Tag: coronavirus

Greens call for government to cover nursing fees

The Scottish Greens have called on the Scottish Government to demonstrate its appreciation for Scotland’s nurses by covering their 2020 professional registration fees.

Nurses and midwives in Scotland are required to pay an annual registration fee of £120 to the Nursing and Midwifery Council, but Scottish Greens Parliamentary Co-Leader Alison Johnstone MSP has called on the First Minister to cover that cost this year as a small token of appreciation for the role these professionals are playing in the fight against coronavirus.

Alison Johnstone MSP said: “All across the country nurses and midwives have gone above and beyond during this crisis. From supporting young families, to comforting dying patients whose loved ones cannot be with them, these dedicated professionals play an essential role in the fight against coronavirus.

“It becomes more evident every day how crucial frontline health and care staff are to our communities, and there are rightly calls for a review of how we remunerate all our health and care workers who have put themselves at risk to protect us.

“One modest measure the Scottish Government could take immediately to show a small token of appreciation to our nurses and midwives is to cover their professional registration fees.

“Covering the £120 fee payable by nurses and midwives to the Nursing and Midwifery Council for 2020 would be a small gesture, but one that I’m sure would be most welcomed.

“Quite rightly those retired professionals who have been called back to support our NHS during this crisis have not been charged registration fees, and it would be fitting if this consideration was shown across the board.”

World Health Organisation: “We will only halt COVID-19 through solidarity”

Heads of state and global health leaders have made an unprecedented commitment to work together to accelerate the development and production of new vaccines, tests and treatments for COVID-19 and assure equitable access worldwide.

The COVID-19 pandemic has already affected more than 2.4 million people, killing up to 200,000 – including more than 20,000 in the UK. It is taking a huge toll on families, societies, health systems and economies around the world, and for as long as this virus threatens any country, the entire world is at risk.

There is an urgent need, therefore, while following existing measures to keep people physically distanced and to test and track all contacts of people who test positive, for innovative COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics and treatments.

“We will only halt COVID-19 through solidarity,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Countries, health partners, manufacturers and the private sector must act together and ensure that the fruits of science and research can benefit everybody.”

Work has already started. Since January, WHO has been working with researchers from hundreds of institutions to develop and test vaccines, standardize assays and standardize regulatory approaches on innovative trial designs and define criteria to prioritize vaccine candidates.

The Organization has prequalified diagnostics that are being used all over the world, and more are in the pipeline. And it is coordinating a global trial to assess the safety and efficacy of four therapeutics against COVID-19.

The challenge is to speed up and harmonize processes to ensure that once products are deemed safe and effective, they can be brought to the billions of people in the world who need them.

Past experience, in the early days of HIV treatment, for example, and in the deployment of vaccines against the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, shows that even when tools are available, they have not been equally available to all.

On Friday, leaders came together at a virtual event, co-hosted by the World Health Organization, the President of France, the President of the European Commission, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The event was joined by the UN Secretary General, the AU Commission Chairperson, the G20 President, heads of state of France, South Africa, Germany, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Italy, Rwanda, Norway, Spain, Malaysia and the UK (represented by First Secretary of State Dominic Raab) – but one notable absentee was President of the United States of America, Donald Trump.

Health leaders from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), GAVI-the Vaccine Alliance, the Global Fund, UNITAID, the Wellcome Trust, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (IFRC), the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (IFPMA), the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers’ Network (DCVMN), and the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA) committed to come together, guided by a common vision of a planet protected from human suffering and the devastating social and economic consequences of COVID-19, to launch this groundbreaking collaboration. They are joined by two Special Envoys:  Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Gavi Board Chair and Sir Andrew Witty, former CEO of GlaxoSmithKline.

They pledged to work towards equitable global access based on an unprecedented level of partnership. They agreed to create a strong unified voice, to build on past experience and to be accountable to the world, to communities and to one another.

“Our shared commitment is to ensure all people have access to all the tools to prevent, detect, treat and defeat COVID-19,” said Dr Tedros. “No country and no organization can do this alone. The Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator brings together the combined power of several organizations to work with speed and scale.”

Health leaders called on the global community and political leaders to support this landmark collaboration and for donors to provide the necessary resources to accelerate achievement of its objectives, capitalizing on the opportunity provided by a forthcoming pledging initiative that starts on 4 May 2020.

This initiative, spearheaded by the European Union, aims to mobilize the significant resources needed to accelerate the work towards protecting the world from COVID-19.

Post Office launches new cash delivery option to help the most vulnerable

Cash delivery payments are now available for the most vulnerable individuals thanks to the Post Office in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The cash payments are available to the DWP to use to support their most vulnerable customers, initially in England, who are shielding because of the risk of infection should they leave their home.

The National Shielding Service is a working partnership with DWP that enables contact to be made with specific customers to determine if they need to receive a cash payment to be delivered.

When notified by DWP of those individuals who require a cash delivery, the Post Office will ensure cash is sent to their home using Royal Mail Special Delivery and that it arrives by 9pm the following day. This means that those individuals who must avoid leaving the home because of the risk of infection receive the cash that they need.

The Post Office has repurposed part of its foreign exchange cash delivery business to enable the overnight delivery of sterling cash and meet demand.

Guy Opperman, the Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion, said: “We’re doing whatever it takes to ensure people are supported through these unprecedented times. This joint initiative enables us to reach out directly to those most likely to need support, and get cash delivered to their door where necessary.

“Thanks to the hard work of DWP and Post Office staff, vulnerable customers can rest assured there is help available if they need it.”

Nick Read, Chief Executive at the Post Office, said: “I am delighted that Post Office has been able to switch its travel money delivery business to get cash directly to those that need it most.

“Working with the DWP we are able to help some of the most vulnerable in our society, including those who have been asked to shield themselves at home, with the ability to deliver cash directly to their door.”

Postal Affairs Minister, Paul Scully, said: “Vulnerable people may be self-isolating but they are not alone.

“This vital service will ensure the Government can get cash to people that need it, without them having to leave their homes. I want to thank postmasters and their teams for their continued hard work to support our communities across the UK.”

This new cash delivery option has initially been made available to those POCA customers who are shielding at home and are the most at risk from the virus.

There are around 27,000 Post Office Card Account (POCA) customers to whom this could applyand they are being actively contacted to ensure they are able to regularly access their payments.

This service adds to the range of measures the DWP can use to support these individuals shielding at home, providing a last-option mechanism for customers to receive cash who cannot visit their normal payment location.

Gareth Shaw, Head of Money at Which?, said: “This is an important move that recognises vulnerable people need help to access the cash they rely on to pay for essentials during the coronavirus lockdown.

“The difficulties many people are facing without easy access to cash demonstrates why the government must act swiftly on its promise to legislate to protect the availability of cash for consumers for as long as they need it.”

Earlier this week, the Post Office announced details of two its access to cash products – ‘Fast PACE’ and ‘Payout Now’ had been made available to the UK’s banks, building societies and credit unions.

These products can be offered to their customers who are self-isolating and require cash. The Post Office is considering how to make its new cash delivery service available to the UK’s financial institutions and who can offer it to their customers.

Post Office customers can see how coronavirus may affect Post Office services on its website and can find the latest information on the Post Office Card Account and branch opening hours on its Branch Finder.

Dogs Trust: Think outside the delivery box!

Eight ways to entertain your dog with a cardboard box and toilet roll tubes!

With the nation’s dog owners mostly spending National Pet Month (April 1st – May 10th) indoors, Dogs Trust is issuing some top tips on how dog owners can keep their dogs happy – all with simple household items – a cardboard box and toilet roll tubes!

Jenna Kiddie Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, said: “We understand that owners may be looking for ways to keep their dogs occupied, especially when the current advice is to go outside just once a day for exercise with your four-legged friend.

“Whilst physical exercise is important for your dog, mental stimulation is also essential to help keep them happy. You can make it fun for them, and because they’re using their brains, it’s just as tiring as physical exercise.

“It’s really easy for you keep your dog’s brain busy from the comfort of your own home using simple household items. From activities involving their favourite treats, to games using things you may have left over from online deliveries, there are many ways you can keep your dog active, without stepping outside your front door.”

Dogs Trust has come up with eight fun ways to entertain your dog with a cardboard box and tubes whilst you’re staying indoors, and asking people to share their pictures and videos using the hashtag #MyDogIsForLife and tagging @DogsTrust on Twitter and Instagram.

Tutorial videos for the eight games will be released during National Pet Month on the charity’s social media pages.

  1. The paw-fect figure 8 – Get two boxes and set them out a little distance apart. Hold your dog’s treats or a favourite toy in one hand and slowly start to move them in a figure of eight around the two items, swapping the reward into your other hand at the centre point. One arm will guide your dog around the item to the left and the other arm will guide your dog around the item to your right. Repeat several times until you’ve got the movement smooth and well-rehearsed!
  2. Digging deep: Shred or scrunch up newspaper or any paper items and pop them in an empty box. Drop in some treats or toys, and watch your dog dig away!
  3. Paws-up: Can you get them to put their front feet on the box? Their back feet? Can you get them to run round to the left, to the right? Can smaller dogs sit in the box? Think outside of the box and we’re sure you won’t be able to contain yourself with all this fun!
  4. Bowling balls: Create a 10-pin bowling alley with spare kitchen roll tubes. Have a competition and see how many pins you can knock down vs. your dog!
  5. Tunn-els of fun: Cut the sides of a few boxes and line them up to make your very own DIY tunnel. Encourage your dog to go through with the promise of treats or their favourite toy at the end of the tunnel!
  6. Jog your dog’s memory: Lay out multiple boxes in a semi-circle and pop a treat in one of them, making sure your dog is watching. Hold up a sheet to block your furry friend’s vision, drop and then see if they remember which box the treat was in! Repeat the game and change the box with the treat in, see how many times they get it right!
  7. Snoot challenge: next level – remember the original snoot challenge where you had to make a circular shape with your hands and wait for your pooch to run up and put their nose through the hole? Building from this, cut a hole out in your box and see if you can get your dog to poke their nose through it! *boop*
  8. Teach your dog to read – for starters write different words (e.g. sit, down, paw) on different boxes that you want your dog to learn. Say the word that’s on the specific box in front of them, and ask them to do what the word says. When your dog does as you’ve asked, reward them with a tasty treat and repeat several times until your dog has associated the new word, with the specific box!

Images and videos shared with Dogs Trust will appear on the My Dog Is For Life webpage feed for others to see and take inspiration from. www.dogstrust.org.uk/mydogisforlife  

For more information, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.

First Bus launches educational pack to help Edinburgh kids carry on learning

Scotland’s biggest bus operator has created and launched a new online educational resource to support the home-schooling efforts of parents and teachers in Edinburgh during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Local bus operator First Scotland East has teamed up with teachers from across the country to develop a resource pack for schools, with the aim of providing primary aged children with a fun filled set of activities focused around buses.

With the Coronavirus outbreak delivering a trying time for thousands of people, the team at First Scotland East wanted to give something back and support the communities they proudly serve every day with their local bus services across Edinburgh.

The pack, which is based on the curriculum for excellence criteria, aims to educate kids on the benefits of using public transport, through a series of engaging, educational tasks.

Each page has been created specifically around the core educational framework of the curriculum for excellence; literacy, numeracy, creativity and problem solving.  Each activity is coded to enable teachers to track and monitor how children are getting on with each sheet.

Designed to suit the abilities of children from P1 right through to P7, the pack contains a series of activities to appeal to each age and stage, as well as tapping into children’s love of all things bus.

From creating posters on the environmental benefits of using the bus, to writing about a favourite bus journey, a word search, a ‘build a bus’ challenge, an acrostic poem and the opportunity to design a bus, the pack has been created with fun as well as education at front of mind.

Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director of First Bus in Scotland, (above) said: “With much of the UK effectively ordered to stay at home for at least the next few weeks, we wanted to support the thousands of schools, teachers and families who are home-schooling and keeping children entertained during this unprecedented time.

“Just a few weeks ago, it was almost inconceivable that these restrictions would be in place, which only underlines what a challenging, dynamic and rapidly evolving situation the UK faces and one which First Bus is monitoring and responding to day-by-day, hour-by-hour.

“Rest assured everything is being done to keep key workers mobile as the nation comes together to limit the spread of coronavirus. I hope our activity packs will provide another means of helping to keep younger children occupied and is just a small gesture from everyone at First Scotland East to bring some light relief to families during this difficult period.”

The educational pack is available to download for free, from the website link: www.firstscotlandeast.com/kidspack

They have already been well received by a number of teachers, parents, children and schools around the country.

In the near future, the packs will be available to download from all First Bus UK regional websites.

Home Secretary delivers daily coronavirus update

Home Secretary Priti Patel provided an update on the government and law enforcement response to coronavirus as death toll passes 20,000:

Good afternoon, welcome back to Downing Street for the Government’s daily press conference on Coronavirus.

Today I am joined by Lynne Owens, Director General of the National Crime Agency, and by Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England.

The Government’s step-by-step plan has always been to slow the spread of this disease, increasing the capacity of our world-class hospitals so that they can cope.

And your hard work has helped us to do this.

Our instruction remain clear.

People should stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

Through our ongoing monitoring and testing programme, as of 9am today, I can report that:

  • Six hundred and forty thousand, seven hundred and ninety-two tests for coronavirus have now been carried out in the UK, including twenty-eight thousand seven hundred and sixty tests yesterday
  • One hundred and forty-eight thousand, three hundred and seventy-seven people have tested positive, that’s an increase of four thousand nine hundred and thirteen cases since yesterday
  • Sixteen thousand, four hundred and eleven people are currently in hospital with coronavirus in the UK, down from seventeen thousand and forty-nine yesterday
  • And sadly, of those in hospital with the virus, twenty thousand three hundred and nineteen have died. That’s an increase of eight hundred and thirteen fatalities since yesterday.

As the deaths caused by this terrible virus pass another tragic and terrible milestone, the entire nation is grieving.

My deepest sympathies and condolences go to those who have lost loved ones.

And, I would like to pay tribute to the selfless frontline workers who have been struck down by this virus.

Their exceptional public service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

The last time I was here, I spoke about the impact of this national emergency on crime – and the tough but necessary measures to tackle it.

I announced enhanced support for victims of domestic abuse, many of whom are particularly vulnerable and exposed.

Our You Are Not Alone campaign – to signpost the help available and to make it clear to victims they can still leave home – has made an incredible impact, with 98 million online impressions.

Now, I refuse to ignore the amplified risk for the victims of hidden crime, and I – along with Lynne, and across our law enforcement agencies – refuse to allow criminals to take advantage of these unprecedented times.

Now, provisional data from police shows a fall in overall crime during this Coronavirus outbreak.

Car crime, burglary and shoplifting are all lower than in the same period from this time last year.

But we also know that the most sophisticated criminals continue to exploit and capitalise on this horrendous crisis.

So today, I have a message for them: our world-class law enforcement is also adapting, and they are onto you. And their efforts are paying off.

Last week, Border Force found one million pounds worth of cocaine set to be smuggled into the United Kingdom through the Channel Tunnel, hidden in boxes of face masks.

The NCA has taken down multiple websites running phishing scams and selling bogus PPE.

Last week they arrested two people suspected of trying to sell unregistered coronavirus testing kits.

The NCA have alerted the police to thirteen hundred potential child sexual abuse cases.

They have made arrests and safeguarded children.

This is a sickening reminder of the frightening activity that is targeted towards our children every single day.

International action to crush criminal gangs and to shut drug supply lines continues, and the National Crime Agency helped to seize 700 kilograms of heroin in Pakistan, potentially bound for the United Kingdom.

Reported losses for Coronavirus fraud now stands at £2.4 million, and I would like to thank the major banks and UK Finance who are working with us to protect vulnerable people from becoming victims of crime.

And, our outstanding frontline police officers and their staff continue to do an exceptional job in keeping our streets safe.

They are still responding to all types of crime.

That includes some extraordinary dangerous driving, with a minority of drivers using quieter roads as their own personal race track and endangering people’s lives.

We have seen speeds of up to one hundred and fifty one miles per hour clocked on the M1, and one hundred and thirty four miles per hour in a 40 miles per hour zone in London.

Police and fire staff continue to put their arms around people and communities: by taking people shopping and taking prescriptions to the elderly, driving ambulances and supporting those in need throughout this difficult times.

I am immensely grateful to each and every one of our emergency service heroes.

And I would also like to take this particular opportunity to pay tribute to the South Yorkshire Police motorcyclist tragically killed as he responded to an emergency earlier this week.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at this truly heart-breaking time.

His death shows how our exceptional police put their own lives at risk every day to protect the people that they serve.

Coronavirus merely highlights the extent of their courage, their compassion and their commitment.

Police officers and staff continue to put themselves at risk to ensure that people follow the life-saving instruction to stay at home.

Now, staying at home for almost five weeks has changed the way in which we are living our lives, and I know how tough this has been.

Huge sacrifices have been made: jobs have been lost; to people’s futures have been put on hold, weddings have been cancelled, families have been unable to see one another.

Every single person across our United Kingdom has given up a great deal.

From the vulnerable, the elderly, those self-isolating alone, to the hundreds of thousands of small and medium sized businesses, to the children and young people whose education has been put on hold.

This extraordinary national effort has been quite remarkable and I am grateful to everybody for playing their part.

But we should not lose sight of the fact this country’s efforts are working.

So my thanks go to the British people.

You have fostered a spirit of national unity that is helping us to get through this challenging time.

The action we are collectively taking is working, and your sacrifices are undoubtedly saving lives.

We know that people are frustrated, but we are not out of danger yet.

It is imperative that people continue to follow the rules designed to protect their families, their friends and their loved ones. This will continue to save lives.

We all want to return to living our lives as normally as possible, and, of course, as soon and as safely as we can – and that’s what the entire Government is working towards.

But the five tests we have laid out must be met before we can ease these life-saving restrictions.

We must be sure that we can continue to protect the NHS.

That there is a sustained and consistent fall in the daily rates of death.

That the data shows the rate of infection decreases.

That the operational challenges are met.

And of course, that there is no risk of a second peak of infections.

Until then, we all have a role to play in pulling our country out of this crisis.

So, I urge you all to stay strong and embrace that spirit of national unity by continuing to follow the advice: to stay at home, to protect the NHS and save lives.

Cat lovers take up the 2.6 Challenge to save UK charities

Cat lovers are taking up the 2.6 Challenge to raise funds for UK charities and put the fun back into fundraising with many stay-at-home heroes lending their support to Cats Protection.

The 2.6 Challenge was created to address the funding shortfall as events are postponed or cancelled. Supporters are encouraged to come up with fun activities based on the numbers 26 or 2.6, and to seek sponsorship for their favourite UK charities. Events should take place on or around Sunday, 26 April, which would have been the London Marathon’s 40th anniversary.

Cats Protection staff, volunteers and supporters have already signed up with a range of imaginative activities to show that, despite the lockdown, they remain #HereForTheCats. All sponsored events will follow social distancing guidelines, of course.

Birmingham Stair-Trekker Clara Youden (43) refused to curtail her training for a trek in Nepal and has covered the equivalent distance of the 53km trek on her stairs; going up and down the stairs 2,600 times, clocking up 69,553 steps. She even decorated her house in a nod to the places she will see on the trip.

Clara, volunteer team leader at Cats Protection’s Birmingham Adoption Centre, said: “People were doing marathons in their gardens and I thought why not walk the trek distance on my stairs? It was harder than I expected but I’m proud that I did it. It’s really important to keep raising funds as the work our centre does is so incredibly important for local cats. I rehomed cats Mylo and Mikey, who mean the world to me, so it is a cause very close to my heart.”

www.justgiving.com/ClaraYoudenandSarahWhitmore

Gateshead cyclist Tom Parker (58) is a volunteer fundraiser for Cats Protection, who has had rescue cats most of his married life. Tom’s challenge is to cycle a 26-mile loop from Gateshead via Wylam and Wallsend, in aid of the charity’s Gateshead & Newcastle Branch.

He said: “As a keen cyclist, I decided that this was an ideal opportunity to raise much needed money to support my favourite ‘non-human’ charity in extraordinary times.

“I rediscovered my love of cycling four years ago as a means to maintain my physical and mental well-being between rounds of anti-cancer immunotherapy treatment. Fortunately, I’m fully recovered, but I have retained my love of cycling as a means to stay fit.”

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tom-s-2-6-challenge1091

Norfolk cat care assistant Leah Snowden (29), will stage a 26-hour sponsored sit-in at the charity’s Downham Market Adoption Centre. She said: “I’ll spend more than a day and night sitting and sleeping in one of our feline maternity pens at the centre. With the lockdown this is a good time to do it, as being confined is something we are all struggling with. It should be really interesting as I’ll see life from a cat’s perspective and what it’s like for cats in care.”

Leah rehomed a silver tabby called Lord Rufus four years ago. She said: “He’s a massive part of my life and was even Mr July in Cats Protection’s 2020 calendar. Cats Protection does amazing work and I am super proud to be part of the team at our centre. I see first-hand what a difference we make to the cats lives. I hope I raise some much-needed funds at this uncertain time.”

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/leah-s-2-6-challenge2020

Cardiff fitness fan Louise Smith (39) has set herself a challenge to do 26 minutes of yoga with her cat and film it for all to see. Louise, from Rumney, said: “I have been learning yoga via YouTube during lockdown and I thought it was a good idea to use this challenge to improve my positions. My cat always tries to get involved when I’m practising, which can be quite challenging, especially if I’m on all fours, or on my back.

“My cat Vanian, named after Dave the singer with The Damned, came from Cats Protection in Bridgend. He was born there but was the last one left as he was quite quiet. His more lively brothers and sisters went first, along with the mother. He was very timid when I had him and it took a bit of time to get him to open up. He can be a little anxious about being left alone but he also likes loads of fussing and snuggles on his own terms.”

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louise-smith188

St Albans cat-lover Emily Ayres (41) will run a marathon through local woodland over the course of a week, in aid of Cats Protection and Parkinsons. Emily rescued her cat after he spent six months unclaimed.

Emily said: “Mikey was four years old when I got him from a local rescue centre. I have had him for around 10 years so he is getting on a bit, but he is still healthy and active. He very much enjoys having me home all the time as he loves company and all the attention. He has been great comfort and company for me during lock down.”

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EmilyAyers

Sussex Cats Protection volunteer Karen Middleton (53) and her sons James (13) and Ben (15) plan to run for 26 minutes, but that is just the warm up. She will also complete 26 yoga poses over 26 days, accompanied by her two playful black cats Boris and Jasper, rescue brothers from the National Cat Adoption Centre in Chelwood Gate.

Karen of Hartfield, said: “It’s been really good fun getting ready for this, especially with the children. It has been something for us to focus on during lockdown. The only problem is with Jasper; he’s in on all the action and he likes to sprawl across my yoga mat. I wouldn’t want to flatten him.”

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/karen-s-2-6-challenge2020 

Sleaford horserider Karen Sheldon (58), who is self-isolating and classed as vulnerable, plans to walk 26 times round the paddock with her horse Teena. She is raising money for three charities close to her heart; Cats Protection’s Sleaford and District Branch, where she is branch co-ordinator, World Horse Welfare, former home to her horse Teena, and The Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“I was first diagnosed with MS 29 years ago. I have been very lucky in that, although I have slight problems with mobility, I can walk several miles although I will be tired at the end. Unfortunately, not all people are so fortunate and humans need lots of help at the moment too.”

Karen became a life member of Cats Protection in 1992 when she rescued cats from a former branch in Lincoln. Since then she has re-homed many cats and dedicated a great deal of time and work to Cats Protection.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kj-sheldon

Dancer Elaine Eyres will attempt 26 triple-time steps, despite not having worn tap shoes in years. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ElaineEyers

Surrey dancer Leanne Sternalski-Goodman is taking part in a 26 minute online dance off dressed as a T-Rex dinosaur, raising funds for Cats Protection’s East Surrey, Caterham and Redhill Branch. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cpeastsurrey-dinodanceoff

Cat fan Claire Onody is walking 26,000 steps in one day to prepare for the Zambia Big Cat Challenge for Cats Protection.

Manchester runner Lorraine Griffiths is running 12.6 miles on Sunday, as she was due to run London and Manchester Marathons. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LorraineGriffiths1

Like many charities, Cats Protection does not receive UK Government funding and its work is largely funded by donations and the fundraising efforts of staff, volunteers and supporters.

Cats Protection’s Fundraising Mass Participation Officer, Zoe Thompson, said: “While our centres and branches are closed to the public, our dedicated staff and volunteers are still here for the cats in care. We can only continue to do this good work with the ongoing support of fundraising, sponsored events and donations.

“We need help from our band of supporters who have always been supremely generous and appreciative of our teams who look after cats all year round. We know they won’t forget us now. They’re here for the cats too.”

To register for the 2.6 Challenge: https://www.cats.org.uk/the26challenge

Don’t forget to share photos and videos using #HereForTheCats and #TwoPointSixChallenge.

People’s Assembly Scotland: No return to ‘normal’

With most of the major Trade Unions and Trades Councils in Scotland as affiliates, coupled with representation from political organisations across the Scottish political spectrum, the People’s Assembly Scotland can rightly claim to be the largest Anti Austerity force north of the border (writes PAS chairman PHIL McGARRY).

Last Saturday (18th April 2020) the People’s Assembly Scotland steering group held an online meeting. Attendance was higher than usual, and it was agreed to issue a statement with our concerns about how governments on both sides of the border have performed in recent weeks.

Our statement is lengthy in order to offer the widest range of views expressed wider circulation; we also offer suggestions as to what happens once this is over.

In issuing this statement to the press it is in the hope that its publication will encourage discussion on what happens at the end of this emergency.

 When this crisis has passed there should be no return to “normal”.

We need to salute those we have lost and those key workers who have served our people well despite being undervalued by those in power. This should be with both national and local demonstrations and rallies under the banner of thanks but no return to the old “normal”. No return to the “normal” of low paid precarious work and bogus self-employment but for recognition with a rise in pay backdated to long before the start of the crisis.

Anything less would be an insult to the memory of all who have died whether in their workplace or as a result of governments inaction and unpreparedness.

The PAS Statement:

PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY SCOTLAND STATEMENT ON THE CURRENT CRISIS

The failings of the Tory government and the blind tacit following of their strategy by the Scottish Government has all contributed to the current disastrous situation we now face in all our front-line services, resulting in the unnecessary deaths of many workers and the general population at large. This added to the number of deaths in the community caused in part by the Scottish government’s unpreparedness is a national scandal.

The Tories initially pronounced a policy of herd immunity, where acceptable losses should and would be accepted, because those losses would be in the lower classes. Where the protection of corporations and the financial system was their paramount priority.

The Tories and the Scottish Government are still failing to adhere to the World Health Organization’s guidelines of, test, trace contacts and isolate those individuals.

They suppressed the conclusions of a cross government pandemic drill codenamed Exercise Cygnus that took place in 2016, which accurately predicted that the NHS would be plunged into crisis by an infectious and deadly disease.

This crisis in the NHS and Social Care is the direct result of cuts to all public services by first, the Tory Lib Dem coalition and then subsequent Tory Governments. New Labour have a case to answer here as well with privatisation in the NHS and the cuts to public services they implemented when in power.

A total lack of preparation has resulted in the ongoing fiasco around ventilators and PPE. We were told not to worry, there is plenty of PPE, yet a RAF flight to Turkey brought at current usage only two days’ worth of supplies. But it matters not as private corporations like Burberry and Dyson are now reaping rewards.

On testing and tracking the list of failings and broken promises grows daily with targets continually being missed, a tactic the Scottish Government are also failing on as they have blindly followed Westminster policies from day one. SNP Govt has not used existing devolved powers to better protect us.

Other countries who handled this crisis far better, such as Denmark, New Zealand and Taiwan. All acted early on and have reduced the death rate. Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, told her country to “take it seriously” and she did. Testing began right from the get-go. Germany jumped right over the phases of denial, as seen below. Germany’s numbers are far below its European neighbours.

Data from the European Centre for Disease Control as of April 12, 2020

https://www.forbes.com/sites/avivahwittenbergcox/2020/04/13/what-do-countries-with-the-best-coronavirus-reponses-have-in-common-women-leaders/#486668633dec

While other countries heeded WHO advice and acted appropriately, our governments all but gave up contact tracing and did nothing. Mass gatherings, concerts, racing and Champions League football all continued unchanged and schools and pubs remained open.

Currently across the country front line workers are putting their lives on the line.

Who are these key workers that we all rely on to survive this crisis?

NHS, Porters, Security, Admin, Cleaners, Nurses and Doctors

Social Care workers both public and private

Transport and shipping workers

Local Government workers across all sectors

Maintenance and construction workers

Retail and warehouse workers

Postal and delivery workers

Manufacturing workers

Few of these essential workers would be allowed entry to our countries due to proposed restrictive immigrations laws by the current government.

It will soon be International Workers Memorial Day and the mantra of “Remember the dead but fight for the living” will have an even greater resonance this year. Workers are not being adequately protected, resulting in the deaths of frontline workers across all sectors.

The TUC has requested a national one minutes silence on 28 April to commemorate/honour workers, doctors, nurses, care workers, bus drivers etc who have caught and died from virus at work. Our STUC should also adopt this simple measure as a show of solidarity.

Action is required now by all three Governments across Britain.

Manufacturing companies across all sectors that can be diversified should be ordered to switch production to PPE, respirators and all the other necessary equipment required by all our frontline services.

We need to follow Test, Test, Test, trace and track, not just in the NHS but wider

Public transport is now seen as a front-line necessity, it should be nationalised.

Social Care is in the direct firing line with the lack of PPE putting all workers in danger. All Social Care should be brought into the public domain.

We need a nationalised pharmaceutical company.

Once this crisis has passed, we will be faced with a situation much worse than the financial crash of 2008. The COVID-19 pandemic should not be blamed for, yet another severe cyclical crisis of the capitalist system caused by corporate ownership of the economy and the anarchy of market forces.

This crisis only underlines the inability of capitalism, especially our privatised, free-market neoliberal model, to meet public health and environmental emergencies.

According to official UK estimates and the latest analysis from the UN Council on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), bailing out private enterprise in Britain will cost at least £350bn over the coming period.

We must prepare a mass campaign uniting People’s Assembly groups alongside the STUC, Trade Unions, Trade Union Councils and all other community campaigning organisations against the onslaught we will be faced with.

We cannot go back to business as usual, where the cost of this crisis will fall yet again on the poorest. Where all frontline services which we all rely on, will once again face further cuts to balance the government’s books. Ensuring the protection of the financial industry and the continuing dominance of corporate power will be the foundation of all that they propose.

The People’s Assembly Scotland last year re-launched its own vision of what can replace austerity. A vision of investment where we build and protect our services. Our booklet “In place of austerity – A Programme for the People” gives a base and starting point for the discussions and organisation we need to be having now.

Both “In Place of Austerity” and the joint People’s Assembly and Unite Community Universal Credit guide can be found on the People’s Assembly Scotland Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/752289384786607/files/

 We support the call from the TUC for a public inquiry looking into the “grotesque” failure to provide frontline workers with adequate personal protective equipment.

We hope that the STUC will echo this and call for a similar enquiry here in Scotland.

When this crisis has passed there should be no return to “normal”. We need to salute those we have lost and those key workers who have served our people well despite being undervalued by those in power. This should be with both national and local demonstrations and rallies under the banner of thanks but no return to the old “normal”.

No return to the “normal” of low paid precarious work and bogus self-employment but for recognition with a rise in pay backdated to long before the start of the crisis.

Anything less would be an insult to the memory of all who have died whether in their workplace or as a result of governments inaction and unpreparedness.

Draft Peoples Assembly Scotland Press Statement on the current crisis (1) (2)

PPE access extended to all social care providers

Everyone who provides social care will have access to appropriate PPE under new arrangements announced by the Scottish Health Secretary.

From Monday (27 April), local Hubs will distribute PPE supplies to the whole of the social care sector where normal supply routes have not been successful. These hubs will extend their provision to include all social care providers, and unpaid or family carers and personal assistants.

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, global supply chains have been put under immense pressure and that is why the Scottish Government has set up supplies of PPE to support the social care sector from the national stock.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “The Scottish Government values the importance of everyone who is providing social care and we want to ensure they have access to appropriate PPE.

“As we respond to the challenges from global scarcity of PPE, we have worked with partners to agree an improved model that will ensure all social care providers have access to supplies from national NHS stock.

“This has only been possible because of a shared aim to ensure the right PPE gets to the right people at the right time and to keep everyone safe.

“In the coming weeks, we will collectively monitor how this model is operating, identifying challenges quickly and taking action as we deal with the evolving nature of the pandemic.”

Health and Social Care spokesperson for COSLA, Councillor Stuart Currie said: “COSLA welcomes this announcement which will ensure PPE provision for unpaid and family carers and personal assistants. 

“Local Government has worked with partners across the sector to develop this model to ensure those who are supporting vulnerable people within their communities and all parts of the workforce have access to the PPE they need.”

Faith Leaders unite to thank NHS and frontline workers

Faith Leaders were brought together in a video by the Edinburgh Interfaith Association expressing their gratitude to all NHS workers and frontline staff.

The video was released just before the nation joined to clap the NHS on Thursday evening.

EIFA Executive Director Iain Stewart said, “We are all united across our different faith traditions in solidarity to come together to express our gratitude to all NHS workers and frontline staff.

“In all of our traditions caring for your neighbour is central. Our NHS staff and carers all exemplify what it means to care for another. This short video is just a small way to say thank you from across all the faith communities of Edinburgh.

“We are eternally grateful for all they do for us, every day putting their lives on the line in order to save the lives of others. There is no better sacrifice and we just all just want to say thank you.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbACHNyoBOE&feature=youtu.be