Nationally, as of 9am on 20 April, 386,044 people have been tested for Covid-19, of which 124,743 tested positive. As of 5pm on 19 April of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 16,509 have sadly died. Locally, as at 4pm on 20 April, the number of confirmed cases within Leeds stood at 930. Sadly, the total number of reported deaths of people who tested positive with COVID-19 at LTHT up to 5pm 19 April is 126. As of 19 April there were 31 care homes that have had suspected or confirmed outbreaks/cases of Covid 19 in Leeds, with 15 care homes are closed and 16 remain operational. The infection Control team are continuing to contact all care homes daily. I am continuing in my efforts to supply PPE to care homes.
Nursery support
I have been contacted by worried nursery providers after the Government published guidance regarding the eligibility of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (or furlough scheme). The guidance contains caveats such as that “the employee works in an area of business where services are temporarily not required and where their salary is not covered by public funding.” This raises questions regarding the 30 hours free childcare provision. Given that many providers have already started to furlough staff and that there are significant other overheads for nurseries to bare, this is a very serious situation. I have therefore contacted the Chancellor and the Early Years Alliance to ask for these important clarifications.
Foodbank
I am pleased to report that the Leeds North and West Foodbank have raised £25,000 since our big push for donations last month. Thank you to everyone who has given money. When I heard the call out I knew our amazing North Leeds community would step up to the challenge. I’ve had an overwhelming response both on my website and on social media. Leeds North and West Foodbank does incredible work and I’d encourage anyone who can to support this vital institution. It has also been very fulfilling to help by personally delivering food parcels, I’d like to thank everyone at the Otley food bank for training me up and for all the work they do in helping our community.
Drugs and Alcohol support
Leeds City Council is working with Forward Leeds to develop a revised addiction service. Each hub has a small number of staff working to enable Forward Leeds to see users in exceptional circumstances. The service continues to take referrals. Some staff are working remotely. They are contacting users who need not come into the service in person, making arrangements over phone etc but face to face meetings are still going ahead when appropriate. Further resources and information is available at the Forward Leeds Website. -https://www.forwardleeds.co.uk/
Harm reduction rooms are open from 12:30-16:30 every day, offering clean injecting equipment. The city’s pharmacy-based needle exchanges are currently operating as normal. Users are being advised to call in advance to check opening times. Any user not self-isolation, or without a health condition can collect their prescription. For those unable to pick prescriptions staff are also collecting and delivering prescriptions.
Nightingale Hospital Launch
The Nightingale Hospital Yorkshire and The Humber will be officially launched today at 2.30pm with a virtual ceremony inside the building. The NHS has invited Captain Tom Moore to be the guest of honour at the official opening of the new Nightingale hospital as a way of honouring his fundraising efforts in his home county. The 99 year old war veteran, who has raised an incredible £23 million for the NHS, will appear by video link at the opening and is expected to thank NHS workers for their efforts.