Corona Virus – Oxfordshire Community Situation Report.
Date: 17th March
Concerned residents who were discussing COVID-19 on the Nextdoor group have come together to set up the Oxford Virus Action Group to help people in East Oxford cope with the impact of the pandemic. There are a number of different initiatives and the situation is changing very rapidly, so our aims are: a) to pull together and share different sources of verified information b) to learn from you about any gaps - particularly gaps that are affecting more vulnerable groups – that need addressing c) to see how between us we can address those gaps
We aim to update this daily – by 5.00pm. If you have any thing you want to contribute please message us via the Facebook page or send a text message to the Virus Action Group on 07384939145
Key figures and information People sick in Oxfordshire: 24 (15/03/2020) People self-isolating due to symptoms: unknown People quarantining due to being in vulnerable group: unknown Schools: all open Nurseries: all open
Other groups and sources of information: Oxford Mail – Lots of information about the impact of Coronavirus locally BBC Oxford – Local and national news including on Coronavirus NHS Oxford – useful information on their site Newsfeed from Facebook on COVID-19 https://www.facebook.com
Street level support groups active: Please share any information you have so that we can share with others if we get asked
Health For anyone involved in running food deliveries for neighbours and virus safety, there are protocols available here: https://wiki.queercare.network/index.php… We will check who is using them. Let us know if you are using them and how you find them
Syrian Sisters Coronavirus health briefing in Arabic. https://www.facebook.com/events/142565997082311/
Education Does any one have advice for parents worried about support for vulnerable children if schools close?
Union (NASWT) advice for schools available here: https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/…/5d972862-d4f6-44f4-8f34a9044a0a…
Homelessness / Vulnerable Housing Government has just announced £3.2 million emergency support for rough sleepers during coronavirus outbreak https://www.gov.uk/…/3-2-million-emergency-support-for-roug…
For more info follow Cllr Linda Smith, Deputy Leader, Oxford City Council and cabinet lead on Homelessness @LabLinda75
Oxford Tenants Union is collating testimonies from Oxford residents concerned about being able to pay the rent due to their employment being impacted by the coronavirus https://oxfordtenantsunion.wordpress.com
Prisons and Immigration Detainees Unknown
Elderly / Other Vulnerable Groups under self-isolation Many people are self-isolating. Groups are springing up to support people who may need items to their door Age Concern have a helpline number set up for Oxford: 01865 411 288
Safeguarding questions are being raised – and Oxford Neighbourhood Watch have informed volunteers to be on the lookout for opportunistic crime.
Oxfordshire Mind have a page of advice for those who are self-isolating https://www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk/coronavirus-and-your-we…/
Minority groups / Non-English language speakers Oxford Central Mosque connected and able to deliver food to vulnerable people in the community.
Do people have information about support available for other groups who might targeted help?
Economy Many self employed and small businesses will be facing huge challenges. Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership is a focal point for information of support in this area. Issues concerning business rates are dealt with by the City Council – see https://www.oxford.gov.uk/info/20020/business_rates
University Still not closed – cases within the University across colleges and a self-isolation unit established for students in
Unions Information about planned postal workers strike that the union has called off because of the COVID-19 emergency
Upcoming events: Zoom training for mutual aid groups: https://facebook.com/events/s/tips-for-setting-up-a-mutual-a/645218472957773/?ti=cl
This is our first attempt at a daily update. Please send any contributions or comments via the Facebook page or a text message to the Virus Action Group on 07384939145
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