Following publication of the Ofsted annual report, the schools inspectorate has said nearly all children and learners have been affected by the Covid pandemic, with long-term consequences unknown. In Yorkshire the report concluded 83 per cent of primary schools were rated as good or outstanding. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Emma Ing, director of Ofsted in the North East, Yorkshire and The Humber.
Sheffield health boss, Greg Fell, told Sheffield Live! the Omicron variant is likely to spread rapidly over the next few weeks. With cases of the new variant rising, the government has introduced new restrictions including face masks in most public indoor venues other than hospitality and people being asked to work from home where possible. The new measures could be in place for at least six weeks. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
Under the new Covid-19 rules anyone visiting indoor unseated nightclub venues with over five hundred people will have to show they are either vaccinated or provide a lateral flow test. The news has led to cancellations and uncertainty for venue managers. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Joe Taylor, managing director of Dryad Works.
Grounded Research, the research team at Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, has been selected to join an international Covid-19 booster trial. The team is seeking volunteers to take part in Covid-19 vaccine booster research and are calling on members of the public in Sheffield to help them understand the impact of the booster jab on new variants. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Dr Adrian Phillipson who is leading the trial for Grounded Research.
Sheffield’s public health boss Greg Fell is urging residents to maintain hygiene and other Covid safety measures as more research is awaited on the Omicron variant. The UK Health Security Agency confirmed this week more cases of the variant in England. The individuals who have tested positive are not connected to one another or to previously confirmed cases. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Taxi hailing apps and food delivery companies are to offer discounted rides and meals for customers who get a COVID-19 jab. Avimule Sibanda, a Sheffield Hallam University student said it was welcome news and would boost vaccine uptake among students and young people. Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among companies who will be giving out incentives. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Greg Fell, Director of Public Health in Sheffield has said people should continue to wear face masks in public places as even those vaccinated may still get infected or transmit the virus to others. Speaking to Sheffield Live! Fell said: “I have taken all my jabs but I will continue to wear a face mask.” The government has confirmed that nearly all remaining Covid restrictions will end in England on 19 July. Baillor Jalloh reports.
Sheffield Councillor Ben Curran has called on bus and tram operators to maintain a requirement that passengers wear face masks. The government announced that mandatory face mask wearing will end from 19 July however many Northern regional leaders including South Yorkshire’s mayor Dan Jarvis have announced face coverings will continue in the region’s bus stations. Baillor Jalloh reports.
Sheffield’s director of public health, Greg Fell, expressed concern that many young people aged 18 to 40 are yet to book their Covid-19 vaccination as cases rise again in the city and UK wide. Over forty five million adults in the UK have now received their first Covid-19 vaccination does. Thirty three million have received both doses. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
As part of the plan to ease out of lockdown, groups of up to six people are now allowed to socialise outdoors in groups of six, but Sheffield health chiefs have urged the public to maintain other precautions. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Ruth Granger, health protection manager at Sheffield City Council.