The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MRHA) has given the approval for widsespread use of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines which are now set to be rolled out across the country.

The UK has secured 40 million doses of the MRNA based vaccine from its manufacturers who say that it is 95% effective at preventing infection from Covid-19. Each recipient will be given an initial dose and later a booster dose to give maximum efficiency.

This makes the UK the first country in the world to have a clinically approved vaccine for supply, with the roll out set to start within as little as a week. The first 800,000 doses will be arriving in the country from the companies distribution centre in Belgium within days, with the rest to follow.

NHS Chief Executive, Sir Simon Stevens, said that the health service was preparing for "the largest-scale vaccination programme in our country's history", with 50 hospitals across the country already on standby and venues up and down the country being rushed to be set up and ready for use as vaccination centres in the coming weeks.

However, this will take time to become effective in the community, and so it is essential that the Tier 3 rules set across Salford are adhered too for the foreseeable future.

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, Tweeted: "Help is on the way".

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:

“The government has today accepted the recommendation from the independent MHRA to approve Pfizer/BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine for use.

“This follows months of rigorous clinical trials and a thorough analysis of the data by experts at the MHRA who have concluded that the vaccine has met its strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.

“The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will shortly also publish its latest advice for the priority groups to receive the vaccine, including care home residents, health and care staff, the elderly and the clinically extremely vulnerable.

“The vaccine will be made available across the UK from next week.”

Thirteen Salford keyworkers have joined together in a plea to the public to fight flu this winter.

The group, which include health workers, council staff, teachers, a tram driver and a volunteer, were typical of those praised by the public for keeping the city moving and supporting vulnerable people during lockdown earlier this year.

Now they are calling on the public to do their bit by getting vaccinated against flu so the NHS and social care are not fighting two major illnesses this winter. The campaign has been launched by Salford City Council, Salford NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust.

People aged over 65, under 65s with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and carers are offered the vaccination each year but, in some cases, less than half those who are eligible take it up. GPs have already begun contacting patients and vaccinations are also being offered through local pharmacies. Schoolchildren from reception to year seven are offered vaccinations via a nasal spray.

The government has also said that if sufficient vaccine is available after the above priority groups have taken up their offer, it will be made available to 50 to 64-year olds.

Councillor Gina Reynolds, lead member for adult services, health and wellbeing, said:

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“Flu is a horrible illness which can put you in bed for several days or more. ,It weakens your immune system for up to six months leaving you vulnerable to other illnesses, including COVID-19. Flu can hospitalise you with complications and can even kill so it’s vital people take up their vaccinations.”

Dr Jeremy Tankel, GP and CCG flu clinical lead, said:

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“This year, more than any other year, it is vital to get a flu vaccine. If you get the flu and coronavirus at the same time then the risks of very serious harm or death are much, much greater. It is sensible to get a vaccination as soon as it is offered to you. It is the right thing to do.”

Dr Pete Turkington, Salford Royal Chief Officer and Medical Director, said:

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“The past few months have been totally unprecedented in the history of the NHS and our staff have been under immense pressure to cope with the demand on our services.

"The pandemic is not over yet so let’s ensure we don’t add to the pressure our NHS staff are already under by making sure we have the flu jab this year. It’s vital that we all take responsibility to protect ourselves and each other.”

 

The Salford heroes are:

Sam Barry, refuse collector. Salford was one of few places in the country to keep bin collections unchanged during early lockdown.

Angela Eden and Foyzul Gani, health improvement workers. The team have taken their stop smoking, healthy weight and exercise advice online during the pandemic and are offering health checks to key workers.

Lou Ross, Metrolink driver supervisor – keeping the city moving

Lesley Fisher, volunteer, who founded and has run Dancing with Dementia for six years

Dafydd Davies and Ellen Brawley, primary school teachers at St Phillips CE primary school, Salford

Hollie Ward nurse practitioner, critical care unit, Salford Royal Hospital who has been caring for people with COVID-19

Marie Howard, community care assistant at Crossroads Care

Dr Selvaraasan, GP at Orient Road Medical Practice

Dr Adeyeye, GP at Pendleton Medical Centre

Angela Goddard, lead practice nurse at Langworthy Medical Practice

David Hartley, Salford police community support officer (PCSO)

For more information and a list of pharmacies offering the flu jab please see www.salford.gov.uk/flu

Oxford and AstraZeneca have put their trial of the leading vaccine shot candidate on hold after a participant in the trial is suspected have having what has been described as a 'serious' reaction.

The development has apparently occurred during the phase 3 trials for what was looking promising to be the lead candidate out of nine which are being developed and tested in an attempt to combat the Coronavirus.

It is currently unclear as to how the reaction occurred but it is believed to have led to the hospitalisation of one of the participants, although it is thought that the person will recover.

It is not an uncommon practice to put trials on hold but it will come as a blow as hopes are pinned on the vaccine being viable for use in order to be deployed to combat Covid-19.

The data is to be assessed and the results of an investigation may allow the trial to proceed in the near future.

Meanwhile, shares in the company have plummeted following the news as market confidence has been shaken.

The vaccine has been developed at an unprecedented pace and the usual time frame between concept and roll out can be as long as a decade or more.

The Oxford candidate had been widely tipped to be the first fully approved vaccine to be put into production.

Although a setback, there are other vaccine candidates in trials which show promise. 

Today (7 September), Salford’s health and care system is launching a ‘big reset’ and local people are being asked to join in the conversation and share their views.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the way health services were delivered in Salford changed to keep patients and staff safe but now the city wants to shape the future of its health and care system to make sure people living in Salford receive the right care in the best way.

Salford’s Big Reset Conversation will run for three months, engaging with people living and working in the city to determine what is working well and what can be improved to create a better and fairer system in Salford.

The conversation is split into five themes – prioritising patients, accessing health services, health at home, mental health and new relationships between health and care and communities – so that local people can have a say on all aspects of health and care.

Alison Page, Chief Executive of Salford CVS, said:

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“Change happens when people come together in order to make a difference. Salford is full of passionate people – volunteering, voluntary and community action, mutual aid and being a good neighbour being some obvious examples – and during the coronavirus pandemic the Spirit of Salford has definitely shone through.

“I would encourage everyone who lives or works in Salford to take part in the Big Reset Conversation to make sure a wide range of voices are heard from across Salford’s diverse communities. Together we can make a difference!”

 

Over the last few months, some services temporarily stopped including planned surgery and routine appointments but now, the health and care system wants to prioritise those who still need the care and explore other options for people whose needs may have changed. Making sure people still have access to their GP and Emergency Department is vital in getting the health and care system moving again.

Salford GP, Dr Girish Patel, said:

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“Online, video, telephone - we are still here for you in lots of different ways. You may have noticed that the way you book an appointment with a GP has changed following the coronavirus pandemic but we are still providing the best level of care to you, it just might not be face-to-face. If you think you need an appointment with your GP, just call or visit their website.”  

Tyrone Roberts, Director of Nursing at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, said:

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“We want to make sure you contact the right service so you receive the care you need within good time. Over the past months, we have been working on new innovative ways to provide care to our patients including a new triage system at the doors to the ED. This ensure that patients are directed to most appropriate service for their needs instead of waiting in ED. Hearing patients’ thoughts on this through the Big Reset Conversation would be really useful so please do complete the survey.”

Patients and service users feedback is vital in making change so please join in the Big Reset Conversation and share your views and experiences of services in Salford. Complete this survey here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/BigReset/

For more information, please visit www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/bigreset

Salford is to lead the way in developing the national approach to community testing for coronavirus over coming weeks. The new community testing model will identify the best way to deliver a quick and simple saliva test, without any of the discomfort of the existing nose and throat swab test.

The development of the use of this new, rapid coronavirus test will begin in Salford with a phased roll out.

When fully implemented it will be available to people who live, work and study in the city and people of all ages and backgrounds will be able to test on a weekly basis by providing saliva into a container, which will then be sent for a simple laboratory process, known as a LAMP test.

Aimed at people without symptoms, community testing will help support work to stop the spread of the virus, by identifying positive cases early. 

See our earlier story on this here:

The tests will be offered to those without symptoms going about their normal business, with people who think they have coronavirus symptoms still accessing the existing national testing system and sites.

Salford City council believes that community testing is the best way to protect people and communities, to locate and disrupt the spread of the virus as soon as possible and even more so whilst a vaccine is being developed.  The council firmly believes community testing should have continued throughout the pandemic and did not support the government when it was ended in early March. 

Community testing will help people respond quickly to protect others if they have the virus. This will mean people can rapidly follow advice to stay at home if they test positive, or if the test is negative, they can continue to go about their daily life with confidence.

It allows people to take care of their own health as well as protecting those they have contact with, including their own family, friends and loved ones, whilst also helping to keep Salford’s economy open.

City Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett said:

Quote

 

“I am pleased that Salford is working with the government to introduce community testing. We are clear that community testing is the way forward to find, isolate and contain the virus and to break its transmission within our city. It will also support us in taking a more targeted approach.

“I have been saying from the start of the pandemic that the government needs to entrust resources and control to local authorities to test, track and trace the spread of the virus. We understand our communities better at a local level. 

“This work is both an opportunity to develop community testing locally and to support our residents to stay safe, whilst allowing our local economy and schools to stay open and our family and social lives to carry on.

“The best way to control the pandemic is at a local level whilst there is no vaccine available.  Our overarching priority is to protect the people of Salford and the lives of vulnerable members of our community.”

 

With Salford being an early adopter of community testing it means that local people will be essential in providing invaluable feedback on the best way to administer testing, whether in community centres, or at supermarkets or tram stops. The aim is provide the easiest way for the community to take part so it becomes a normal part of day-to-day life as we live with and hopefully recover from COVID-19 in the near future.

Mayor Dennett continued:

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“Being at the forefront of the programme will also allow us to raise issues nationally that can discourage people from being tested.

"These include the fear around loss of pay and people being unable to isolate because of a lack of entitlement to statutory sick pay and an inability to make ends meet on such low rates of pay offered through government schemes. We are keen to shape community testing to meet the needs of local people.”

 

A new £500m funding package to support trials of a 20-minute coronavirus test has been hailed by the health secretary as a "huge step forward" in the fight against COVID-19.

Matt Hancock told Sky News the government wants to "go further" when it comes to mass testing for the virus.

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"Being able to expand mass testing with these new technologies is a huge positive step forward in our battle against the virus," he told the #KayBurley programme.

"If you think about it, a combination of everybody doing social distancing and then testing to find out where the virus is is our best way of avoiding having to do local lockdowns and our best way of keeping the virus under control."

 

Mr Hancock said part of the money will also go towards efforts to explore the benefits of repeatedly testing people for the virus, with a new community-wide repeat population testing trial set to be launched in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Existing trials in Southampton and Hampshire, using a no-swab saliva test and a rapid 20-minute test, will be expanded through the new funding.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said saliva-based testing will be used for the Salford pilot, which will involve the city council and other local partners.

A select number of residents will be invited for a weekly test, with the pilot performing up to 250 tests a day.

The initial focus will be on high footfall areas of Salford, such as retail areas, public services, transport and faith spaces.

Its aim is to identify positive coronavirus cases early, including for those with no or minor symptoms, so people can self-isolate.

Results will inform how regular repeat community testing could be scaled up across the country.

The second phase of a no-swab saliva test pilot is due to begin in Southampton this week.

It will see a weekly testing model trialled with more than 2,100 pupils and staff across four schools.

The work is led by a partnership of the University of Southampton, Southampton City Council and the NHS.

Meanwhile the pilot of a rapid 20-minute coronavirus test will be expanded "to further explore the applications of mobile testing in different settings" in Hampshire, the DHSC said.

Funding will also be used to extend capacity for existing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing currently being used in the UK.

Mr Hancock also told Sky News that the overall testing regime was working "well" - despite some people being directed to centres more than 100 miles away.

He said this issue was part of the reason why the government was investing in trials of 20-minute tests.

Quote

 

"At the moment the system works well. Of course there are operational challenges from time to time but it works well," he told Kay Burley.

"And we're finding a higher and higher proportion of people in the country who have coronavirus and getting them tests so they can be looked after.

"But absolutely we need to roll out more testing - we have done throughout this crisis and today's another step in solving some of those problems with the existing technology."

 

Baroness Dido Harding, interim executive chairwoman of the National Institute for Health Protection, the body replacing Public Health England, said:

Quote

 

"New testing technologies and methods are vital to keep the system evolving and improving, especially as we assess how routine testing could help pick up cases of the virus earlier.

"We will continue to scale up our testing capacity by expanding our network of testing sites and investing in new technologies to reach even more people through NHS Test and Trace."

 

Patients, NHS trusts and local research teams across the Greater Manchester region have contributed important data to new global research which shows that corticosteroids can significantly improve outcomes for severely ill patients with COVID-19.

The research papers published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) today reinforce evidence that these inexpensive and widely available drugs improve outcomes for the most critically ill patients with the disease. One paper suggests the risk of death can be reduced by up to 20%.

The papers include findings from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) supported REMAP-CAP study, which is being conducted across 15 countries around the world and led in the UK from the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre.

Working closely together to help deliver rapid recruitment, NHS trusts and the NIHR’s Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN), and research institutes from the devolved nations helped recruit 71% of all global study participants from right across the UK. While the local NIHR Clinical Research Network for Greater Manchester enrolled a total of 34 participants to this vital, practice-changing study at NHS hospitals across the region.

The local recruiting hospitals were North Manchester General Hospital, Salford Royal, Royal Oldham Hospital, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital and Stepping Hill Hospital.

The results from the REMAP-CAP trial show a high probability that among critically ill patients with COVID-19, treatment with a seven-day course of hydrocortisone improved outcomes such as survival and more rapid recovery, compared with no hydrocortisone treatment.

An additional paper, co-ordinated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and led by researchers at the University of Bristol and the NIHR’s Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, provides a meta-analysis (evidence summary) of global steroid use across seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in 12 countries spanning five continents. It also included data drawn from REMAP-CAP and the NIHR-funded RECOVERY trial, which has already shown that the steroid dexamethasone can be successfully used in treatment of moderate to severe Covid-19. It concludes that corticosteroids can reduce the risk of death in the most ill patients by up to 20%.

Tim Felton, Specialty Lead for Critical Care at NIHR CRN Greater Manchester and Clinical Lead for COVID-19 research at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) which runs Manchester Royal Infirmary and Wythenshawe Hospital, said:

Quote

 

“Seven of our local Greater Manchester and East Lancashire hospitals, based across five different NHS trusts, have recruited patients on to the REMAP-CAP study and played a vital role in generating the data which has led to these practice-changing findings.

“The speed at which the study was set-up and delivered by teams across our region is testament to how effectively urgent COVID-19 research is being carried out during the pandemic. We are extremely grateful to all patients who have taken part.

“MFT is at the cutting-edge of research and innovation, and we are now utilising our expertise to address the urgent priorities for research as part of a global, coordinated effort to enhance understanding and develop potential treatments for COVID-19. To date, 32 COVID-19 research studies have opened at MFT, with more than 4,600 participants recruited.”

 

Wiesia Woodyatt, Research and Innovation Manager for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust which runs Stepping Hill Hospital, said:

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“The REMAP-CAP study is vital research in helping our health services develop the best treatments we can for those suffering from severe symptoms of COVID-19. We are pleased to have been able to contribute to this study and are very grateful to our patients who have taken part.”

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer said:

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“These findings offer further evidence that corticosteroids can be an important part of COVID-19 treatment for severe patients. Both the REMAP-CAP and the Bristol University papers show the important work that has been done here in the UK by researchers in making further major contributions towards the international evidence. It is impressive to see so many UK participants willing to take part in studies, and able to volunteer due to the rapid recruitment response of the NIHR’s Clinical Research Network. Research such as this, will make the difference in controlling this virus.”

Anthony Gordon, Professor of Anaesthesia and Critical Care at Imperial College London, and the study’s Chief Investigator, said:

Quote

“The UK has been able to deliver so well in this study because of the joined up research processes that we have in this country. The NIHR provides infrastructure support to ensure research can be delivered efficiently throughout the whole NHS. This system is the envy of our international colleagues.”

NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said:

Quote

“One of the distinctive benefits of having our NHS is that we've been able to mobilise quickly and at scale to help researchers test and develop proven coronavirus treatments. Just as we did with dexamethasone, the NHS will now take immediate action to ensure that patients who could benefit from treatment with hydrocortisone do so, adding a further weapon in the armoury in the worldwide fight against Covid-19.”

The virus is now considered to be "in general circulation" with possible further "gradual relaxation of restrictions". This latest move comes after what are claimed to be steady decreases in infection and death rates across the country. Health Secretary Matt Hancock declared the change as "a big moment for the country" which showed that the government's plan was working.
He said:

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'The UK moving to a lower alert level is a big moment for the country, and a real testament to the British people's determination to beat this virus.

'The Government's plan is working. Infection rates are rapidly falling, we have protected the NHS and, thanks to the hard work of millions in our health and social care services, we are getting the country back on her feet.'  

 

The Joint Biosecurity Centre has recommended the Covid-19 alert level - the five-tier system unveiled by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in May - should now be reduced.

Health bosses stress however that despite falling infection rates the pandemic is far from over with localised outbreaks likely in the future.

The dramatic shift this morning has led some to speculate that the government is preparing to change the two metre distancing rule to allow for more businesses to open in order to boost the economy. 

A Salford GP surgery has achieved a 100% rating in its healthcare good practice, despite having to make huge changes in how it provides treatment due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Height General Practice, on Bolton Road, has attained the top score in the NHS 2019/20 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF) results even though it has had to also cope with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

QoF is a voluntary scheme that almost all GP surgeries in England sign up to which highlights the achievement of good practice in a range of measures. In 2018-19, only 13% of practices across England hit the 100% score.

The figure is calculated from how practices deal with medical problems, including asthma, cancer, heart and kidney disease, dementia, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis. It also logs public health benchmarks, which include levels for blood pressure, cytology, obesity and smoking.

The Height General Practice is one of 28 practices across the North West run by GP ‘super-practice’ SSP Health, 23 of which achieved a 100% QoF rating with four more attaining more than 99%.

Dr Shikha Pitalia, GP and Director of SSP Health, said:

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“We are overjoyed at the success of our Salford practice in this important indicator of the level of care they provide.

“It is fantastic that our surgeries have achieved such outstanding results. They reflect the hard work of all our staff throughout the year.

“We are especially pleased that these high scores have been achieved partly during the COVID-19 outbreak, when we have had to totally re-design how our patients access the advice and treatment we provide.

“Due to the need to prevent the spread of the virus – and to keep our patients and staff as safe as possible from infection – we have had to move from a majority of appointments being face-to-face to most now being done on the phone.

“Despite this, we have been able to hit the very high benchmarks that QoF demands, so patients can be reassured they are still getting the very best care at our practices.”

 

Dr Pitalia added:

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“We know that continuing to look after people properly for medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, depression and dementia, and hitting our targets for preventative care, including cervical screening and reducing smoking, needs to be done in spite of the pandemic.

“These QoF results show we are continuing to do this in the face of unprecedented pressures.”

 

It has been revealed that the number of confirmed Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases has more than doubled over the weekend in Salford.

There are now 23 positive cases recorded in the city by Public Health England but this figure is thought to be much higher in reality and is expected to grow rapidly over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile the Prime Minister faces pressure to order a country-wide lock down in an attempt to stop the spread, this comes after thousands of people ignored Boris Johnson's calls for social distancing earlier in the week.

Over the weekend many flouted the advice given by the Government to head to the parks and beaches with their families. This has sparked fears that the UK could be well onto a similar path as Italy which has seen the worst of the pandemic with over 5,000 deaths recorded in the country so far.

We can not underline the importance of maintaining cleanliness to help stop the spread to others.

Please wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water at regular intervals and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth which offer easy entry into the body for the infection.

If you need to cough, do it into a hanky or in an emergency into your elbow, dispose of all hankies by double bagging them and placing them in your black bin.

If out and about try to avoid touching the least amount of surfaces you can to avoid picking up or spreading infection.

Instead of using your hand to push open a door, try to use your elbow where possible. 

Avoid holding on to handrails if you can and if you have access to it, use hand sanitiser with over a 60% alcohol content.

If you do not have access to sanitiser then wash your hands at the first opportunity and avoid touching your face until you do so.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has escalated the prevention measures to prevent people from gathering socially as the UK death toll hits 177, with Cafe's, Pubs, Clubs and Restaurants are among a list of companies that have been ordered to shut down by this evening (Friday 20th March) in order to try and stem the flow or Coronavirus infections in the UK.

Speaking at what has become a daily press briefing on the virus,  the chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged that the government will pay up to 80% of wages of employees up to a value of £2,500 per month, defer VAT Bills and increase welfare payments by £7billion in and extraordinary package which will be in place until the crisis is over.

He said:

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"The government is doing its best to stand behind you and I am asking you to do your best to stand behind our workers."  

The Government will review the measures on a month by month basis.

The Prime Ministers warned revellers:

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“You’re not only putting your own life and the lives of your family at risk, you are endangering the community,”

The UK wide death toll currently stands at 177 with 9 confirmed cases of the virus currently in Salford, however, that figure is thought to be the tip of a much larger iceberg. 

Sadly two patients being treated at Salford Royal Hospital have succumbed to the virus, both were reportedly in their 80's and had pre-existing underlying health issues.

A spokesman for Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust said:

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"We can confirm that sadly two patients have passed away at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust. Both patients had tested positive for COVID-19.

"Both patients were female, in their 80s and had underlying health conditions.

"Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patients’ families and loved ones at this difficult time."

The majority of those who are infected will only suffer mild symptoms but for a much smaller group the infection can be much worse, which is why the Government has taken this unprecedented step to attempt to stem infection rates.

We wish to pass on our condolences to the families and loved ones of the diseased as our city mourns with you.

There are now currently 9 cases of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) reportedly confirmed in Salford at present according to figures released by Public Health England, however, the actual number of cases circulating will no doubt be higher as at the moment only those requiring hospitalisation are being tested for the virus.

We can not underline the importance of maintaining cleanliness to help stop the spread to others.

Please wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water at regular intervals and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth which offer easy entry into the body for the infection.

If you need to cough, do it into a hanky or in an emergency into your elbow, dispose of all hankies by double bagging them and placing them in your black bin.

If out and about try to avoid touching the least amount of surfaces you can to avoid picking up or spreading infection.

Instead of using your hand to push open a door, try to use your elbow where possible. 

Avoid holding on to handrails if you can and if you have access to it, use hand sanitiser with over a 60% alcohol content.

If you do not have access to sanitiser then wash your hands at the first opportunity and avoid touching your face until you do so.

Schools will close this afternoon for an undetermined period until the crisis is brought under control, they will however remain open for children of one or more key workers (outlined below) on Monday morning.

Health and social care

Frontline health and social care staff such as doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, as well as support and specialist staff in the health and social care sector. In addition it includes those working in supply chains including producers and distributors of medicines and personal protective equipment.

Education and childcare

Nursery, teaching staff and social workers.

Key public services

Those required to run the justice system, religious staff, as well as those responsible for managing the deceased, and journalists providing public service broadcasting.

Local and national government

Administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the Covid-19 response or delivering essential public services, including payment of benefits.

Food and other necessary goods

Those involved in the production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery of food.

Public safety and national security

Police, support staff, Ministry of Defence civilian staff and armed forces personnel, fire and rescue staff, and those responsible for border security, prisons and probation.

Transport

Those who will keep air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the Covid-19 response.

Utilities, communication and financial services

Staff required to keep oil, gas, electricity, water and sewerage operations running. Staff in the civil nuclear, chemical and telecommunications sectors. Those in postal services and those working to provide essential financial services.

These are the education centres which are currently affected by closures and class restrictions due across Salford today (Wednesday 18th March).

A full and updated list is available on this link: https://www.salford.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-closures/

For more concise details concerning each school affected you should contact them or check their respective websites.

Schools will be experiencing partial closures due to staff shortages as staff are forced to self isolate.

Primary schools

Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Closed from Tuesday 17 March 2020 to Friday 20 March 2020
Closure reason: Partial Closure of school - Two classes Nursery and Reception. Closure due to staffing issues, further advice will be given at the end of the week.

St Andrew's CE Primary School (Eccles)
Closed from Tuesday 17 March 2020 to Monday 20 April 2020
Closure reason: Nursery and Reception only due to number of staff self isolating

The Cathedral School of St Peter and St John RC
Closed from Wednesday 18 March 2020 to Friday 20 March 2020
Closure reason: PARTIAL CLOSURE - NURSERY CLASS ONLY - Insufficient Staffing

Secondary schools

Co-op Academy Walkden
Closed on Wednesday 18 March 2020
Closure reason: Partial Closure due to staffing levels. Year 11 students are still in school. All other years must remain at home. Any student, in any year group, who are in receipt of free school meals, can come in to the Academy between 1:10pm and 1:50pm. They will receive a meal. At 1:50pm they must leave the building.

Moorside High School
Closed from Wednesday 18 March 2020 to Friday 20 March 2020
Closure reason: Closed for Year 10 pupils on Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th and Friday 20th March.

St Ambrose Barlow RC High School
Closed on Wednesday 18 March 2020
Closure reason: School closed to Y9 andamp; 10 on Wednesday, March 18th - further updates to follow daily. Years 7, 8, 11 andamp; 13 should attend as normal.

St Patrick's RC High School and Arts College
Closed on Wednesday 18 March 2020
Closure reason: Partially closed to year 9 and year 10 due to staffing levels.

Pupil referral units

Alder Brook Primary Partnership Centre
Closed on Wednesday 18 March 2020
Closure reason: Partial closure of school. The Link and Oak classes will be closed for one day on Wednesday 18th March. Closure due to staffing issues following new guidance given.

The New Broadwalk - PRU
Closed from Tuesday 17 March 2020 to Thursday 19 March 2020
Closure reason: Broadwalk and the PIP are closed as of 17th March 2020 pending a and#039;deep cleanand#039;. This closure will be until further notice and you are advised to check the website and the schools twitter feed for any updates regarding re-opening.

Special schools

New Park High School
Closed from Wednesday 18 March 2020 to Tuesday 24 March 2020
Closure reason: Owing to a reduction in staff numbers, we are closing Y8 until further notice. Also, some pupils supported via the EOTAS provision have been contacted and support packages have been put in place for the same reason. Other closures may follow depending on staffing. This will be reviewed day by day.

Oakwood High School
Closed from Monday 23 March 2020 to Monday 20 April 2020
Closure reason: Oakwood Academy will close at 2.20 on Friday 20th March due to the health and vulnerability of our pupils and staff members. This is in response to a number of staff and pupils self-isolating following the latest government advice. We are expecting to reopen after the Easter Holidays on Monday 20th April. We will update this website if any changes.

With the government urging only essential travel, the regions buses, trains and trams have seen a sharp decline in passenger travel across their services over the past few days.

Under the current unprecedented circumstances a number of those services will be reduced.

As the country moves from the contain phase of the pandemic into the delay phase and social distancing becomes more prevalent, that footfall is expected to drop even further as people stay at home to work where possible.

The public transport network will still remain operational but with reduced services in some areas, as yet it is unknown just which of those areas will be affected or the frequency.

Transport bosses insist that the public will still be able to get to work via the networks.

Trams. Trains & Buses will undergo extensive deep cleaning to prevent the spread of the disease.

TfGM Customer Director, Mr Stephen Rhodes, said:

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“Many of us are worried by the threat posed by the Coronavirus and I want to reassure everyone that our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our staff and public transport users.

“While the latest Government guidance advises against the use of public transport unless it’s for essential reasons, we know there will still be people who need tram, train and bus services to get to work, visit loved ones or access essential services.

“This is a dynamic situation which we are continually monitoring alongside all operators and we have already seen a reduction in the number of people using public transport.

“With that number expected to fall further, a reduction in frequency of bus, train and tram services is expected in the coming days.

“We will be working closely with our partners to ensure we can keep Greater Manchester moving as best as possible at this challenging time.”

“People will of course be worried about the potential spread of the virus.

“And I want to reassure them that we and our colleagues across the transport industry are doing all we can to limit its spread, through robust cleaning regimes and by following the latest advice and information from Public Health England and I’d encourage anyone who does need to travel at this time to check with individual operators ahead of their journey.”

 

There has been a rise of 3 more cases in Salford since last reports, which now brings the cities tally to 4 which have been confirmed by Public Health England, however, it is expected that there are far more infections throughout the city which have not been reported or confirmed as yet.

At present there have been 1,950 cases which have been confirmed across England which include 65 from which people have recovered fully from and 71 cases which have proven to be fatal, 14 of those deaths have been reported over the past 24 hours.

The numbers are expected to rise even higher over the coming weeks as the virus tightens its grip and people start to exhibit symptoms.

The current advice from the government is as follows.

If you have coronavirus symptoms: 

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.

Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home and consider what can be done for vulnerable people in the household.

Ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home.

Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser.

If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, then use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service.

If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999
 

You can find information on how the virus is effecting the city as well as useful links to information on our dedicated page: https://salford.media/corona

As the Coronavirus Pandemic starts to affect more and more in Salford, the city will need volunteers to help distribute food, essential supplies and vital information to those who need it the most.

With that in mind the emergency response to Coronavirus (COVID-19 is a partnership between Salford CVS, voluntary organisations within Salford, Salford Council and the NHS.

One of the things you can do if you wish to help in the Salford emergency response to Coronavirus is to give your time and volunteer.

The city needs YOU to help in the fight.

You can do this by clicking on the link below and registering your details on the Salford CVS website.

https://www.salfordcvs.co.uk/emergency-response-volunteer-registration-form

You can also find more information on the fight against Covid-19 in Salford via the Spirit of Salford Network Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/630588901059643/

Staff at Bridgewater Private School in Worsley have this morning taken the decision that the school will close to pupils, effective immediately, as a precautionary measure to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

A member of their academic teaching staff has informed the school that they are displaying a number of symptoms associated with the Covid-19 virus. The school says that the health and well-being of all the students and staff is, their number one priority and so have therefore decided to close the school to students with immediate effect.

This will allow them to undertake a deep clean and to assess the situation further.

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We know just how much disruption this will cause for all families and guardians. We have not taken this decision lightly. We hope that by taking this measure now we can ensure that all of our Bridgewater community are safe and well.

We will send updates as soon as they become available.

 

Additionally the early years morning due to take place on March 24th has also been postponed due to the outbreak. The school hopes to rearrange it for a later date.

City Mayor Paul Dennett has reassured residents that Salford is prepared to cope as the city announces its first case of Coronavirus.

The person, who has recently tested positive for Coronavirus,  is now self-isolating and is recovering at home. Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with the person to ensure they receive the correct medical advice and guidance to use if they become unwell.

Meanwhile Salford City Council is preparing to act if the government brings in stringent measures to delay the spread of the virus or if council services are affected.

City Mayor Dennett said:

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“Firstly my thoughts are with the person affected by Coronavirus and their family and friends. I know they will receive excellent care from the NHS and I wish them a speedy recovery.

“I can confirm that the executive head teacher of Lewis Street primary school has closed the school for a deep clean and will review the situation after that has taken place. In addition two schools Christchurch primary in Eccles and Larkhill primary school, which share teaching staff with Lewis St will also close for cleaning as a precaution.

 “I want to reassure everyone that the council has well-established and well-tested plans to respond to any emergency, including outbreaks of illness such as COVID -19.

“At the moment it is business as usual but we have been monitoring this fast changing situation from the start and are ready to respond. We will put plans in action to maintain essential services. We are also closely linked in with other Greater Manchester councils and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

“We are working closely with and supporting our NHS partners who are managing the medical side of this situation and we have shared and continue to share all government and NHS information with the public, our schools, our partners including care homes and our employees about measures to tackle the virus.”

 

Meanwhile, three local schools have been closed for deep cleaning after a parent at one of them tested positive for Covid-19

Director of Public Health, Muna Abel Aziz reiterated the need for good hand hygiene as a means to protect people.

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“As this is a new disease, the guidance is changing daily as we learn more but the findings so far show that approximately 80-85% of people will experience a mild illness, if they catch it,” she said.

“In the meantime, good hygiene is the very best prevention to protect ourselves, our families and communities.  This includes washing hands regularly for a minimum of 20 seconds, and following NHS advice in relation to coughs and colds – catch the sneeze in a tissue, bin it…and kill the germs. Please dispose of tissues by double bagging them securely.”

 

To keep up to date with the latest information, go to www.nhs.uk/coronavirus and if you think you have symptoms please call NHS 111. Please do not go to your GP or A&E.

The Quality Care Commisioning Group (CQC) has decided it is happy to continue to rate The Height Medical Practice as ‘Oustanding’. 

The practice was first given the rating in 2017 in a glowing report issued by inspectors.

Inspectors picked out ‘Outstanding’ aspects, including that their practice had launched its own food bank, collecting products for people facing hardship and helping thousands of people to feed themselves.

Inspectors also praised the surgery for recognising that social isolation and loneliness were key issues for some patients, which were eased by the practice providing transport to the surgery and organising social events.

Last year, they also achieved 100% in their QoF good practice results and they were awarded Gold in the Pride In Practice accreditation scheme, which highlights excellence in care for the LGBTQ community.

Practice Manager Holly Walsh said:

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“We are really pleased that the Outstanding rating at our practice has been extended by the CQC after it reviewed our services.

“At The Height General Practice, all our staff pride themselves on going the extra mile for our patients and the people we serve can rest assured that they are getting the very best healthcare possible at our surgery.

“We are overjoyed that this continues to be recognised by the inspectors.”

DADS in Salford are being offered support to help adapt to life as a new parent thanks to extra funding from NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Dad Matters is a Home-Start project which helps prepare dads for their new arrival, have successful relationships with their families and look after their own mental health and wellbeing.

Dad Matters has been running across Greater Manchester for several years but has recently received money from the CCG’s Innovation Fund to expand in Salford.

The project’s main focus is to signpost dads to local support services by attending existing groups such as father and baby play and maternity sessions offering ‘Dad Chats’.

Kieran Anders, Project Manager for Dad Matters, said:

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“Dad Matters is an innovative way of supporting dads to understand their child’s development, supporting their mental health and accessing services that they wouldn’t usually think of using.

“We’re really excited to start developing a more tailored service in Salford alongside Home-Start and other local services, thanks to money from Salford CCG.”

 

Each year, Salford CCG runs the Innovation Fund to support community projects that test and develop new healthcare products and services in a hope to improve outcomes for people living in the city.

Following a three stage shortlisting process, including a market place event and ‘dragons den’ style interviews, 12 projects were successful and received money from the CCG in the 2019/20 fund.

To find out more about Dad Matters and how they can help you visit https://dadmatters.org.uk/resources/salford/ or follow them on social media @DadmattersUK (Facebook) @Dad_Matters (Twitter)