Students, their parents and teachers are adjusting to the first week of school closures introduced across the UK to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The government ordered schools to shut their doors to all except the children of key workers, as part of strict new public health measures. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh, spoke to Chris Welch, a teacher at Tupton Hall School, about the impact on teachers, students and parents.
Sheffield’s Citizens Advice have announced it is to move to providing telephone and online advice only due to the spread of the coronavirus. Following government recommendations to avoid all non-essential contact, the charity says it will provide an enhanced phone and digital service to residents who are experiencing difficulties due to Covid-19 or current measures to suppress the spread of the coronavirus. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield’s renowned music venue, the Leadmill, is auctioning off memorabilia to raise money to keep their venue running during the coronavirus pandemic. The Leadmill told Sheffield Live! items include a custom guitar signed by the Arctic Monkeys and made with wood from the club’s old floor and concert posters signed by Arcade Fire and Biffy Clyro. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
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!