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Writer's pictureMori Reithmayr
Apr 3, 202044 min read

Situation Report 14

Coronavirus – Oxfordshire Community Situation Report 14

Date: 3rd April 2020

NB: New information is in orange font.

The Oxfordshire Community Situation Reports (SitReps) are a community resource that is created by and for the local Oxfordshire community. We, the Oxfordshire Virus Action group, are a group of local residents concerned with the unfolding Covid-19 crisis, the ongoing crises this crisis helps unveil (e.g. health, working conditions), and the lack of a clear, consistent, and effective response from the UK government. We offer our SitReps as an act of service. The SitReps pull together and share verified information on a number of topics of interest to our communities in this present moment. We hope you find them useful. If you do, please share, disseminate, promote.

We need your contribution. We aim to send out a new situation report daily by 5.00 pm. If there’s anything you think should be included, please send it to us by email to oxfordvirusactiongroup@gmail.com. Anything received before 2 pm will be reviewed for that day’s SitRep.


We are looking for support with editing. We hope to add more editors to our wonderful, diverse team. The role will take up between 3-10 hours a week (depending on your capacity). It involves responding to emails from our readers, organising zoom calls, creating (in wix.com, we can provide training for this) SitRep from the information we receive from our researchers and readers, and publicizing the SitReps on our Facebook page. Please let us know at oxfordvirusactiongroup@gmail.com if this could interest you.

Contents

Key figures

Sources of information

Government updates

Government support for the extremely vulnerable

District Council Updates

Oxfordshire County Council

Oxford City Council

West Oxfordshire District Council

Vale of White Horse

Cherwell

Street level and online support groups

Oxford Covid-19 Mutual Aid group

Oxford Hub

Oxford Virus Action Group (us)

Nextdoor

Oxfordshire All In

Covid-19 NHS Equipment Fab Network, Oxfordshire+, UK

Oxfordshire beyond Oxford City

Citizens Advice

Other online communities

Boaters

Dogwalking

Food

Free food services

Food banks

Botley Community Fridge

The Community Larder

SOFEA

Supermarkets and local shops

Headington

Jericho

Local suppliers doing deliveries

Supermarkets

Sainsbury’s

Tesco

Aldi

ASDA

Morrisons

Ocado

Waitrose

Health

General

Symptom tracker app

Accommodation for NHS staff and key workers

Sanitary products

Pharmacies

Hospitals

Sick notes

Loneliness & Mental health

Mental Health Support

Loneliness

Help needed

Support offered

Education

Schools

University of Oxford

Oxford Brookes University

Tutoring support

Vulnerable groups

Homelessness / Vulnerable Housing

UK prisoners / detainees

Migrants

Older People

Universal Credit

Local Council Tax Support (LCTS)

Domestic Violence

Places of worship

Safeguarding and Scams

Transport and mobility

Parking

Public Transport

Cars

Taxis

Unions

Economy and business

Positive news

Chase the Rainbow Campaign

Events

Cancelled events

Closures

Contributions and comments




Key figures

People confirmed sick in the UK: 33,718 (03/04/2020), Public Health England (PHE).

People confirmed sick in Oxfordshire: 277 (03/04/2020), PHE.

Deaths from Coronavirus in the UK: 3,605 (03/04/2020), PHE.

Deaths from Coronavirus in Oxfordshire: 25 (02/04/2020), Oxford Mail.

Sources of information

Oxford Mail – Local news on Coronavirus at https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/yourtown/oxford/

BBC Oxford – Local and national news including on Coronavirus at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-51851438

NHS Oxford – the latest health advice can be found on their website https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19/

Coronavirus health advice in various languages is available at

Government updates

On Monday, 23 March, the UK government announced that for at least three weeks you can only go out for the following reasons:

  • to shop for food, medicine, and other essentials (as infrequently as possible);

  • to exercise once daily, alone or with members of your household only;

  • for any medical needs;

  • to provide care or help to a vulnerable person;

  • to travel to and from work if you're a key worker;

  • for an immediate family member’s funeral;

  • children under 18 whose parents live in separate households can move between households;

  • major construction work (such as housing developments).

All activities outside the house should be undertaken alone - or with members of your household only. Gatherings of more than two people apart from essential work or small funerals are banned. Couples who live apart should not be meeting or visiting each other.

The Government have given the police the right to use "reasonable physical force" to enforce the lockdown.

All non-essential businesses and services are to close.

Only the following will remain open:

  • Supermarkets and other food shops

  • Health shops

  • Pharmacies, including non-dispensing pharmacies

  • Petrol stations

  • Bicycle shops

  • Home and hardware shops

  • Laundrettes and dry cleaners

  • Garages

  • Car rentals

  • Pet shops

  • Corner shops and newsagents

  • Post offices

  • Banks

The UK government has announced that rules on data sharing have been relaxed to speed up the Coronavirus emergency response. Councils have been given assurances by the Information Commissioner they will not be prosecuted for using or sharing data to deliver care and support during the coronavirus crisis.

The Equality Review have called upon the UK government to make COVID-19 a “protected characteristic” under the Equality ACT 2010 legislation. Doing this would allow legal protection not only under the ‘temporary’ Coronavirus Bill which is subject to change every six months, but also under the Equality Act 2010. To name a few benefits, such an approach would provide workers being laid off by companies the legal protection to challenge their employers in employment tribunals, as to lay them off due to Covid-19 would amount to discrimination. It would allow the homeless to receive stable housing and if local authorities refuse, it would be unlawful under discrimination law, and it would allow for those struggling to pay rent and bills to be legally protected, as failure to receive Universal Credit would amount to discrimination. For more see Link

Government support for the extremely vulnerable

If you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus, the UK government is offering to help. For example, you’ll be able to ask for help getting deliveries of essential supplies like food. If you’re not sure whether your medical condition makes you extremely vulnerable, register anyway. You can register yourself, or on behalf of someone else. Link: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

District Council Updates

Oxfordshire County Council

  • Waste collection:

    • Garden waste collection, bookings for the collection of excess household waste and collection of bulky items has been suspended

    • Household Waste Recycling Centres (including Dix Pit at Stanton Harcourt) are now closed

    • Waste collection in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse has been disrupted due to staff illness and self-isolation, particularly in the Shiplake, Binfield Heath and Henley areas.

  • All district registration offices are closed until further notice. The Oxford Register Office remains open for death and still-birth registrations only. All attendance at the office is strictly by appointment only.

  • Residents are asked to be particularly vigilant against scams - quick guide here: https://twitter.com/AgainstScams/status/1242764178743529473/photo/1

  • Residents who have been doing shopping on behalf of a vulnerable or self-isolating person should continue to do so, being careful to follow previous social distancing guidance

  • The County Council has established a dedicated point of contact for extremely vulnerable residents (i.e. those who received the letter advising them to stay inside for 12 weeks) in Cherwell, South and Vale, and West Oxfordshire - call 01865 89 78 20 (for Oxford City residents: 01865 24 98 11) or email shield@oxfordshire.gov.uk; Oxford City residents can also request support via an online form at LINK

Oxford City Council

  • Oxford City Council has set up five new Locality Response Hubs across the city to help vulnerable residents get the support they need, whether it’s help from a food bank, getting medicines delivered, or dealing with isolation. If you or someone you know needs help call the City Council Contact Centre on 01865 249 811 or use the online form to ask for help - www.oxford.gov.uk/CommunityAssistance.

  • Parking charges in City Centre car parks - Oxpens, Gloucester Green & Worcester St. - are to be waived for keyworkers.

  • Extra support for the homeless - the council is working to provide up to 100 hotel rooms for people experiencing homelessness or staying in dorm-style accommodation; increase its outreach work; and is working with The Porch to establish a mobile food delivery service. More city centre hotel and college rooms are still needed; please contact the rough sleeping team on 01865 249811 if you are able to help.

  • Changes to council services: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/news/article/1364/update_to_oxford_city_council_services

    • The council reception at St. Aldate's is closed.

    • Parks remain open as long as social distancing is observed; communal areas such as tennis courts are closed.

    • Public toilets are now closed except for those on Market Street, Gloucester Green and Speedwell Street.

    • Routine inspections and home visits for private sector tenants are being suspended except in the event of an emergency such as no heating, flooding, risk of collapse etc.

    • The Council is no longer accepting cash or cheque payments either in person or in the post.

  • Advice is available for residents who are worried about owing the council money:

    • Those who need to pay council tax or business rates: 01865 252856

    • Council tenants, Council garage tenants or leaseholders: 01865 252880.

    • Commercial Rent or Sundry Income customers: 01865 252863

  • Oxford City Council have launched an excellent online Activities Hub which provides links to a wide range of online resources and advice on exercise, mental health, learning and cultural activities: LINK including lots of ideas to help you (and your children) “move, smile and stay well”

South Oxfordshire District Council

West Oxfordshire District Council

  • West Oxfordshire District Council is now sending out regular newsletters updating businesses on how to react to the Coronavirus crisis. See the latest one and sign up for updates at http://socsi.in/NC8Gg

  • West Oxfordshire District Council are still looking for hotels, B&Bs, caravan parks and other accommodation in order to house homeless residents - please contact housing@westoxon.gov.uk if you can help

  • West Oxfordshire District Council has announced support for businesses in the area - LINK

  • West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) has announced it is closing all its front desks but will continue to provide services it offers and provide face to face support in emergency cases Link

Vale of White Horse

· Anyone facing immediate difficulties paying their council tax in Vale of White Horse should contact vowh.counciltax@secure.capita.co.uk or call 0345 302 2315

· All parking charges in district council car parks in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse have been suspended

· Two hotlines are now available in Vale of White Horse for people who are vulnerable or need help getting supplies - http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2020/2020-03/shielding-our-most-vulnerable

· Grant applications for small businesses in South and Vale are now live - £10,000 is available for all business in receipt of small business rate relief (SBRR) or rural rate relief (RRR) with a rateable value up to and including £15,000 as at 11 March 2020. You can find more information and apply here - http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/business/business-rates (Vale) and here - http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/business/business-rates (South)

· Vale of White Horse district council are no longer collecting batteries, textiles, and small electrical items.


Cherwell

  • Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington markets have been cancelled until further notice.

  • Banbury Town Council is offering emergency ‘battle fund’ grants to help local groups support vulnerable residents during the coronavirus outbreak. The one-off grants will be up to £500 per good cause: https://www.banbury.gov.uk/Emergency_Battle_Fund_30779.aspx

  • Bicester Town Council to give emergency cash to coronavirus support groups See here: Link

Street level and online support groups

The popular Facebook group Oxford Covid-19 Mutual Aid group is offering various forms of support to people in Oxfordshire, including help with food and pharmaceutical deliveries. They have neighbourhood-based WhatsApp volunteer action groups that volunteers can join.

Sign up for support or to volunteer on their facebook page.

Send a tweetable update or some good news here: Link

Twitter: https://twitter.com/oxfordmutualaid

Contact Email: Publicity@oxfordmutualaid.org

Phone line for support: 07310160595 available 24 hours a day.

UPDATE, 30/3/2020: In two weeks, 1000 people have registered to volunteer with their group. They have delivered 1500 meals to NHS staff and council workers and helped fill the gap in food supply for over 200 local families, and 150 outside of Oxfordshire and helped a dozen refugees navigate local resources available to them. They have helped 7 families with new-born babies and 4 pregnant women, have distributed 18 care packs (pants, socks, toiletries, and food) to the homeless and when two people made homeless due to illegal evictions, were able to find them a place to stay in a matter of hours. On average, they provide help to over 50 real individuals a day. They actively collaborate with a wide array of institutions and community groups in Oxford including with Ark-T, Asylum Welcome, local food larders, AGE UK, Oxford Period Drive, Project Shoebox UK, The Trussell Trust and Oxford Emergency Food Bank. Follow them on twitter at https://twitter.com/oxfordmutualaid for the latest updates.

The local charity Oxford Hub is coordinating people in Oxford who want to volunteer to support their local community. They have neighbourhood-based volunteer groups across the city. Anyone wanting to volunteer who is healthy and low risk can register their details online at www.oxfordtogether.org. On their website, they also offer regular phone check-ins, practical support, and have information on who can help you in your local area.

Oxford Hub is seeking to raise £15,000 for the Oxford Together campaign, to coordinate volunteers across the city and connect them with vulnerable people. Donate here: https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/oxfordtogether

We publish daily situation report by 5pm with local information and resources. If you have any information you think should be included in our sitrep, please email us at oxfordvirusactiongroup@gmail.com, or text us at 07384939145. We are also interested in any gaps - particularly gaps that are affecting more vulnerable groups – that need addressing.

Website that connects people living in the same neighborhood to exchange information, offer and receive support.

The charity KEEN have set up a website where they collect information on Coronavirus support groups across the county: www.oxfordshireallin.org. The objective of the website is to collect information on where service is provided in the county (road by road - like an election campaign) and to see which areas in Oxfordshire are not receiving support.

Covid-19 NHS Equipment Fab Network, Oxfordshire+, UK

This group has been set up to make and supply personal protective equipment (PPE) to NHS staff and care workers. Please join if:

(1) You work in health in Oxford—we need your reports to alert us if you start to see unaddressed PPE shortages and overwhelm;

(2) You have professional or hobbyist fabrication and prototyping skills, including in machine sewing or 3D printing;

(3) You have professional expertise in materials science, air filtration, infection control or another relevant discipline;

(4) You are a local business person or individual with means who would consider funding the raw materials for this effort;

(5) You are a journalist, fundraiser, someone with a large social media audience in the Maker community, a speaker of Mandarin who can help us source materials online if the need arises, or willing to drive and drop off supplies.

Oxfordshire beyond Oxford City

Outside of the city of Oxford, the following local Oxfordshire groups exist:

  • Abingdon - Abingdon Coronavirus Community Response Facebook group

  • Banbury & Cherwell: Local charities Citizens Advice North Oxfordshire and SOFEA are launching a new service to help elderly and vulnerable people get supplies for free during this unusual time. They are looking for volunteer drivers to deliver supplies to people’s doors across Banbury, and eventually across Cherwell. If you have access to a car and are willing to give some of your time to help those who need it more than ever please follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/tra7vf7 Another way to get involved is to donate to the service, a donation of just £3 will help us to ensure we can deliver vital supplies to our elderly and vulnerable community members. You can donate here: https://tinyurl.com/vseeuav

  • Begbroke Mutual Aid Network. Begbroke Mutual Aid covers the village of Begbroke and those in outlying houses. Online help request form: bit.ly/BMApleasehelp For help, enquiries, to join them as a volunteer, contact begbrokemutualaid@gmail.com or 01865 682 948.

For URGENT HELP getting ESSENTIAL food, sanitary, or prescriptions supplies please call the partnership phoneline 01865 378 118 or fill in the Yarnton Community Help Hub request form https://bit.ly/YHHpleasehelp. Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/begbrokemutualaid Nextdoor https://nextdoor.co.uk/g/5qyrm5p4f/

You can find their poster at the bottom of SitRep 13.

  • Bicester - Corona Virus Helpers Bicester and Surrounding Villages FB group

  • Blewbury - Blewbury Good Neighbours FB group. Run by local post master 01235 851777

  • Botley and Hinksey. Street-level support (each street has a WhatsApp group) in Botley and North Hinksey is being coordinated by Lorna Berrett. Everyone can see how to get in touch with their street contact through the parish website here: https://northhinksey-pc.gov.uk/covid-19-community-hub/. There's also a community facebook page called The Botley Noticeboard (Oxon), with links to the above page/contact list.

  • Cherwell - See ‘Banbury and Cherwell’ above.

  • Chilton - Chilton Mutual Aid Group FB group

  • Combe - Combe People Need FB group

  • Eynsham - Eynsham Volunteers- Corona Virus Help FB group

  • Great Western Park, Didcot - GWP Residents Association www.gwpra.org.uk/covid19support

  • Hinksey - See ‘Botley and Hinksey’ above.

  • Kidlington - Nextdoor group for Kidlington; Kidlington Community Help – 07918 776074 kasa.communityhelp@gmail.com

  • Launton - Help For Self-Isolating Launton Residents FB group

  • North Oxfordshire - volunteer driver service to drop off food www.canosn.org.uk/covid-19-cherwell-local-response

  • South & Vale except Abingdon - South Oxfordshire & Vale CIVUD-19 Response FB group

  • Yarnton: There is an active Oxford Hub group. They are running through the Yarnton Community Facebook page. Phone contact for requests: 01865 378118.

There are more mutual aid groups active in Oxfordshire than are listed above. Oxfordshire All In have created a map of groups active across the county that contains information on groups we haven’t listed. See their website: www.oxfordshireallin.org.

Citizens Advice

You can still contact Citizens Advice per phone at 0300 330 9037, or email at advice@citizensadvicenosn.org.uk They are expecting a high number of calls and waiting times may be long.

Other online communities

Boaters

Dogwalking

· Waggies Dogwalking Service (Oxford-based)

Food

Cooking: The Cooking in Quarantine Facebook group has been set up by Oxford residents to for people to share advice and ask advice - https://www.facebook.com/groups/500475020834746

Free food services

For a map and database of services providing free or subsidised food within Oxford see Link.

Food banks

Oxford Food Bank COVID-19 Temporary Closure: Sadly, Oxford Food Bank has had to close as the risk to staff, volunteers, and charities means that operations must be temporarily discontinued. The Food back will continue to redirect any surplus food to other organisations while closed. Contact: 07856 610368, admin@oxfordfoodbank.org.

Botley Community Fridge

From Thursday 9 April, Food for Charities will be providing weekly food deliveries to anyone self-isolating and/or in need. This is in addition to our current daily deliveries of fresh food. Volunteer drivers will deliver it to OX2 on Thursday afternoons, and to other postcodes possibly on Fridays or Saturdays. Households of 1-2 will get one parcel, and 3+ will get two parcels. The food will be free to anyone in need (self-identified). We ask people who are not in need to contribute £3-5 per parcel, to help pay for petrol for the volunteer drivers, bags etc. (bank details are on the food request form). We are also receiving some grants for petrol money, so please do not feel obliged to pay, or let the cost hold you back from receiving parcels. If you would like parcels - either weekly or as an urgent one-off - please fill in https://forms.gle/ofPngUCzU8ER5FRD8. We'll get back to you with information about deliveries, etc".

Rose Hill Community Larder: "The Larder will be open on Tuesdays 2-4pm throughout April at the Rose Hill Community Centre. Membership fees remain suspended and all members will receive a box of ten items and a bag of fruit and vegetables. Social distancing will be observed, so please, if possible, don't bring children with you".

The Community Larder at the Venue on Barns Road in Cowley is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 11am to 2pm. Residents will need to sign up and all safety precautions will be taken. If you are self-isolating please contact kezia@ark-t.org and they will try to arrange delivery.

SOFEA

Local charity SOFEA are coordinating efforts to supply large numbers of food parcels to the most vulnerable in our local communities. Their aim is to provide emergency food supplies once a week into a central location in each community, from where they can be collected/ distributed as appropriate. Local partners who can help with this are invited to get in touch with Richard Kennell, richard@sofea.uk.com, 01235510774. They are asking for donations to this scheme at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sofeacommunitylarder.

Supermarkets and local shops

All shops and supermarkets have now brought in strict rules around social distancing. Be aware that you are likely to have to queue outside the shop, keeping 2 metres apart, and be let in once someone comes out.

Sometimes, independent shops still have stocks of items that you might struggle to find in supermarkets. A google doc with a list of independent Oxford shops and Summertown supermarkets can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxyncnmc

If you believe your local shop in Oxford is overcharging customers for essential items and profiteering in this time of national crisis, please report this to Trading Standards: https://www2.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/contact-trading-standards

The Tap Social has stopped new beer delivery orders (because it would be putting its members at risk as it would need to brew more beer).

Food - free range egg delivery: Mayfield Eggs will deliver via a network of local "egg hubs" across Oxfordshire. Check the form at https://form.jotform.com/200852944816359. For full details, see https://www.facebook.com/pg/mayfieldeggs/ or https://www.mayfieldeggs.co.uk/.

Cultivate Oxford (fruit, veg, bread, honey, and more) - www.cultivateoxford.org, info@cultivateoxford.org - the online shop will reopen at 9am on Thursday 25th March. People in priority need are invited to order first, between 9am and 12pm. Other customers are asked to order after that time. Deliveries only within the ring road and to Kidlington.

Savona: The wholesaler Savona is now open to the public (frozen, chilled, and tinned food; laundry, bathroom, and cleaning supplies; order online and collect from their depot in Kidlington): www.savona.co.uk

Oxford Factory can now deliver on Tuesdays and Thursdays - email tables@breadoxford.com or message at www.facebook.com/oxfordfactory Price list available on the Facebook page. Minimum order £30 within the ring road. £75+ orders could be delivered further - please ask for more information. Safe distancing, hand washing, and sanitisers will be used.

The meat wholesaler Meatmaster Cash and Carry in Osney Mead will deliver for free to the OX1, OX2, OX3, OX4, OX5, OX10-14, OX 20, OX25-29, OX33 and OX 44 postcodes. This is so far just for orders over £60 but they say they're working on it. They also have fruit and vegetable boxes.

Wild Honey (111 Magdalen Road, East Oxford and 12 South Parade, Summertown) are beginning to introduce deliveries for vulnerable people. Both stores remain open - six customers at a time, card only payments, minimum £5 spend, purchases restricted to two of each item. 10% discount for NHS staff (please show ID).

Headington

Collonade Store in Gipsy Lane, Headington, is now open 7.30 am - 8.00 pm Monday to Friday, and 10.00 am - 6 pm Saturday and Sunday. You can ring them at 01865 483169 if you are struggling to get something and they can tell you if they have it in stock.

Jericho

East West Provisions are offering a home delivery service on weekdays, subject to a minimum order of £10. Orders can be placed by email info@eastwestprovisions.co.uk (this is preferred) or by phone 01865 311288. Call with a list of what is needed; delivery address; phone number; any specific delivery details; day required. They aim to deliver between 1-3pm Mon-Fri. They are happy for people to pick items and process the payment so that they can simply come to the shop and collect. Delivery agents won't come into people's homes to protect their customers. Payment can be by card or cheque. Cash is also accepted if the other alternatives are not suitable.

Local suppliers doing deliveries

Food deliveries: KFF, a food service company, has begun home delivery from its Witney depot to the Oxford area. See https://www.kff.co.uk/ for price lists or call 01622 612345.

For lists of places offering deliveries see

Cheese - wheymoreltd@gmail.com, 07966434783

Bread - Farmhouse Bakery & Cafe, 01235 831230, https://farmhousebakerycafe.co.uk

Meat - Eadles Redways Farms, 01865351331, richard_eadles@btinternet.com

- Woodhouse Farm, www.woodhousefarm.co.uk

Organic meat - Picks Organic, 01162693548, nicky@picksorganic.co.uk, www.Picksorganic.co.uk

All of these suppliers have stalls at the Summertown Farmers' Market, which is held on a Sunday. Customers need to place orders in by 4pm on a Friday to ensure delivery from the market the following Sunday. Shopping lists can also be sent to summertownfarmersmarket@hotmail.com

Supermarkets

Purchasing restrictions relaxed in some stores. Aldi, Morrisons and Waitrose have relaxed their purchasing restrictions, while Lidl has removed quantity controls on all groceries except toilet paper. See also here: Link

Sainsbury’s

  • Dedicated shopping slot for NHS and social care staff: Monday to Saturday, 7.30 am to 8.00 am. NHS ID required.

  • Dedicated shopping slot for older people, disabled customers and carers: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8-9 am.

  • General opening hours: 8 am - 8 pm, normal Sunday hours.

  • Customers can only buy three of each grocery item at a time;

  • Customers can only buy two of the most popular stockpiled items (for example, toilet paper, soap and long-life milk) at a time;

  • Online shoppers who are over 70 years of age or have a disability have priority access to online delivery slots.

  • Online shoppers can use an expanded 'click and collect' service

  • Sainsbury's Assisted Shopping scheme helps people who are housebound and cannot travel to the shops or those who cannot manage online shopping by allowing them to make shopping orders over the telephone. Orders placed before 6:00pm can even be delivered the next day. People must register via the telephone before they can place telephone orders.For more information about delivery costs and registering for the service, please contact Sainsburys Assisted Shopping directly at 0800 328 1700

  • Sainsbury’s is limited the number of customers permitted into each store. They are asking everyone queueing outside for entry to please queue at a safe distance of 2 metres apart.

Tesco

  • Tesco is prioritizing older people and the most vulnerable Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9-10 am. It is unclear what they mean by that.

  • All NHS staff with NHS ID can browse in the hour before the store opens on Sunday mornings. This is just a browsing hour before the checkouts open at 10am. There is also a special NHS slot 9-10 am Tuesday and Thursday.

  • Tesco’s is restricting the number of customers allowed in each store to ensure safe physical distances can be kept. Customers have to queue outside the store at 2 meter intervals and are let in on a controlled basis.

  • Customers can only buy three of each grocery item at a time.

  • All shops close at 10pm.

  • Meat, fish, deli counters and salad bars have been closed.

  • Store opening hours can be checked at https://www.tesco.com/store-locator/

  • Tesco is asking all those who are able to safely come to stores to do so, instead of shopping online, so that they can start to free up more slots for the more vulnerable.

Aldi

  • Reduced shopping hours. All shops close at 8 pm except Sunday where regular hours apply

  • Dedicated shopping slot for NHS, Police or Fire Service on Sunday between 9.30 and 10am. All NHS / emergency workers will be asked to show ID.

  • Aldi is seeking to hire 9,000 new workers, including 4,000 permanent jobs, to help keep shelves filled during the coronavirus outbreak.

  • Delivery time frames for all deliveries have been extended to 3-10 working days.

  • Aldi has scrapped a store-wide policy that limited shoppers to buying four of anything. Controls remain in place for a number of key lines including antibacterial hand sanitiser, toilet paper and long-life milk.

ASDA

  • Customers can only buy three items for all food items, toiletries, and cleaning products, both online and in shop.

  • Larger stores have priority slots for NHS workers, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am.

  • ASDA have temporarily reduced their normal opening hours. You can check your local store opening times at https://storelocator.asda.com/

Morrisons

  • Between 9am and 10am, Monday to Saturday the vulnerable and older people will be given more help in the store.

  • Between 7am and 8 am, Monday to Saturday, all Morison stores have an hour dedicated to NHS staff.

  • Morrisons are now taking orders for pre-picked “essentials” boxes for delivery which according to them contain everything you need. See here.

  • Currently have no available delivery slots and their contact centre does not have any other access to delivery slots.

  • Morrisons has increased the purchase limit on products from three to four, and removed them altogether on some products.

Ocado

  • Customers can only book one delivery slot every seven days.

  • Some products are limited to one or two per order.

Waitrose

  • Waitrose shops have dedicated the first hour of opening as a priority shopping time for older people, the vulnerable and carers.

  • Waitrose is also keeping "daily essentials" aside for NHS staff and giving them priority at check-outs​

  • Some shops may close earlier than normal. This will vary in different parts of the country, from shop to shop.

  • Waitrose are no longer restricting the quantity of fresh food, including meat, poultry and ready meals, that people could buy. Caps remain in place for other products, including toilet paper, in its stores and on its website.

Marks and Spencer

  • The first hour of trading on Mondays and Thursdays is reserved for older and vulnerable customers, and on Tuesdays and Fridays for NHS, health and social workers.

Health

General

Latest health advice can be found at the NHS Oxfordshire website: Link

Access to trans-related medical care: See the latest gender clinic guidance at https://tavistockandportman.nhs.uk/about-us/news/stories/coronavirus-covid-19-update/. There is also a private Oxfordshire trans healthcare Facebook group especially for sharing advice and resources during the Covid-19 crisis - message Jack Doyle (of Oxford Covid-19 Mutual Aid) directly to be added.

Public Health England have updated their guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

Oxford Living Wage campaign have compiled a Know Your Rights leaflet. This is attached to SitRep 8.

The Government has also launched a free WhatsApp Coronavirus information service - to use it, add 07860 064422 as a contact and send them a message (such as 'hi'): Link

The Department for Health and Social Care has launched a Youtube channel to share announcements and up-to-date information - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmtnbNO7_no7RekfUIqVcw

Symptom tracker app

Researchers at King's College London and Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital in London have created a Covid-19 symptom tracker in an effort to track the pandemic in the absence (so far) of community testing. They need as many people as possible to download it and report how they are feeling every day, whether or not they are ill. Get the app at https://covid.joinzoe.com

Sanitary products

Oxfordshire Period Drive is a network of small local hubs distributing sanitary products. Request sanitary products here: LINK

Pharmacies

Ahmey's Pharmacy (150 Oxford Road, Temple Colwey, OX4 2EA) are running delivery services to local residents in Cowley, Rose Hill and BlackBird Leys. They are overwhelmed and very busy and ask that only people call them who really need their services. They close at 7pm, Monday to Saturday. Their phone number is 01865 770121.

Oxford Mail reports that pharmacies “will remain open 'wherever possible' but some are now having to reduce the hours so medicines can be prepared and shelves restocked. Most pharmacies can be contacted by phone and email, and many have their own websites and social media channels.”

Hospitals

Services to treat minor injuries in Oxfordshire will run with reduced hours and some close as clinical staff are redeployed to help the NHS fight the growing coronavirus outbreak. More details can be found here: Link

John Radcliffe Hospital has announced a ban on visitors, with the exceptions of those visiting end-of-life patients and one parent for sick children, to 'protect both our patients and our staff who care for them' in the wake of coronavirus.

Sobell House have asked people not to visit the charity office based at the Hospice until further notice.

Hospitals and GP practices across the UK increasingly face shortages of personal protective equipment, placing health workers at greater risk of contracting Covid-19: Link

Oxford Hospitals Charity is coordinating offers of gifts or supplies. If you know of a business offering gifts of food, toiletries, or any other support, please in the first instance email Hazel (hazel.murray@ouh.nhs.uk) at Oxford Hospitals Charity, and she will help to ensure that your, or their, generosity results in the maximum possible benefit for our staff. Please do not put yourself at risk by coming on to hospital sites to deliver gifts or supplies. Donations to fund support for OUH staff can be made here: https://www.hospitalcharity.co.uk/Appeal/staffsupport

Sick notes

The NHS is offering a new service where sick patients can get an online sick form after an assessment by a doctor. This service can be accessed here: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/ (Click on ‘Start Now’ and answer a few questions).

Loneliness & Mental health

Mental Health Support

The ThinkNinja app for young people, developed with CAMHS, has now been made free for all 10-18-year-olds and updated with specific Covid-19 support content. Download here: https://www.healios.org.uk/services/thinkninja1. See LINK for more information on the app.

Oxfordshire NHS Foundation Trust has compiled resources for how to look after your mental health at Link.

Low-cost counselling: The East Oxford-based Listening Centre, which offers counselling for people otherwise unable to afford it, is providing services online and over the phone. Fees agreed at your first session. See http://www.thelisteningcentre.org.uk/ for more information or call 01865 794794.

Oxfordshire Therapy and Self-Development is offering free online support with a focus on psychological and emotional well-being and mental health in a crisis. There will be weekly 90-minute sessions for 10 weeks, led by experienced therapists. To register, please email kateots8@gmail.com with the subject line "On-Line Support Groups". Go to www.otscentre.co.uk for more details.

Oxfordshire Mind have a page of advice for those who are self-isolating https://www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk/coronavirus-and-your-we…/

Help Hub West Oxford, a group of qualified therapists are offering free 20 minute chats on Skype, FaceTime or on the telephone. They hope to have their website working by some point this week. They can be found on facebook at Link

Public Health England have released new guidance for taking care of your mental health during the outbreak: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing

St Mary and St Nicholas Church, Littlemore (Church of England) are offering pastoral care by email or phone, at vicar@littlemorechurch.org and 01865 748003.

Families in Oxfordshire have been warned that 'temporary disruption' to child and young adult mental health services is anticipated. Link

For more tips and resources for Covid-19 anxiety and isolation see here: https://tinyurl.com/rotxwgu

Loneliness

Do you have any resources on how to deal with loneliness? Or know about services that are available to folx in Oxford? Please let us know at oxfordvirusactiongroup@gmail.com.

E-PAL has been launched as a virtual pen-pal platform to help combat loneliness in isolation. It is free and open to everybody, regardless of situation, and works by connecting individuals to aid responders with whom they can keep in touch by email. Support is currently offered in English, French, Spanish, and Italian. See https://www.e-pal.co.uk/ for details and to sign up. According to the founder, the aid responders are DBS checked and all have degrees in psychology or counselling and experience working with vulnerable people.

The Oxford Hub are offering a telephone support service where a volunteer will call you up to once a day and check in. You can sign up for their service here: Link

You can also get in touch with the Oxford Covid 19 Mutual Aid group for help with dealing with loneliness here: LINK

Help needed

To support UK health services

Call for equipment return from NHS Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group: Have you been loaned NHS chairs, beds, wheeled commodes, mattresses, electrical items, bed rails, walking or toilet frames, telecare items, or slings? If you no longer need them, please hand them back. To arrange a collection, please call NRS Healthcare on 01869 225420 (8.30am-4.30pm, Monday-Friday) or email enquiries@oxfordshire.nrs-uk.net. Please make sure the equipment has an NRS sticker with a barcode. If you have any items apart from those listed above, please keep hold of it until after the Covid-19 crisis has passed.

Call for support for medics: "Calling all sewists! The NHS staff at the JR would like our support in supplying laundry bags which will enable them to take their work clothes home safely and wash them without removing them from the bag. We are still working out the details but we anticipate these will be very popular and it would be amazing if we could supply two bags per staff member. Please read on for more information and details of how to help. The laundry bags are simple drawstring bags, about the size of a pillow case. Think old school PE bags. Fabric needs to be able to withstand multiple hot washes - cotton and polycotton should be fine. If you are able to assist, please join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/oxfordshirecrafters/ or email us on ukcraftersoxon@gmail.com".

Request for PPE donations: the Thames Valley Air Ambulance is an independent charity and therefore not part of the official distribution network for personal protective equipment for NHS staff. If your business has any stocks of, in particular, disposable FFP3 respirator face masks and fluid-resistant (Type IIR) surgical masks, please email info@tvairambulance.org.uk. See https://www.tvairambulance.org.uk/call-for-businesses-to-donate-personal-protective-equipment/ for more details and the full list of equipment needed.

Donations for scrubs: the Dorcas Dress Project is sewing scrubs for the John Radcliffe Hospital. You can sponsor a set for £25. If you have sewing skills and live in the Witney area, you can join the sewing team. See https://www.dorcasdressproject.org/sponsor-scrubs or email dorcasdressproject@gmail.com for more information.

Oxfordshire NHS has requested donations for care packages for their staff: https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/news/donations-wanted-for-staff-care-packages/

The Government is looking for ways to rapidly sanitise ambulances after use. If your business might be able to help, please get in touch - Link

Oxford NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting: URGENT APPEAL - "Join our fight, join our team and help us to keep caring. We are recruiting! If you're fit, healthy and not in an at risk group, we need you to help fill key worker roles during the Covid pandemic: We need admin workers, healthcare assistants, community support workers, housekeepers, driver receptionists, pharmacy stores and maintenance operatives. Each role is crucial for our community hospitals and mental health facilities".Full, part time and temporary contracts. Visit https://careers.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/. Find out more here https://bit.ly/OneOHFT

Personal protective equipment (PPE): Does your business have unused supplies of PPE, especially boxes of FFP3 facemasks? Fill out the form at https://donateyourppe.uk to help create an emergency supply for frontline staff.

The Oxford Vaccine Centre, University of Oxford is recruiting for a new COVID19 vaccine study. They need healthy volunteers, aged 18-55 who will be compensated for 4-12 visits over 6-12 months. For more info, please visit: LINK.

Urgent call for volunteers with midwifery experience: This role can be filled by someone working remotely if you're in quarantine. Are you a retired nurse and want to help? Direct message Muireann Meehan Speed [Facebook] if interested.

To support local volunteer networks

Oxford Covid-19 Mutual Aid fundraiser: £5 will feed someone in need. £20 will keep a vulnerable family supplied for a week. £50 will fill the van with a week's worth of petrol. Donate and see where the money's being spent at https://opencollective.com/oxford-mutual-aid

Oxford Hub is seeking to raise £15,000 for the Oxford Together campaign, to coordinate volunteers across the city and connect them with vulnerable people. Donate here: https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/oxfordtogether

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: Oxford Covid 19 Mutual Aid group are looking for insured van drivers to deliver food parcels around the city. DBS required. Please email oxfordmutualaid@protonmail.com with the subject line: VAN DRIVERS FAO JACK

Also from Oxford Covid 19 Mutual Aid:

CALL FOR PHONE VOLUNTEERS to help people in and around Oxford connect with us by phone. If you have amazing communication skills and / or experience of working on a phone support service email charlesstreetoxford@gmail.com or message +447731898860 on WhatsApp.

WHAT: We want to help connect people in and around Oxford who need to minimise their Covid-19 transmission risks (for example by avoiding going outside, using shops and public transportation) with local folks who can help with errands (such as purchasing and delivering supplies and accessing support services).

HOW: Phone volunteers would make and take calls to gather details of support requests and offers to pass to a support team for dispatch. Volunteers would need to commit to receiving calls forwarded to their phones from a central number at prearranged times. Amount of time and scheduling is flexible, so long as you are available at the time you have said you will be. Volunteers making calls out will use a Google Voice account.

WHO: Experience of working on a helpline or phone support service and/or demonstrable strong communication skills

Can work to guidelines and within protocols

Committed to safe practices

DBS check necessary

While we welcome volunteers of all persuasions, reminder that this is an LGBTQ run organisation

Call for translators/interpreters: sign up at https://www.linguist-aid.org.uk/ to translate posters, interpret for vulnerable people, or chat on the phone to people who feel alone and speak little/no English. These are all remote volunteering opportunities.

If you know someone who works in pharmacy or food retail management or have recruitment/headhunting experience, the Oxford Covid-19 Mutual Aid group need your help! We are reaching out to Oxford area managers of bigger stores and pharmacies who we can develop working relationships with. Please let us know if you can help put us in touch with someone who can help from: Sainsbury's, Tesco, Rowlands, The Co-op, M&S, Waitrose, Iceland, Lidl, Aldi, B&M. Email comms@oxfordmutualaid.org

Academic staff needed

The John Radcliffe hospital is looking for academic staff with molecular biology and ideally PCR/qPCR experience to help deliver increasing numbers of Covid-19 screening tests. This is paid work. Please email susanne.hodgson@spc.ox.ac.uk if you can help.

Communicators needed

to help volunteer groups responding to covid-19 with their communications. Calling people who can build websites, design graphics, write copy, create messaging, plan and strategise, illustrate, animate, make and edit video, and design social media communications that fly. Please email Lucy Warin (lucy@transitionbydesign.org) with a sentence or two about your skills and availability.

Support offered

Jason has kindly offered to help anyone set up their online communication tools (e.g. zoom, Skype, Facetime…). You can call Jason at 077 99 741 634. Please leave a message and Jason will call you back.

Support for family carers: Carers Oxfordshire offers free advice, information, and support to any unpaid carer over the age of 18 in Oxfordshire. Although home visits are no longer possible, support is still available on 01235 424715. You can also email carersoxfordshire@oxfordshire.gov.uk or go to http://www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk/ for more information.

Support for new parents: Oxford Baby Baskets supplies good-quality second-hand baby clothes, towels, and moses baskets, and essential toiletries, to parents-to-be who are in need. Please ask your midwife for a referral.

Support if you are visually impaired: Oxfordshire Association for the Blind has a team of telephone volunteers providing regular check-ups and support. If you or someone you know would like a regular call from an OAB volunteer, please call 01865 725595 or email info@oxeyes.org.uk.

Language help for mutual aid groups: you can request help through https://www.linguist-aid.org.uk/

Support for charitable organisations: the Charities Aid Foundation has launched a rapid response fund to make grants of up to £10,000 to smaller charitable organisations so that they can continue to deliver much-needed support during the Covid-19 pandemic. Registered charities, social enterprises, and unregistered entities may all apply. See LINK for details.

Plumbing help: Oxyplumb is offering free assistance with plumbing problems by video call. See https://www.facebook.com/pg/oxyplumb/ or https://oxyplumb.co.uk/ or call 01367 244146.

Accommodation for NHS staff and key workers

  • Kacey Relocation has properties available at reduced, non-profit rates in central Oxford, Headington, Cumnor, Swindon, and Lechlade (Gloucestershire) for key workers, people needing to self-isolate away from vulnerable family members, people with no permanent residence, and anyone stranded in the UK because of travel restrictions. All within 20 minutes' drive to the nearest hospital so suitable for NHS staff. Message through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/KaceyRelocationLtd/ or email info@kaceyrelocation.co.uk

  • Platinum Pillows is offering its Oxford apartments (some of which are close to the hospitals) on a non-profit basis. Contact info@platinumpillows.co.uk, 01865 951201/0845 299 7887 for more information.

Pet Services

Education

Schools

All schools are closed. Exceptions for children of key workers, and children who are vulnerable. For a list of key workers see Link. Exams will not take place in May and June.


If you are having trouble finding a school place for the child of a keyworker or a vulnerable child, please email Schoolplaceavailability@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Some schools that are staying open for key workers are also running food banks and keeping those going for vulnerable families. If you’re interested in donating, please check with your local school.

New information has been released on how GCSE, AS and A level grades will be calculated in lieu of exams - Link


The Department for Education has launched a website of activities for children aged 0-5 - https://hungrylittleminds.campaign.gov.uk/

Schools can access free PE home learning resources here: https://jasmineactive.com/news/home-learning-resources/

The government has launched a voucher scheme which will allow schools to give vouchers for up to £15 to spend in supermarkets to the families of children who usually receive free school meals - Link

Free school meals scam: if your child receives free school meals and you receive an email asking you to send your bank details "to make sure you're supported", do not respond. The Department for Education and Oxford City Council confirm that this is a scam.

Oxford Medical Students Helping Hands: an Oxford network to help coordinate childcare relief by medical students for clinicians during Covid-19

A local group has being set up to help families who rely on free school meals: Link

Childcare support for NHS Workers and other essential employees is being coordinated here: Link

University of Oxford

Scholars: our group has received a long list of online resources temporarily made for free to the public. This includes many leading publishers of scholarly articles. Send us an email to oxfordvirusactiongroup@gmail.com if you’d like us to share this resource with you. It’s too long to include in the SitRep.

Overall, the university is operational. All university libraries and museums have been closed until further notice. There are at least seven cases of students who tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. UK undergraduate students and UK taught postgraduates who have homes outside Oxford have been advised to leave the University as soon as possible unless they have a compelling reason to stay.

Postgraduate Research students are encouraged to work from home, or from their University/College accommodation, if it is practical to do so. The university advises international students to make individual choices based on personal circumstances.

The student group ‘Oxford Living Wage Campaign’ are concerned about the health, safety, and economic situation of Oxford University and college employees, particularly low-wage workers. Get in touch with them at oxfordworkerjustice@gmail.com

The University of Oxford’s Department of Continuing Education has launched a programme of free online learning resources “Curious Minds”: Link.

Oxford Brookes University

As of 27 March, two cases of coronavirus have been diagnosed at Oxford Brookes University. Oxford Brookes halls of residence remain open. Teaching sites remain open, but only for very specific purposes, and access will be restricted - staff should not come in, unless otherwise advised. Access to campuses will be highly restricted - students should access services online. Libraries are closed, and pooled PCs and other IT facilities are not available. https://www.brookes.ac.uk/alerts/coronavirus/; https://www.brookesunion.org.uk/articles/covid-19-update.

Tutoring support

Vulnerable groups

Homelessness / Vulnerable Housing

The London-based charity The Outside Project are providing emergency housing and support to the LGBTIQ+ community in London for the next three months. They are asking for donations. For as little as £10 you are providing an LGBTIQ+ person with shelter and support for a night. More info here: LINK.

The Oxford Homelessness Project will be distributing food parcels Monday, March 30, 12am-1pm at Manzil Way. If you can offer packed take away food for their clients, please let them know at 07888659924.

Hotels are to be allowed to remain open to provide accommodation to key workers and vulnerable people, such as those experiencing homelessness: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-hotel-accommodation-to-support-key-workers-and-vulnerable-people

Government announced it would introduce emergency legislation to bring in a complete ban on new evictions for three months as part of measures to help protect renters in social and private rented accommodation.

Government announced £3.2 million emergency support for rough sleepers during coronavirus outbreak https://www.gov.uk/…/3-2-million-emergency-support-for-roug…

Oxford Tenant Union:

  • have written an open letter to Oxford City Council demanding a halt to all evictions, a rent freeze for anyone unable to work because of the virus, and an expansion of housing benefit.

  • are asking everyone to #txtalandlord they know to ask them to preemptively reach out to their tenants and offer to suspend (not defer) rent if they are unable to work. This allows renters to avoid a potentially lethal choice between health and income

  • are calling on renters to share their stories with us via Facebook or by joining our weekly Zoom calls at 6pm on Mondays. We're collecting stories to better inform our campaigning.

UK prisoners / detainees

i) Deaths / spread of virus / projected deaths

ii) Official response

iii) Guidance from prison abolitionist groups on how to support prisoners / Information about local prison abolitionists networks and other groups fighting for prisoners' rights

iv) Local news related to Oxfordshire prisons

i) Deaths / spread of virus / projected deaths

There have been two reported Coronavirus-related deaths in UK prisons during March.

On 27th March, ITV reported that some 27 inmates have tested positive for coronavirus across 14 prisons, according to the Ministry of Justice. They include: Wandsworth (at least 7 cases). Manchester, Cookham Wood, Leeds, Birmingham, Oakwood, Wymott, Leyhill, Pentonville, Huntercombe, Barton Moss secure children’s home.

As of 25th March, four prison staff had tested positive for the disease across four jails. Three prisoner escort and custody services staff have also tested positive for Covid-19.

The BBC reported on 26th March that an 84-year-old man, Edwin Hillier, an inmate at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire, became the first British prisoner to die after contracting coronavirus.

The Metro reported that a second 66-year old inmate had died after contracting coronavirus while in HMP Manchester.

BBC journalist Danny Shaw reported that, as of 25th March, the number of prisoners self-isolating was 968, up 176 on the day before. Two prisons are not transferring prisoners in or out: Birmingham, Littlehey. Several others have restrictions on transfers: Manchester, Oakwood, Wandsworth. Shaw notes that ‘spread of the virus was widely predicted. The staff absence rate- which doesn’t include non-Covid related illness…appears to have risen faster than expected’. Shaw believes that this will be ‘of immense concern’ to the Ministry of Justice and ‘put further pressure on them for early releases’.

On 25th March, 6,644 prison staff were absent because of Covid-19 related issues, up 1042 on 24th March and comprising almost 20% of the prison workforce.

Professor Robert Coker has stated that, unless individuals are released, a scenario where 60% of prisoners become infected with coronavirus is plausible and credible.

Regarding detainees, the charity Women for Refugee Women stated on 22nd March that one case of Covid-19 had been confirmed at Yarl’s Wood immigration removal centre (IRC). Other cases were reported at Brook House near Gatwick.

On 26th March the Guardian reported that ‘the high court has rejected calls to free hundreds of immigration detainees who, lawyers and human rights activists say, are at risk from Covid-19 while behind bars.’

In relation to the current situation for detainees, Bella Sankey, Director of Detention Action stated that: ‘We have spoken with people currently detained at Yarl’s Wood, Harmondsworth, Colnbrook, Morton Hall & Brook House IRCs, and they report that either no soap or insufficient soap has been provided; no information has been provided about Covid19; and the centres remain deeply unhygienic with insufficient cleaning materials to be kept clean. Rooms are multiple occupancy with toilets in rooms and hundreds of individuals are mixing each day, including with staff and visitors coming in and out of the centre. Following Government advice on hygiene, self-isolation and social distancing is impossible for those in detention.’

ii) UK government response

According to ITV News, on 24th March prisons in England and Wales were put on "immediate lockdown" with all visits cancelled.

The Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service said the measure was to "ensure the safe and secure functioning of our prisons, while enforcing social distancing."

HM Prison Service said robust contingency plans had been put in place at its facilities in consultation with Public Health England and the Department of Health and Social Care. It added that prisons are well prepared to take immediate action wherever cases or suspected cases of Covid-19 are identified, including the isolation of individuals where necessary.

On 28th March, the Guardian reported that ‘Prisoners approaching the end of their sentences could be released from next week, as the Scottish government moves to prevent an “increasingly alarming” coronavirus crisis in the country’s jails’.

In addition, the UK justice secretary, Robert Buckland, said on 24th March that he was considering temporary release as one of a number of options to mitigate the public health crisis in English prisons, after campaigners warned that prisoners with health issues were ‘facing death sentences’.

Official information is available on the government website.

iii) Guidance for support / prisoner’s rights

There are several civil society groups working on prison abolition, reform, detainee rights and related issues. They have made proposals on how to deal with the current crisis, outlined support prisoners need, and suggested ways in which the public can get involved with their work. For example:

Calls for the government to ‘urgently release a proportion of the prison population to protect them from the current public health crisis’ and has said that prisons are ‘high-risk environments for the rapid spread of Covid-19 – and that this could be a death sentence for many, including victims of miscarriages of justice’.

Calls for the ‘immediate release of all those in prison and detention centres due to COVID-19’.

Demands that ‘those currently detained should be released and suitable accommodation provided, if necessary to prevent street homelessness, including accommodation that allows for self-isolation.’

Has stated that ‘many prisons are grossly crowded and insanitary. We already know that some officers and prisoners have been diagnosed with coronavirus and the very last thing we want is for prisons to become like 18th-century breeding grounds of disease.’ The charity proposes a range of measures focused on ‘reducing the flow of people into the most stressed prisons’ and easing people ‘who could be safely released back out into the community’.

Have asked the Ministry of Justice to ‘release groups of prisoners in order to lessen the impact of coronavirus in the penal estate’.

Argues that it is ‘vital that while creating some headroom through releases, the flow of people into prisons is also drastically reduced. That means not sending anyone to prison for all but the most serious alleged or proved offending, and not recalling people to prison in all but the most dangerous of circumstances.’

SPARC has called for the provision of free stationery, phone credit and tablets so all prisoners can make use of video-calls during the health crisis, alongside a lifting of the ban on mobile phones.

iv) Prisons in Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire is home to two prisons, HMP Bullingdon and HMP Huntercombe.

It was reported by the Oxford Mail on 11th February that Bullingdon prison had visits suspended for 72 hours and ‘certain cell block lockdowns’ after a suspected coronavirus case. Concern focused on a prisoner extradited from Thailand on drugs charges.

Since 24th March all visits to Huntercombe prison have been cancelled due to the government’s lockdown. The prison authorities announced it would review its decision in three weeks.

Migrants

Resources for asylum seekers: The Refugee Action Good Practice and Partnerships Team is putting together useful resources at http://www.coronavirusasylumhandbook.com/home. You can also send a confidential email to Oxford Covid-19 Mutual Aid on oxfordmutualaid@protonmail.com to be connected to Oxfordshire resources for asylum seekers and refugees.

The mutual aid group Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK have assembled a Guide for Supporting Migrants During Coronavirus. It contains useful information on how to help migrants access healthcare, how to help them navigate the punitive UK immigration system in this time of crisis, translations of health advice, and much more. Find it here: LINK.

New analysis by the think tank IPPR shows that migrants are more likely to be working in industries affected by the crisis, including accommodation and food services; more likely to be self-employed and in temporary work; and far less likely to own their own home. This places them in a particularly precarious situation in the current crisis. Yet despite these risks, many migrants in the UK have only a limited access to the UK welfare system. This means that migrants often face the choice of continuing to work in spite of the health risks or losing their livelihoods. This poses a significant danger to both individual workers and to efforts to minimise the transmission of the virus. IPPR propose emergency measures to lift restrictions on access to benefits and public services, in order to limit the economic fallout of coronavirus and protect public health. More information here: https://www.ippr.org/blog/migrant-workers-and-coronavirus

Migrants whose visas expire during the present coronavirus pandemic will not face removal, the government has said in an updated immigration advice notice. Foreign nationals whose leave to remain in the country expires between 24 January and 31 May who cannot leave the country because of travel restrictions or self-isolation relation to Covid-19 can get a visa extension until 31 May. They need to contact the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre. The Home Office is also altering the rules on applications for long term visas. It is temporarily allowing migrants apply for

long term UK visas from within the country instead of requiring applicants to leave and apply from their home country.

Latin American Women's Rights Service: referras@lawrs.org.uk

Español, de lunes a jueves, 10h - 13h 07719 281714

Português, de segunda a sexta-feira, das 10h às 13h, 07595 970580

Older People

Oxfordshire Age UK have set up a new telephone support service for older people in Oxfordshire: 01865 411 288. If you leave your name and phone number, they will call you back.

Daudhar News, 96-100 Horspath Road, Cowley have free packs of Dettol Soap and a face mask for older and vulnerable people only. Daudhar News accept donations that will go towards providing more packs.

Universal Credit

For help with claiming Universal Credit, you can contact Citizens Advice at 0800 144 8 444.

Local Council Tax Support (LCTS)

Local councils are being given a £500 million hardship fund by the UK government in order to reduce council tax liability for those currently in receipt of Local Council Tax Support ('LCTS'). There is no need to make a seperate application. More information at:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-confirms-500-million-hardship-fund-will-provide-council-tax-relief-for-vulnerable-households

Domestic Violence

Domestic abuse services: Survivors UK supports male, trans, and non-binary survivors of abuse and can offer confidential support via web, SMS, and WhatApp chat services, 12.00-20.00, 7 days a week - see https://www.survivorsuk.org/ways-we-can-help/online-helpline/. You can also self-refer for counselling by calling 0203 598 3898 during office hours Monday-Friday or emailing help@survivorsuk.org.

ManKind Initiative has a confidential helpline (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm) for male victims of domestic and sexual abuse (and relatives and friends seeking advice on how to help). Call 01823 334244. See https://www.mankind.org.uk/ for more infomation.

Domestic abuse support: Project Shoebox Oxford (which provides essential items to people escaping abusive home situations) and Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Services are no longer accepting new donations of items, BUT financial donations are still very welcome in order to buy grocery vouchers for families in refuges. See https://www.facebook.com/projectshoeboxoxford/ or http://www.shoeboxoxford.uk/Our-blog/emergencyrequestfromodas for how you can help.


A list of Thames Valley domestic violence support services can be found here - https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUhK29jXsAAZeQl?format=jpg&name=small

More than 20 BME specialist frontline services, migrant and human rights organisations have written to the Home Secretary calling for emergency support to help migrant victims of domestic abuse amidst the Covid-19 crisis. See here: LINK

The following services remain available in a time of quarantine:

Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre: www.osarcc.org. OSARCC's listening services are currently exploring whether volunteers can work to take phone calls and texts from home.For now, women can still receive emotional support via email at support@osarcc.org.uk. Emails will be checked at least twice a week by volunteers, and they aim to get back to you within seven days.

Women's Aid has some helpful advice for the coronavirus crisis at https://www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-advice-for-survivors/

Latin American Women's Rights Service: referras@lawrs.org.uk

Español, de lunes a jueves, 10h - 13h 07719 281714

Português, de segunda a sexta-feira, das 10h às 13h, 07595 970580

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 200024

Free, 24 hours a day, TRANSLATION AVAILABLE

Places of worship

Under government guidance, places of worship can open only for solitary prayer and for funerals. Many organisations, churches, mosques and others have closed their facilities entirely but Under government guidance, places of worship can open only for solitary prayer and for funerals. Many organisations, churches, mosques and others have closed their facilities entirely but provide online pastoral support/services/encouragement on Websites, Facebook or YouTube pages. Please check individually.

Safeguarding and Scams

Safeguarding

Resources can be found at https://tinyurl.com/tm5mvuj. Protocols for food deliveries for neighbours and virus safety are also available here: https://tinyurl.com/v9q5v3l.

It would be a shame if all that good will in the community was undermined by the actions of a few unscrupulous cheats. So, Thames Valley Police are advising people in need of support to try and only liaise with someone they are familiar with, if necessary to give small amounts of cash for essentials and not to hand over a bank card. If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber-crime, you can report it to the police on their Action Fraud reporting tool at LINK or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Online Scams

Although there is a huge amount of new support within communities, there are also people trying to take advantage of the situation to cheat and steal through a whole new set of online scams. Some examples:

  • The government are relying on emails and text messages as communication channels and we are already seeing scams circulating which have untrustworthy links in them. It is highly likely that a new wave of scam emails, calls and text messages claiming to be from HMRC will start to circulate, now that that the Chancellor has announced the new Income Support Scheme for the self-employed. They will no doubt be offering financial help in exchange for you bank details etc. and probably contain a link where an email or text is concerned.

  • If your child receives free school meals and you receive an email asking you to send your bank details "to make sure you're supported", do not respond. The Department for Education and Oxford City Council confirm that this is a scam.

  • There’s another scam where members of the public are texted and told to share their card details in order to receive a supposed Covid-19 relief payment from the government. People have received text messages, supposedly from the government, asking them to follow a link to receive a “goodwill payment” of £258 in light of the ongoing outbreak of the new coronavirus. These links are scams. You should not click or interact with them. For more information see here: https://fullfact.org/online/coronavirus-phishing-scam/

  • Some people have been receiving texts saying they have been fined £35 "after being recorded as leaving your home on 3 occasions yesterday" - this is a scam. Do not click the link - do not respond.

Only links that end in “gov.uk” or “nhs.net” go to legitimate NHS or UK government sites.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is taking down a lot of these malicious websites as soon as they become aware of them. If you are sent a suspicious email or text, please report it via the Netcraft website at: https://lnkd.in/gxi79PY Please be doubly careful to check any emails or text messages. If you are not sure about a message you can check, how to check messages you receive and how to get involved at this website from SEGWARP, the South East Government Warning, Advisory and Reporting Point (SEGWARP) https://lnkd.in/g3QPDyb #cybersecurity

Advice from National Trading Standards on coronavirus scams: see https://www.nationaltradingstandards.uk/news/beware-of-covid19-scams/

For more tips on how to identify scams and on good behaviour, see:

Transport and mobility

Parking

Great Western railway offers free parking to NHS staff: Link

Free parking for key workers in Oxford City Council's city centre car parks (Oxpens, Gloucester Green, Worcester Street). Place a note in your car window saying which essential service you work for.

Free parking for NHS staff at the Westgate Centre. Show your NHS card.

Free parking for NHS staff at the White Horse pub (corner of Headley Way and London Road)

Public Transport

The Oxford Bus Company is providing bespoke travel arrangements for keyworkers - you can discuss your needs with them here: https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/covid-19/bespoke-travel/

Concessionary bus passes are now valid all day on Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Stagecoach services, rather than being limited to off-peak times

Oxford Tube have again updated their schedule until further notice. The first departing coach will leave Gloucester Green at 0315 and the last at 2015. The first departing coach will leave London at 0545 and the last at 2245. There will be an hourly service running in between. For more information see here: Link. All Oxford Tube services are to be suspended from 6th April onwards.

Oxford Bus Company has reduced services. An updated schedule can be found here: https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/covid-19/

Cars

From the 30th of March, vehicle owners are to be granted a 6-month exemption from MOT testing. Vehicles must still be kept in a roadworthy state. More information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vehicle-owners-to-be-granted-mot-exemption-in-battle-against-coronavirus

Taxis

There have been some changes to the licensing rules for taxis and private hire vehicles: Link

Royal Cars Oxford will be providing online shop collections for over-65's and anyone in self-isolation within the Oxford area. This service if free for all over 65. All other bookings are card only: either prepaid or contactless payments at the end of the journey. To access this service, call them at 01865 777 333 with the store you’ve ordered from; your order number; and your delivery address.

001 Taxis are now also providing contact-free collection from grocery shops and pharmacies via their booking app: www.001taxis.com ​and by phone on 01865 240000.

Unions

Information on lay-offs, furloughs, redundancies, and government job retention measures: the United Voices of the World trade union answers a number of questions at https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/layoffs-hours-reduction

For the latest information on:

Economy and business

For a list of businesses in Oxford that are still operating online see: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/homepage/331/oxford_businesses_operating_online

From Oxford Covid-19 Mutual Aid group: Do you have links to the Oxford business community, or know anyone who does? Particularly in the restaurant and catering sectors? Maybe you own or manage a restaurant, catering company, or takeaway yourself and are keen to help out? E-mail comms@oxfordmutualaid.org.

The Government is once more looking for businesses that can offer support for the crisis response, ranging from providing hotel rooms to producing medical equipment - https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-support-from-business

County Council support and grants are still available for small businesses and the self-employed - https://www.oxford.gov.uk/supportforbusiness

Rules on carrying over annual leave have been relaxed - employees can now carry over up to 4 weeks of unused leave into the next 2 leave years

A dedicated helpline has been set up to help businesses and self-employed individuals in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities receive support with their tax affairs. If you are concerned about being able to pay your tax due to COVID-19, call HMRC’s dedicated helpline on 0800 0159 559.

Businesses can now apply for a 3-month extension for filing their accounts - those citing COVID-19 as the reason for the request will automatically be granted an extension via a fast-tracked online service. Guidance on how to apply here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-more-time-to-file-your-companys-accounts

The contactless limit for in-store card transactions will increase from £30 to £45, the British Retail Consortium has decided. This is being introduced to reduce the need for physical contact with PIN-Entry Devices at points of sale. The new limit will be operational at some stores across the UK from April 1st but may take some time before it can be applied everywhere.

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. Information available at https://www.oxfordshirelep.com/business.

Issues concerning business rates are dealt with by the City Council – see https://www.oxford.gov.uk/info/20020/business_rates

Cowley BMW Mini plant has closed for a month from Friday, March 20th.

Blenheim Palace has furloughed most of its staff.

Positive news

#Clap your hands for the NHS continued last night in Oxfordshire and elsewhere and will be a regular Thursday action at 8pm from now on.

Oxfordshire Artweeks festival moves online. For more, see here: LINK

Abingdon's Ben Heaney provides 'Musical Health Service' to community in coronavirus lockdown. For more details on Ben Heaney and the Music Health Service, go to deltaviolin.com. Also see: facebook.com/deltaviolin and search for Ben on Youtube

NHS staff in Oxford are getting people singing and dancing in a video they produced about their fight against COVID-19. See LINK

Oxford doctor kicked out over coronavirus 'overwhelmed' by offers of help: Link

Local 3D business prints face masks for NHS staff: Link

Chase the Rainbow Campaign

People in Oxfordshire are painting rainbows and hanging them in their windows to bring hope and joy, especially to children on walks. Maybe you would like to take part in the Chase the Rainbow campaign?

Events

#Clap your hands for the NHS will be a regular Thursday action at 8pm from now on.

Daily Info is compiling virtual events listings - music, poetry, religious worship, fitness classes, quizzes, and more.

Cancelled events

Oxford Pride

May Morning

Cowley Road Carnival

Charlbury Riverside Festival cancelled

Henley Festival postponed to 2021

Closures

Peartree park & ride is now closed

Oxford Community Centres have shut. Essential services housed in the centres, such as community larders and food banks, will continue to operate.

Bicester Village Stores have all shut.

Greggs, itsu, KFC, McDonalds, Nando’s, Pizza Express and Subway have closed all UK stores.

The Oxford Covered Market is closed; you can see which businesses are offering a delivery service or accepting online orders at https://www.oxford.gov.uk/coveredmarket

Wytham Woods are closed to visitors until further notice.

Canal Towpath: Use is limited. No exercising. Areas with residential mooring are to be avoided entirely.

Contributions and comments

Please send us any contributions or comments per email to oxfordvirusactiongroup@gmail.com. Any contributions received before 2pm will be reviewed for that day’s situation report.



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