The spread of Covid-19 is being slowed and lives are being saved, Sheffield’s health protection manager Ruth Granger told Sheffield Live! as the government extended the lockdown for a further three weeks. As of 16 April there have been 1412 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Sheffield however many more are thought to have been infected as testing is limited to the critically ill and key workers. The NHS has reported 113 patients in Sheffield hospitals have sadly died of the disease. Baillor Jalloh reports.

George Lindars-Hammond, cabinet member for health and social care, told Sheffield Live! the council is doing all it can to provide support to care homes in the city. The remarks follow criticism of the local authority for not transferring emergency funds to help care homes respond to Covid-19. Baillor Jalloh reports.

Sheffield prosthetics manufacturer Blatchford have converted their facilities for production of face masks to help protect frontline NHS staff. The company, who usually make make orthotic and prosthetic devices, are using their highly skilled technicians, supply chain and facilities to assist the Covid-19 response. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Blatchford operations manager, Nigel Birkett.

With church buildings closed to the public, sermons have been moved online with worshippers joining events on social media for Good Friday and the Easter weekend. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Reverend Sallie Wilson from the Church on the Corner, part of the Elim Pentecostal Churches.

Organisations and volunteers from Sheffield’s Black community have come together to support vulnerable people across the city. Adira Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, Gems Hygiene Cleaning Services, Sheffield African and Caribbean Mental Health Association, Church of God Prophecy, SADDACA and New Testament Church of God have joined together to provide fresh food, hot meals and other support for vulnerable people. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

This year’s Sheffield International Documentary Film Festival has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak with some activities to be held online and others to take place later in the year. The festival, which in previous years has brought thousands of delegates to Sheffield from across the UK and worldwide, will be replaced with a series of a virtual events in June and smaller weekender activities planned for later in the year. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to festival director Cintia Gil.

Seven Sheffield men have joined a fundraising drive for the Sheffield Hospitals Charity by taking the bold step of having their heads shaved as part of a Support Your NHS appeal. With NHS hospitals under increasing pressure due to the coronavirus pandemic Ryan Smith, Adam Cone, Ricky Brunt, Thomas Billam, Liam Howard, Marcus Pike and James Kirkby aim to raise funds for the local hospital to buy additional protective equipment for frontline workers. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!