and Yorkshire & The Humber (14%), according to research by financial comparison experts money.co.uk. 

Seven per cent of couples have already fallen pregnant while forced to isolate under the new quarantine regulations, according to the poll.

A third (34%) of couples said they are taking the opportunity to make more time for each other whilst conforming to ‘stay at home’ guidelines.

The personal finance experts at money.co.uk have now prepared a parental calculator https://www.money.co.uk/guides/parental-leave-calculator designed to easily show would-be parents how much maternity and paternity leave they can afford to take off, according to their personal financial situation.

Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at money.co.uk, said: “It definitely looks like we can expect a lot of lockdown babies to be born in early 2021.

“Ensuring you are financially prepared for the arrival of a new addition to the family is really important, so if you are considering getting pregnant now is the time to start budgeting to avoid any costly surprises when the bundle of joy arrives in 2021.”

Lockdown has meant many couples are spending much less money, so can use that additional disposable income to press ahead with plans to have a baby.

Almost a quarter of couples (23%) said lockdown has meant they’ve had the opportunity to save money and try for a baby immediately. And yet, for most, the decision is an emotional one rather than a mathematical one. More than half (51%) said planning a baby is ruled by their heart, with 49% admitting the decision is ruled by their head.

Under lockdown, what’s the most popular way to break the happy news that a new baby is on the way? Seventeen percent of expectant couples will tell their loved ones their happy news through a video call via Skype, Zoom or other video apps. 16% would call their family on the phone, 15% will wait until lockdown is over and 12% would tell their family in person but at a safe distance.

Lockdown has made family far more important than ever before, the report shows. Three in 10 of those polled say they appreciate their family more than ever since lockdown started. And 28% say, as a result of being quarantined, they plan to make more time for their family after lockdown. Another 34% say they now speak to their family more than they ever did before lockdown.

The change in the priorities of UK families means a new baby boom could be on the cards too. 

Salman Haqqi added: “While having a child at any time is a true moment of happiness for everyone involved, it can also be a time of nervousness and worry. It is important to note that for most couples, 'is having a baby affordable' is the prime motivation behind their planning.

“With this in mind we’ve developed our parental calculator – which is designed to offer some reassurance to would-be-parents. Simply answer a few straightforward questions about your personal financial circumstances and our calculator will show you how much maternity and paternity leave you can afford to take off.

“It is also clear we are spending much more time together as families and we are not getting on each other’s nerves either – in fact, just 6% say lockdown has led to family fall-outs, with 30% of the UK claiming lockdown has changed their priorities and made them realise family is now much more important to them.”

Public Health England (PHE) has today issued a heat warning encouraging vulnerable people to take care during the exceptionally hot weather forecast this week.

People ‘shielding’ indoors from COVID-19, older people, those with underlying health conditions, and very young children are all more vulnerable from the higher temperatures.

Emer OConnell, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health England said: “Most of us look forward to the warmer weather but some people may find it more difficult to cope with these higher temperatures.  Older people, those with underlying health conditions and very young children are more at risk in hot weather. 

“This summer, many of us are spending more time at home due to COVID-19, especially those who are shielding as they are at high risk of developing severe infection. It is important that we continue to check up on older people, and those with underlying health conditions, particularly if they are living alone and may be socially isolated as we know that a lot of homes can overheat.

“You will need to do things differently this year, for example keeping in touch by phone. If you need to provide direct care to someone at risk from hot weather, follow government guidance on how to do this safely. The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and know how to keep their homes cool.”

Health Minister Jo Churchill said: “With plenty of sunshine and soaring temperatures expected over the coming days, many of us across the UK will be outside making the most of the fantastic weather while following the social distancing rules.

“It’s important, however, to make sure you stay safe in the sun: apply sunscreen regularly, stay hydrated, and protect your head from the sun. Look out for those who are vulnerable in the heat, and provide support where needed, continuing to follow social distancing guidance.”

Some of the key things we can all consider doing during the hot weather to ensure we enjoy the sun while staying safe, include:

Advice for keeping healthy:

• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, everyone is at risk of dehydration in hot temperatures, but babies, children and older people are particularly vulnerable.
• Stay cool indoors: open windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside; shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight; move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping.
• Slow down when it is hot: exertion heats up our bodies so plan any strenuous activities (e.g. exercise, gardening) outside the hottest time of the day, typically 11am - 3pm.
• Cool your skin with water, you could use a cool wet sponge or flannel, cool water spray, cold packs around the neck and armpits, or a cool, wet sheet.
• Stay connected and listen to the weather forecast, knowing the forecast can help you plan ahead and adapt what you’re doing.
• Dress appropriately for the weather, protect yourself against the sun’s radiation and keep yourself cool by wearing thin cotton clothes.
• Eat smaller meals, more often. Cold salads and fruit are the perfect summer foods.

For more information on the common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke visit www.nhs.uk

For more information contact PHE Midlands (West Midlands) press office on 0121 232 9223/4 Out Of Hours 07834 311 393

Leaders and representatives from across the Commonwealth have today held a virtual meeting to share solutions and ways of working that can help to combat the impacts of COVID-19.

Many member countries are facing unprecedented challenges due to the global health emergency and its economic and social ramifications. These issues combined with the long-term threat of climate change and the ongoing cyclone, and impending hurricane season, means that COVID-19 is seen as a substantial “tipping point” threat that has the potential to push member states into a period of significant crisis if swift and coordinated action is not taken.

The meeting was held after the Commonwealth Secretariat received significant support for such a meeting from a majority of Commonwealth member states.Held at 11am yesterday (BST), the meeting saw participants from across the Commonwealth explore and exchange solutions on issues as diverse as:
Technological tools that have helped in combating COVID-19 and the role of good governance in supporting the fight against the disease.

Accelerating cooperation on trade and finance so as to mitigate against the economic impact of COVID-19.
Urgent action to tackle the acute and long-term impacts of Climate change.
And for the Commonwealth to take the lead in building a “vision for a freer more equal kinder and collaborative world.”

The meeting also observed that when the Commonwealth family acts together that “our joint action changes the lives our people for ever”. The meeting noted that multilateral approaches are required to address all of these challenges and especially to support more vulnerable members such as the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, in light of the specific challenges they face.

Minworth based Southgate Packing has become an integral part of the Government’s plan for testing all NHS staff for Covid-19.

Southgate Packaging is a leading supplier of packaging equipment and consumables, operating its distribution centre in partnership with Europa Warehouse at Prologis Park Midpoint, Minworth (Birmingham).

In addition to on-site testing facilities for NHS workers, the Government has established several ways for essential workers to get a Covid-19 test, including home testing.

Europa, on behalf of Southgate (as the sole packing contractor) has already packaged and despatched over 5 million test kit bags since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to issue approx. 100,000 tests a week.  Southgate designed the self-seal bag for the testing kits so that once the test is complete the bag can be resealed to minimise excessive handling.  

In 2015 Southgate relocated its whole distribution centre to operate from Europa’s 16,540 m² state-of-the-art facility in Minworth. The partnership facilitated a period of rapid growth for Southgate and has enabled the company to improve its customer service levels and despatch capabilities.  

Europa Warehouse is a division of independent logistics operator, Europa Worldwide Group, and has worked with Southgate for the past five years. Europa’s Birmingham site employs a team of 85 across its Air & Sea, Showfreight, Road, Warehouse and Forwarding divisions.  

Craig Turner, Managing Director of Southgate Packaging  comments “It has been a great honour to support the NHS with supplying in excess of 100,000 self-seal bags for the Covid-19 test kits every week, that are having to be carried out via the postal system in the instances where persons are isolating or unable to travel to their regional testing sites.  

“Southgate have been awarded many large PPE contracts through the early phase of this pandemic, and it has been very inspiring and fulfilling for our great team of people to know that their efforts and the hard work that they are putting in everyday throughout this difficult crisis is supporting and underpinning some of the greatest needs that the people and government of this county are facing right now.”

He added “The plastic self-seal bags that we have developed for the Covid testing kits are very effective and mean that they can be totally sealed off and ready to travel via the domestic postal service once completed. Obviously measures around maintaining the efficacy of the tests whilst ensuring there is no opportunity for cross contamination is paramount in this operation”. 

Europa Warehouse Director Maria Torrent-March commented: “Our essential work with Southgate shows how the logistics sector is vital, and we continue to do our bit to support the NHS at such a hugely challenging time.”  

At Europa Warehouse in Minworth Southgate has a dedicated, specialised space, tailored to fit its innovative and bespoke packaging machinery.  Europa also employs approx. 25 staff dedicated to the Southgate work and for a short period added extra shifts to enable the team to supply the testing kits swiftly.

Southgate are not only supplying the majority of the Covid-19 self-seal kit bags,  they are also supplying several market sectors with a wide range of PPE and Covid-secure products ranging from; Infrared Thermometers, Sanitisation Fogging Units, Welfare Stations, Welfare Screening, Sanitising Stations, Face Masks, Face Visors and Aprons.  

Europa Worldwide Group is an ambitious operator with six divisions – Europa Road, Europa Air & Sea, Europa Showfreight, Europa Warehouse, Europa Contact Centre and Continental Cargo Carriers. Birmingham is one of Europa Warehouse’s four award-winning 3pl facilities, the others being Northampton, Dartford and Rushden and recently completed £60m Corby site.  

Europa Warehouse delivers a cost-effective solution offering a range of value-added capabilities including e-commerce fulfilment, production services, inventory management, packing, labelling, special deliveries, final assembly, quality control and critical parts management. Europa also has a fully compliant contact centre, offering an extensive range of outsourced customer support by phone and digital platforms.  

This is one of a number of supply chain contracts Europa is involved with to support the fight against Covid-19.  Europa has packed and despatched specialist medical beds for Accora UK from Dartford to fulfil an urgent order in time for opening of the first NHS Nightingale Hospital at ExCel in London.  In addition, Europa Road provided dedicated transport of vital components, as well as ensuring smooth customs clearance to assist with UK manufacture of 1.3 million COVID-19 tests for its customer Primerdesign. 

Europa Worldwide Group featured in The Sunday Times Top Track 250, as one of the UK’s fastest growing privately-owned mid-market businesses.

George and Florence Bannister, aged seven and five, have shown incredible determination by setting up a show outside their home and raising a fantastic £250.61 for Good Hope Hospital Charity.

The duo decided to raise funds to support our NHS at this difficult time, and so set about selling unwanted toys and other items to their neighbours. Showing wonderful entrepreneurship for someone so young, George has been setting up his shop by 7am each day so that he can reach his target audience – dog walkers!

George and Florence’s kind-hearted neighbours began to donate items for them to sell, and at one stage they were selling strawberry plants.

Victoria Bannister, George and Florence’s mum, said: “We are all so proud of George and Florence for raising so much money to support our local hospital. They had so much fun running the shop and I would like to thank everyone who made a purchase or donated an item for their support.”

Mike Hammond, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, said: “Well done to George and Florence, on behalf of all of our doctors and nurses at Good Hope Hospital I would like to than them for the money that they have raised.

“At this really difficult time we are so grateful for amazing fundraisers like George and Florence, whose hard work will help us to make a huge difference to our NHS Superheroes, and the patients that they are treating.”

You can find out more about how Good Hope Hospital Charity is supporting staff and patients at this difficult time at: www.hospitalcharity.org/nhsheroes

Firefighters’ work responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has been extended until July, as the UK continues to battle coronavirus.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU), National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and National Employers agreed the extension to the national agreement stating that the virus “continues to be a risk in our communities”. It comes despite the government moving to ease lockdown restrictions. 

The agreement, first reached on 26 March, has allowed firefighters to assist ambulance services, deliver vital supplies to the elderly and vulnerable, and move the bodies of the deceased. Since then, a number of further activities have been agreed, including assembling personal protective equipment (PPE) and training care home staff in infection, prevention and control.

The work has now been extended to 15 July and could be extended until 26 August.
But the Tripartite Group – as the FBU, NFCC and National Employers are known – has raised concerns about variation in local risk assessments, with the latest agreement stating that “the hazards do not vary across fire and rescue areas”.

National risk assessments are now to be produced for all fourteen agreed activities, to be implemented locally by fire and rescue services. If successful, the agreement will be extended until 26 August. 

Firefighters working in ambulances, mortuaries, hospitals, and care homes should be detached from their normal fire service location, the Tripartite Group recommended, and services should halt any coronavirus response work outside of the agreement until activities can be agreed at a national level.

New COVID-19 testing guidelines for fire and rescue personnel have also been agreed, requiring a test after 3 days of removal from detachment for coronavirus response duty. Staff will not be permitted to return to fire stations until they have tested negative.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “You need only look at the horrific death toll in our care homes to see that this pandemic is not over yet. The government may be easing restrictions, but firefighters are still needed to respond to this serious threat.

“We are concerned about the variation in risk assessments between services, as well as attempts by some fire chiefs to force firefighters into work outside of the agreement. The co-operation seen in most fire and rescue services has been extremely encouraging, but these steps are needed to make sure our members are safe and that safety standards are consistent.

“Firefighters’ work so far in this pandemic has been extraordinary and will have undoubtedly saved lives and helped to keep the NHS on its feet. The threat to our communities is still severe, so we’re doing what we can to ensure firefighters can continue helping them through this crisis.”

Following the lockdown announcement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Google searches for ‘pets for adoption’ increased by a staggering 248%¹ and ‘dogs for adoption’ increased a huge 113%. On 16th March, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home² revealed that 86 dogs and 69 cats found forever homes, a considerable increase for the same day in 2019 when only 42 dogs and 29 cats were adopted.
 
While pet ownership can be incredibly rewarding, it is a big responsibility and training your new pet is often challenging even when the nation isn’t living in lockdown. Training is an excellent way to bond with your new pet and they will all benefit from basic training to establish rules and boundaries in the home and further afield.
 
With people unable to attend training sessions or seek face-to-face behavioural advice, pet food brand, Webbox, reveals how you can train your pets at home during lockdown.
 
1)    Start at home
This is a great first step as lockdown means many people have more time than ever at home and this is a great place to begin your pet’s training. At home, there are fewer distractions so your pet can really focus on the commands you’re giving them. Once they are really confident with the commands in the comfort of their own home, slowly start to introduce distractions.
 
2)    Punishment won’t work...ever
Punishment should never be used in training as it will only teach your pet to be scared of you and can potentially lead to aggressive behaviour. Instead, use your pet’s favourite treats to reward all wanted behaviour and ignore unwanted behaviour.
 
If you have adopted a pet and their unwanted behaviour cannot be avoided, it can be really hard to get them to stop. Instead, use positive reinforcement to train an alternative, acceptable behaviour for your pet to perform instead.
 
3)    Keep sessions short
Don’t let your dog get bored, otherwise, they won’t listen to your commands. Make sure to keep your training sessions to around 10-15 minutes to ensure they are productive for both you and your pet.
 
4)    Be consistent
When you are inconsistent with your training, you will confuse your pet and may accidentally reinforce undesired behaviour. Make sure you only reward your pet when they perform the desired commands and stick to your household rules.
 
5)    Socialising
The biggest concern of lockdown with a new pet is ensuring they’re socialised, so owners need to get creative with ways to introduce your pet to its surroundings. Firstly, if your new pet hasn’t been able to have its injections, you can show them the outside world from the window, letting them hear traffic noises and watch the postman.
 
You can carry your pet outside, so if you live in an urban area let them see other people and dogs (keeping a safe distance). If you live in a rural area, introducing your pets to farm animals is a great way to get them used to other animals.
 
6)    Have a little patience
Training your pets is not a one-time thing. Your pet will be continually learning during its lifetime and it is important to keep up with their training. A perfectly trained pet does not happen overnight and it might take them longer to learn but stick with it and you will definitely get there.
 
7)    And relax
If you have a young pet, as tempting it may be to work on their training and socialisation, remember they need time to sleep and relax too. Make sure they get a lot of chill-out time on their own, this will also help them to get used to not having you around.
 
 
Camille Ashforth, Senior Brand Manager at Webbox, says: “Firstly, we urge people considering adopting or buying a new pet during lockdown to think about their lives once lockdown is lifted and whether or not a pet fits into their daily routine.
 
“If you have just welcomed a new pet into your home, then we hope these home training tips provide guidance in your training journey. Training is a great way to build your relationship with your pet, and with more time on our hands, it’s a great time to spend more of your time working with your new pet.”

With latest Government guidance suggesting people who smoke may suffer more severe coronavirus symptoms than non-smokers, people are being encouraged to #QuitforCovid. 

 
The updated government guidance to smokers and vapers, available at https://bit.ly/2U4BEbm, says that people who smoke generally have an increased risk of contracting respiratory infection and of more severe symptoms once infected.
 
Smoking also involves repetitive hand-to-face movements, which increase the risk of viruses entering the body and, as a result, Covid-19 symptoms may be more severe in people who smoke.
 
Stopping smoking will bring immediate benefits to your health, including if you have an existing smoking-related disease. This is particularly important for both you and for health services at a time of intense pressure on the NHS.
 
The guidance says that e-cigarettes can be an effective aid to stopping smoking and staying smokefree and, for most people, vaping remains significantly less harmful than smoking.
 
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Smoking damages your lungs and weakens your immune system. This makes it more likely that you will have complications if you get sick and that it will take you longer to recover.
 
“Smokers are also much more likely to get other health problems. So the best thing a smoker can do is to quit, to protect themselves, to protect others and to reduce the impact on health services.
 
“If you want to quit there's plenty of information to help you, including support from the NHS and stop smoking aids, on the council’s website at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/besmokefree."
 
The #QuitforCovid campaign – www.todayistheday.co.uk – and encourages people to join the conversation, share their own story of quitting and hear from other people how they are getting on with their quit attempts via social media using the hashtag #QuitforCovid.
 
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.  
 
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time.

Extending a helping hand: Cadent volunteering scheme continues to assist national coronavirus effort
  
As National Volunteering Week got underway Cadent announced a scheme providing extra paid leave to staff helping out their local communities will be extended by a further two months.

Delivering gas to 11 million homes and businesses in North West England, the Midlands, South Yorkshire, East of England and the North London area, Cadent has confirmed its 4,000 employees will continue to be offered two days of additional paid volunteer leave a month through June and July 2020 to volunteer to help out in the national coronavirus effort.

The scheme was launched back in April as an initial two month programme in response to the pandemic and the extension means Cadent volunteers can continue to support local organisations, such as foodbanks. The scheme could see up to 16,000 volunteering days delivered by Cadent staff to support local organisations in June and July.

Cadent Chief People Officer Martin Rimmer said: “The scheme has been a great success with employees helping out with things such as delivering food and medicines.

“We considered the success of the scheme so far along with operational factors and the latest government advice and decided we’d keep it going for a further two months.”

He added: “As a community facing company with engineers and support staff out and about 24-7, helping out in this way is a very natural fit for us.”

Cadent Director of Customer Strategy Mark Belmega said: “Volunteering goes above and beyond our regulatory commitments; it’s not just about being responsible, it’s about being a good business and making a real and sustainable difference to the communities we support.
“And right now, more than ever, the additional efforts of our colleagues are vitally needed as the UK deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

He added: “Our volunteering doesn’t just stop once the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

“From April 1st 2021 we’ve made a commitment as part of the RIIO-2 business plan that during the five years from 2021-2026 at least 60% of Cadent employees will volunteer for at least one day to support a community scheme.”

The scheme is in addition to the new statutory Employee Volunteering Leave brought in by the Coronavirus Act 2020, which is targeted at workers who have suitable medical or social care skills and experience and can support health and social care organisations.
 
Public safety is the company’s top priority and extra precautions are being taken during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure both customers and employees remain safe.

A new research project, awarded £360,000 from the Economic and Social Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, will explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child protection practice and  children and families, with the aim of improving the capacity of social workers to keep children safe in a period of institutionalised social distancing.

The study, which will be led by the University of Birmingham, will look at how social work practice, which relies heavily on achieving closeness to keep children safe, most often in the family home, can help families in a period of social distancing, increased stress, poverty, risks of domestic abuse and other harms within families.
 
During the early phase of the COVID-19 lockdown, social work organisations produced practice guidelines reflecting social distancing recommendations. This has opened up a vital research agenda about how such guidance, including the use of ‘virtual home visits’ via video calls, will be put into practice. 

This project will help fill this gap and provide much-needed guidance on how some of these new measures involving social distancing on home visits can be implemented effectively during and after the pandemic.

Building on previous research from the same authors (looking at social work home visits and the use of digital technology in everyday life), the project will analyse the effectiveness of digital methods such as ‘virtual home visits’ and video calls to keep children safe and also advise on how they can be used most effectively.

Professor Harry Ferguson from the Department of Social Work and Social Care at the University of Birmingham commented: “The COVID-19 crisis is presenting governments, social work leaders, managers and child protection practitioners with unique challenges and our hope is that this new research will provide services with insights and evidence that can improve their capacity to keep children safe and help families at this enormously difficult time.”

The researchers will also look at the effects of COVID-19 on social workers’ well-being and practice, including the availability of personal protective equipment and what it is like for staff working almost exclusively from home by examining the quality of emotional support and case direction being provided. They will also explore children and families’ experiences of social work during the pandemic and the extent to which parents' needs and rights are understood and being responded to.

The project will last for 15 months, and the research team is Professor Harry Ferguson and Dr Laura Kelly from the University of Birmingham, and Professor Sarah Pink from Monash University, Australia. The project is also being supported by Research in Practice and the British Association of Social Workers.