Sheffield Trades Union Council has called on trades unions, professional associations, campaign groups and others to form an action group to support workers and vulerable people affected by the coronavirus crisis. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Over 100 MPs have signed a letter to Universities Minister Michelle Donelan calling for support for students affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The MPs have called for a flexible approach to assessment, refund of rents on unoccupied accommodation and a temporary suspension of rules preventing students claiming universal credit. Speaking to Sheffield Live! Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central, said thousands of students have lost their casual jobs due to the coronavirus. Baillor Jalloh reports.
Greg Fell, Director of Public Health, told Sheffield Live! the city’s hospitals are treating hundreds of Covid-19 patients but are coping with the surge. There have been 822 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Sheffield as of 6 April, according to Public Health England, but thousands more are likely to have been infected by the coronavirus. There have been 51 Covid-19 related deaths reported in Sheffield hospitals. Baillor Jalloh reports.
Sheffield Council has launched a community response helpline to support those most vulnerable to the spread of the coronavirus. The local authority says people who need more information or assistance can now seek help by phoning 0114 2734567. 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!