With local lockdowns in force across much of the north of England there is growing concern that frequently changing guidelines are causing confusion. In Sheffield, according to Greg Fell, director for public health, there has been a worrying increase in hospital admissions with most cases coming from household transmissions Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield Council has announced it will be providing more funding to care homes in the city to help the fight against Covid-19. The local authority says it will deliver the additional funding that has been announced by the government in the last week. Sheffield Live! reporter spoke to Councillor George Lindars-Hammond, cabinet member for health and social care.
A new skateable street architecture project has been unveiled providing a place for street sports in the Castlegate area, part of the grey to green regeneration project. The multi-use blocks and rails on Exchange Street offer a destination for skateboarders, BMX’ers and scooters. The project has been in the planning for around four years with support from Sheffield Council and building works provided free of charge by construction company NMCN. The unveiling comes ahead of skateboarding making a debut at the Tokyo Summer 2021 games. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Neil Ellis, head of engagement for Skateboard England.
Sheffield’s UBI Lab has been at the forefront of a campaign for a universal basic income that has gained momentum in the face of financial distress for many resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. UBI is an unconditional payment available to all instead of a means tested benefits system and has the aim of ensuring that no one should face the risk of falling into destitution. A growing network of cities and countries are exploring the concept with pilots ready to launch subject to government approval. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Sam Gregory and Tchiyiwe Chihana from UBI Labs network.
As tens of thousands of students return to universities this week and next, strict measures have been taken to minimise the spread of the coronavirus in city campuses. Thousands of students returning to colleges and universities will find their educational and social experience very different to previous years. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Dr Peter O’Brien, executive director for Universities in Yorkshire and Andrew Adegbola, Sheffield Hallam Student Union president.
A Sheffield-based asylum seeker and community volunteer has published a first hand account of a decade of struggle to gain refugee status. The ebook “Detention, destitution and deliberations” is a collection of short stories by Victor Mujakachi about the UK asylum system. Mujakachi, who faced political persecution in Zimbabwe, tells of his detention at Morton Hall immigration removal centre and his release following a successful campaign. Bailor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
There has been a rise in Covid-19 cases in Sheffield in the last week with significant spikes in Sharrow and Broomhall. Schools have also seen new Covid-19 cases with Meersbrook Primary School being the most recent to send children home. Greg Fell, Sheffield’s Director of Public Health told Sheffield Live the increases relate mainly to younger people aged 20 to 25 and may be due to students returning to Sheffield early. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
On International Clear Air Day, Graham Jones of the Burngreave Clean Air Campaign spoke to Sheffield Live! about the need for more awareness and action to reduce air pollution. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
A London Road cafe owner has said she is pleased the government’s eat out to help out scheme has ended as too many customers abused the offer by bringing takeaway boxes and ordering more than they need. Asia Javed, owner of Desi Cafe on London Road told Sheffield Live! they had welcomed the scheme initially but found it put a lot of pressure on staff and regular customers. The government scheme gave diners 50 percent off up to £10 and was praised by others as a success. Baillor Jalloh reports.
Extinction Rebellion organised a theatrical ‘Bankers’ Tea Party’ street demonstration in Fargate this week to draw attention to banks’ funding and investment in fossil fuels. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Mike Thomson of Extinction Rebellion.