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A Herefordshire GP Protests “No Jab, No Job” – 5th March 2021 A GP, Dr Clare Jones, has written to her MP Jesse Norman to protest against being compelled to be vaccinated or face disciplinary action from the General Medical Council, as Lockdown Sceptics reported yesterday. She copied us in and we thought we’d share it with you. Stop Press: Care UK, one of the UK’s largest care home firms, has introduced a ‘no jab, no job’ policy, saying new staff must have received a Covid vaccination before they start work, the Guardian reports. Barchester, meanwhile, which operates more than 220 private care homes, has said it is insisting that current staff are vaccinated, warning that if they “refuse … on non-medical grounds [they] will, by reason of their own decision, make themselves unavailable for work”. https://lockdownsceptics.org/2021/02/26/latest-news-297/ ______________________________________________________________________ Declined the jab for the fourth time this Wednesday much to the chagrin of all around me. The Doctor is already getting a pasting on BBC Hereford & Worcester local radio. The early morning presenter Eliot Webb loves to be a cantankerous and argumentative man no matter what subject he discusses.

Captain Sir Tom Moore, 100-year-old war veteran who raised £33m for the NHS, has Coronavirus and is in hospital. Sir Tom, who had not been vaccinated yet because he was being treated for pneumonia. In a tweet from his official account, his daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, said he tested positive last week and was taken to hospital today for help with his breathing.He is not in intensive care. We are sending Sir Tom our get well wishes and hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery.

Tier 3 for Herefordshire from midnight. Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the changes to MPs in the house of Commons this afternoon. Full details and a breakdown of what Tier 3 means can be found here

Here is a pick me up for all those people locked down and in need of getting back to normality. https://youtu.be/yPDkCOJO3pc

Herefordshire is one of the first area's outside of hospitals to offer the vaccine as part of the national roll out. Bridge Street Sports Centre in Leominster will initially receive 975 doses next Monday with the elderly and vulnerable being vaccinated first. Those people will be invited to attend for their inoculation either by letter or text message. Once people have had their first vaccination, they will make an appointment to return for their second dose around 3 weeks later.

The preliminary findings, which are yet to be peer reviewed, come ahead of a clinical trial investigating whether over-the-counter mouthwash can reduce the levels of coronavirus in a patient's saliva. The Cardiff University report said that mouthwashes containing at least 0.07 per cent cetypyridinium chloride (CPC) showed “promising signs” of being able to combat the virus. “Although this in-vitro study is very encouraging and is a positive step, more clinical research is now clearly needed,” Dr Thomas told the PA news agency, as quoted by the Independent newspaper. “We need to understand if the effect of over-the-counter mouthwashes on the COVID-19 virus achieved in the laboratory can be reproduced in patients, and we look forward to completing our clinical trial in early 2021.” Dr Nick Claydon, a specialist periodontologist, said he believed mouthwash can become an important addition to fighting coronavirus along with “handwashing, physical distancing and wearing masks, both now and in the future”. #HerefordVoice

In a message on their Facebook page BERNIE JONES TYRES wrote: 👇 #herefordvoice #herefordnews #hereford

Herefordshire Council warning of 'High Alert' with Increase in Covid-19 cases in Redhill, Hunderton, Newton Farm, Lower Bullingham & Belmont in Hereford. If you have symptoms, you must self-isolate & book a test. Financial support is available 👉 http://orlo.uk/m2QoI #HerefordVoice #HerefordNews #Hereford

Better access to covid testing in north Herefordshire A mobile Covid-19 testing centre for north Herefordshire is now operating on the Broad Street Car Park in Leominster. This is the second mobile testing centre to be set up in county within the past three weeks – taking the total number of sites countywide to three. The other two sites are in Hereford and Ross-on-Wye. This latest unit makes it more convenient for residents from north Herefordshire to get a covid test close to home. The unit opened today (Nov 13) and will offer tests from 10.30am until 3.30pm each day and will be in place for the foreseeable future. It is being provided for Herefordshire Council by the regional NHS test and trace team. Herefordshire Council’s Director of Public Health Karen Wright said: “It has always been our aim to set up more testing sites in Herefordshire to make it easier for our residents to get tested close to home. Anyone experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 – a high temperature, persistent cough, loss or change in sense of taste or smell – should immediately book a test by ringing NHS 119 or visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. They should self-isolate (not leave their home) while waiting for their test and until they have the result. Anyone who cannot get to a test centre can order a home test kit. Hands, Face, Space. We would like to remind people to wash their hands regularly, use a face covering (when visiting enclosed spaces like shops and businesses) and keep their distance (at least 2 metres) to help protect themselves and others.

Lugg Ward at Hereford County Hospital has been closed to admissions and visitors after a number of patients tested positive for coronavirus. A spokesperson for Wye Valley Trust confirmed the news and said;

£500 payment to self-isolate aims to help stop the transmission of Covid-19 The government has announced financial support for workers asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace. A £500 payment may be paid if you test positive for Coronavirus and have to self-isolate, or if you have had close contact with someone who has tested positive and have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace. You must be employed or self-employed, unable to work from home and you will lose your income. You must also receive any of the following benefits: Universal Credit Working Tax Credit Income Based Employment Support Allowance Income Based Jobseekers Allowance Income Support Housing Benefit Pension Credit These payments are designed to help ensure people who have tested positive for Covid-19 and their close contacts self-isolate for the required period to stop the onward spread of the virus. They are also designed to encourage people who are eligible for this payment to get tested if they have symptoms. This is important to help stop the transmission of Covid-19 and avoid further lockdowns. The payment will be administered locally by Herefordshire Council. If you meet all the criteria, are on a low income and will face financial hardship as a result of not being able to work due to requiring to self-isolate but you are not in receipt of a qualifying benefit, then you may be eligible for a discretionary payment. Apply for the £500 Test and Trace support payment online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/isolationpayment

Lollipops on the common, based near Widemarsh Common in Hereford confirmed the case this afternoon. A statement said:👇 #herefordvoice #herefordnews #hereford

We have received unconfirmed reports today that Herefordshire’s Wye Valley Trust have admitted a patient who is positive with Coronavirus. This is the first hospital admission in months. #HerefordNews #HerefordVoice

5 staff members at The Inn at Welland all worked together last weekend and are now self isolating for 14 days and also one customer. A statement on the pubs website reads: 👇 #HerefordVoice

Even though it is now compulsory not everyone can wear one. Be mindful not to challenge anyone as not all disabilities or health conditions are visible. This information relates to the use of face coverings in public spaces where social distancing is not always possible. It is important to follow all the other government advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) including staying safe outside your home. What a face covering is In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth. You can buy reusable or single-use face coverings. You may also use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering but these must securely fit round the side of the face. Face coverings are not classified as PPE (personal protective equipment) which is used in a limited number of settings to protect wearers against hazards and risks, such as surgical masks or respirators used in medical and industrial settings. Face coverings are instead largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes coronavirus infection (COVID-19). If you wish to find out more about the differences between surgical face masks, PPE face masks, and face coverings see the MHRA’s (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) regulatory status of equipment being used to help prevent coronavirus (COVID-19). When to wear a face covering In England, you must wear a face covering in the following indoor settings (a list of examples for each is included in the brackets): public transport (aeroplanes, trains, trams and buses) transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals) shops and supermarkets (places which offer goods or services for retail sale or hire) shopping centres (malls and indoor markets) auction houses premises providing professional, legal or financial services (post offices, banks, building societies, high-street solicitors and accountants, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses) premises providing personal care and beauty treatments (hair salons, barbers, nail salons, massage centres, tattoo and piercing parlours) premises providing veterinary services visitor attractions and entertainment venues (museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, cultural and heritage sites, aquariums, indoor zoos and visitor farms, bingo halls, amusement arcades, adventure activity centres, funfairs, theme parks, casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor play areas including soft-play areas) libraries and public reading rooms places of worship funeral service providers (funeral homes, crematoria and burial ground chapels) community centres, youth centres and social clubs exhibition halls and conference centres public areas in hotels and hostels storage and distribution facilities You are expected to wear a face covering before entering any of these settings and must keep it on until you leave unless there is a reasonable excuse for removing it. More detailed advice on the application of these requirements in different settings can be found in the Government’s guidance for working safely. You should also wear a face covering in indoor places not listed here where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. Face coverings are needed in NHS settings, including hospitals and primary or community care settings, such as GP surgeries. They are also advised to be worn in care homes. Enforcement measures for failing to comply with this law Premises where face coverings are required should take reasonable steps to promote compliance with the law. The police can take measures if members of the public do not comply with this law without a valid exemption and transport operators can deny access to their public transport services if a passenger is not wearing a face covering, or direct them to wear one or leave a service. If necessary, the police and Transport for London (TfL) officers have enforcement powers including issuing fines of £100 (halving to £50 if paid within 14 days). As announced we will bring forward changes which mean fines for repeat offenders will double at each offence, up to a maximum value of £3,200. Cont..

What do you think? Will you be wearing one? LAW: Face coverings must be worn in shops, supermarkets, indoor shopping centres and transport hubs - such as train stations and airports - in England from today. A face covering is defined as a fabric covering, scarf or bandana that covers the 'nose and mouth'. It is also compulsory to wear a face covering when buying food and drink from 'takeaways' cafes and shops. More details in 👉 this article

Wearing a face covering will be mandatory in shops and other public spaces across England from Friday to stop the spread of coronavirus. People will also have to wear a mask, scarf or bandana that covers the nose and mouth in shopping centres and indoor transport hubs, like bus and train stations. When it comes to buying food, the law will depend on where you're eating it. Face coverings will not be mandatory in pubs and restaurants. Announcing the latest guidance, the Department of Health and Social care said: Coffee shops and takeaways People will need to wear a face covering in coffee shops in England under new regulations due to come into effect on 24 July. The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed face coverings will be needed in shops such as Pret a Manger if people intend to take their food and coffee away. However, if they sit down to eat or drink, they will be able to remove their face covering in that area. Takeaway outlets will also fall under the same criteria. Those who fail to follow the new law could be fined up to £100 - brought down to £50 if paid within fortnight. Children under 11 and those with disabilities are exempt, and people can remove face coverings for valid reasons like being asked to do so in a bank or to prove their identity if buying age-restricted products. Who is exempt from wearing a face mask? The same exemptions as for public transport will apply under the updated guidelines, with children under 11 and people with breathing problems not required to wear a covering. Anyone who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability is also exempt. Under the new rules, the below groups are not required to wear a mask: A child under the age of 11 An employee of the transport operator, when they are acting in the course of their employment A constable or police community support officer acting in the course of their duty An emergency response member of staff, such as a paramedic or fire officer acting in the course of their duty An official such as a border force officer, acting in the course of their duty If you are onboard public transport but remain in your own vehicle, such as a car ferry Other exemptions listed include those with a disability or a physical or mental illness, and anyone travelling with a deaf person who relies on lip-reading to communicate. Customers in shops will also be allowed to remove them if they are required to present identification for purchasing alcohol and other age-restricted products.

Joint statement from Public Health Midlands (West) and Herefordshire Council Herefordshire Council is working with Public Health England (PHE) Midlands to support vegetable producers AS Green and Co, based in Mathon near Malvern, following an outbreak of COVID-19 among their workforce. Around 200 key workers are employed to carry out picking and packing work vital to the UK food supply chain and local economy. During the harvesting season, the workforce resides in mobile homes based on the farm, so as a precaution, the whole group are being treated as one extended bubble. Workers are being asked to remain on the farm during the period of isolation and stay within household groups, to reduce risk of spread within the workforce and into the wider community. Herefordshire Council is arranging food and essential supplies for residents on the site, while they self-isolate. Katie Spence, PHE Midlands Health Protection Director, said: A spokesperson for AS Green said: Karen Wright, Director of Public Health for Herefordshire, said:

Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become mandatory from 24 July. Those who fail to comply with the new rules could face a fine of up to £100, the government has announced. The move will bring England into line with Scotland and other major European nations like Spain, Italy and Germany. Enforcement will be carried out by police - not retail staff - and anyone failing to wear a face covering while shopping will be subject to a fine of up to £100, or £50 if paid within 14 days. Can wearing face masks stop the virus? Face masks won't stop coronavirus from spreading so you still need to follow health officials' advice for social distancing and washing your hands regularly. What they can do is help reduce the likelihood that you pass it on if you are suffering from the virus – remember that there are also people who don't show symptoms of COVID-19. As Professor Chris Whitty, the government's Chief Medical Officer, puts it, wearing a face covering "is an added precaution that may have some benefit in reducing the likelihood that a person with the infection passes it on." Most retailers producing these commercially-available face masks state that the face masks they sell are not sold as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health and care workers to use in the work place. Who is exempt? Children under 11 and people with certain disabilities will be exempt as they already are on public transport. Other countries The World Health Organisation shifted towards recommending face coverings in June. Britons have been among the slowest to embrace mass mask-wearing. Many European countries, including Germany, Spain, Italy and Greece, have already made it compulsory to wear face coverings inside shops. A YouGov poll found that 36% of people in the UK wear a face mask in public places, compared with 86% in Spain, 83% in Italy, 78% in France and 65% in Germany. Tourists visiting the Costa del Sol must wear masks in public places from Wednesday, mirroring moves in Catalonia and the Balearics to fine people up to £90 for flouting the rules.

The club confirmed the news in a statement explaining that both are asymptomatic but, as part of the procedures introduced by Premiership Rugby as part of Stage Two of the Return to Training Protocols, they will be re-tested. Both are currently self-isolating at home. Stage Two of the Return to Training Protocols require clubs to provide a written declaration to Premiership Rugby that they have met a number of key criteria alongside a full risk assessment informing the operational policy for their training facility. These include: All players and support staff must undertake an Education Module and sign a formal “opt in” process for moving to Stage 2. All players and designated support staff undergoing weekly COVID-19 testing, and maintaining the high standards of hygiene introduced at training facilities. All clubs in conjunction with Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Football Union undertaking a rugby risk assessment to support the mitigation of risk in training. The continuation of a daily medical screening for players and support staff, which involves the completion of a symptom checklist and temperature check before entering the training facility. A contact tracing protocol which will be supported by GPS data and the videoing of training sessions. The provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for the setting.

We do not publish national news articles very often and would prefer to keep our network for Herefordshire however, because of all the hard work already done in trying to contain the virus and the dedication from the NHS and other key workers, we felt compelled to post this article because if people continue to ignore the guidelines we may end up with a second wave. We have all seen the pictures of thousands of people flocking to the beaches this week across the UK during this period of hot weather. Bournemouth beach was a classic example and a major incident was declared yesterday after thousands ignored health advice, with widespread anti-social behaviour, gridlocked roads and huge crowds on the hottest day of the year. Bournemouth East MP Tobias Elwood said 500,000 visitors were in Dorset yesterday – almost as many people as living in the county. Maybe Bournemouth council should take some responsibility here for not putting social distancing measures in place...But people should equally be responsible for their own actions. This was Bournemouth Beach yesterday Photo courtesy of The Telegraph - Bournemouth Beach We should look at other countries to see how they are creating safer beach environments for the public. This is a brilliant example of how they should apply social distancing at Jesolo Beach in Italy Photo courtesy os Skyline Webcams - Jesolo Beach Italy View the LIVE Jesolo Beach webcam here It can't be that difficult surely.. your thoughts?

Over 1.8 Million People (85%) have recovered and been discharged from hospital from Coronavirus worldwide. Most people who catch coronavirus will only get mild symptoms and make a full recovery. We are in no way trying to dilute the severity of this virus or the impact of loss and bereavement this disease is having for so many people but just wanted to 'highlight' how many people are recovering each day, rather than publish the daily doom and gloom numbers of deaths being constantly reported. World statistics of the Covid-19 - Coronavirus pandemic recovery rates last updated: May 17, 2020, 0:50 GMT. Source: Worldometer Graphic designed by Freepik #HerefordVoice #Coronavirus

Congratulations to Kate Bingham, wife of our own Jesse Norman, MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire. Kate Bingham has today (16 May) been appointed chair of the UK’s Vaccine Taskforce – the group set up by the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Business Secretary and Health Secretary to lead UK efforts to find and manufacture a COVID-19 vaccine. This is a cross-government role and Kate Bingham will report directly to the Prime Minister. Kate Bingham is a leading figure in the life sciences sector and her appointment will enable the Vaccine Taskforce to accelerate the development of a safe and effective vaccine, one of the long-term solutions to controlling the coronavirus pandemic and saving lives without social distancing or contact tracing in place. Kate will co-ordinate the work already underway across Government, academia and industry to rapidly develop vaccines, and ensure that as and when a viable one becomes available, it can be produced in mass quantities and safely administered to the public – both in the UK and around the world. The Taskforce is ensuring the work being done to find a vaccine in the UK complements and supports global efforts. The UK is a leader in the global response, committing £250 million to the international drive to develop a coronavirus vaccine through the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and hosting the upcoming global pledging conference for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, on June 4th. Kate is uniquely qualified for the role, having worked in the biotech sector in the UK and internationally for 26 years – most recently as Managing Partner at SV Health Investor. Her work has led to the launch of six drugs for the treatment of patients with inflammatory and autoimmune disease and cancer. Business Secretary Alok Sharma, who has been tasked with ministerial responsibility for the government’s work on vaccines said: Chair of the Vaccine Taskforce Kate Bingham said: Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: Government Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said: About Kate Bingham Kate is temporarily stepping back from her full time role as Managing Partner at SV Health Investors, a leading international life sciences venture capital firm to take on this role as Chair of the Taskforce. At SV she is responsible for biotech investments and activities in the UK and serves or has served on the boards of companies in the UK, US, Ireland, Sweden and Germany. Her investments include small-molecule drug discovery and development projects, biotherapeutic development projects, and drug discovery platforms in a broad range of clinical areas. Kate played a leading role in setting up the UK’s Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF) and serves on the DDF Investment Committee. The DDF was created by six leading pharmaceutical companies (Biogen, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Takeda), together with the UK Department of Health and Alzheimer’s Research UK. Launched with initial commitments of £70m it now has £250m to invest in new potential disease modifying therapeutics for dementia. Prior to joining SV, Kate worked in business development for Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company in Cambridge, MA and at Monitor Company, a strategy consulting firm. She has an MA in Biochemistry from Oxford University (First class) and studied on a Kennedy Scholarship at Harvard Business School (MBA Baker Scholar). Jesse Norman In 1992 Hereford and South Herefordshire MP Jesse Norman married The Honourable Kate Bingham, daughter of The Lord Bingham of Cornhill, the former Lord Chief Justice. They have two sons and one daughter.

Amazing work created by the Pupils at the Aconbury Centre on Ross Road (Part of Herefordshire Pupil Referral Service) showing their appreciation for all Key-Workers with this brilliant mural.

Herefordshire Council invests in additional care facility to assist former NHS patients with their recovery A Herefordshire hotel has reopened to support Herefordshire Council provide additional care and rehabilitation capacity for former NHS patients and members of the community, as part of the county’s response to the Covid-19 emergency. The council has leased the Three Counties Hotel at Belmont Road, Hereford, as a temporary accommodation to support the NHS and social care sector. Agincare UK Ltd are providing the care and support service on the site, which can offer accommodation for up to 46 people during the Covid-19 outbreak. The service will provide short term care and a rehabilitation service to help people to live independently when they return to their place of residence. Protective measures have been put in place, including the use of PPE, to ensure the safety of the residents and the staff. Councillor Pauline Crockett, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Wellbeing said: Luke Holmes, Agincare Operations Director, added: Michelle Standell, Manager of The Three Counties Hotel, said: