Mosques across South Yorkshire have shut their doors to the public until further notice to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Thousands of Muslim worshippers were asked to stay away from Friday prayers and advised to pray at home. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Voluntary organisations in Sheffield are mobilising to keep people connected in the face of measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus. With government recommendations of self isolation for the vulnerable, increased home working and reducing social gatherings, voluntary organisations and self help groups are looking for new ways to support those most in need using social media, befriending schemes and virtual activities. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammad, spoke to Maddy Desforges, chief executive of Voluntary Action Sheffield.
Communities are coming together across Sheffield and around the country in mutual aid groups to help those most vulnerable to the coronavirus. A group has been created on Facebook called Sheffield Mutual Aid which is highlighting neighbourhood initiatives and helping people to work together in response to the pandemic. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke by Skype to creator of the group Bevan Richardson.
Director of Public Health for Sheffield, Greg Fell, appearing at a council cabinet meeting, has explained new government advice and local action to delay spread of the coronavirus. The new measures include asking those with symptoms and their families, to stay home for at least 14 days until they are clear of the virus, and shielding the most vulnerable by ensuring they have the necessary support for self isolation and reducing risk of contact with the virus. People are also requested to increase social distancing by avoiding travel and mass gatherings, and working from home where feasible.
With government urging people to avoid public spaces like cinemas, restaurants, pubs and events, activists from Sheffield Needs a Pay Rise and Acorn are calling for more support for workers affected. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
Hundreds of amateur and professional climbers have been taking part in Sheffield’s internationally renowned bouldering competition, the Climbing Works International Festival. The Rab CWIF 2020 is one of few competitions of any sport that allow members of the public to compete alongside climbing professionals. Sheffield Live! will be carrying live broadcast coverage of the Rab CWIF 2020 Semi Finals and Finals. Join us from midday on Sunday, Freeview 7, Virgin 159 or live stream on www.sheffieldlive.org.
Three people in Sheffield have been confirmed as having contracted the Covid-19 virus as the UK response to the global pandemic moves from ‘contain’ to ‘delay’. According to Greg Fell, Director of Public Health in Sheffield, the patients are at home in self isolation. People are advised to wash their hands frequently, at least five times a day for 20 seconds, and to stay at home for at least seven days if they notice symptoms of the virus. Symptoms are said to be flu-like and include a high temperature and a new continuous cough. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
A new strategy for managing Sheffield street trees has been set out in a groundbreaking partnership report. The Street Tree Working Strategy has been developed by a group of partners including Sheffield Tree Action Groups (STAG), Sheffield City Council, Amey, independent experts from Natural Capital Solutions and Leeds City Council as well as the Woodland Trust. The new approach, to be recommended for adoption by Sheffield Council, has a focus on sustainable management of the urban tree population for its environmental, health and wellbeing benefits. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Liz Ballard, chief executive of Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust and chair of the strategy group.
International chain Radisson Blu have been selected by Sheffield Council for a flagship hotel on Pinstone Street overlooking the Peace Gardens. The luxury hotel development is expected to offer 150 rooms as part of the Heart of the City Phase 2 programme which will restore a group of historically significant buildings of Victorian heritage. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Councillor Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for business and infrastructure.
The University and College Union are to ballot their members on a deal with Sheffield Hallam University to end the current dispute over excessive workloads. The proposals, which the union are recommending to their members, would provide extra time for new lectures and courses together with a workload monitoring mechanism. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Jane Fearon, branch secretary for Shefffield Hallam UCU.