Coronavirus – Oxfordshire Community Situation Report 8
Date: 26th March 2020
The aims of the Oxford Virus Action Group:
a) to pull together and share 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 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.
We need your testimony. We are looking to compile verified information of individuals who are being expected to work without safety equipment, clothes, gloves, hand sanitiser, etc to provide protection against Covid-19. If you would like to share information with us anonymously please email us at: oxfordvirusactiongroup@gmail.com.
Key figures
People confirmed sick in Oxfordshire by Public Health England: 86 (26/03/2020).
People self-isolating due to symptoms: unknown
People quarantining due to being in vulnerable group: unknown
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 AND LOCAL SERVICES
Lockdown measures
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.
All non-essential businesses and services are to close.
What 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.
https://www.lgcplus.com/politics/coronavirus/rules-on-data-sharing-relaxed-to-speed-up-emergency-response-26-03-2020/ The full article has been copied at the bottom of this report.
District Council Updates
Oxfordshire County Council:
· Waste collection:
o Garden waste collection, bookings for the collection of excess household waste and collection of bulky items has been suspended
o Household Waste Recycling Centres (including Dix Pit at Stanton Harcourt) are now closed
o 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
Oxford City Council:
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 :
o The council reception at St. Aldate's is closed
o Parks remain open as long as social distancing is observed; communal areas such as tennis courts are closed
o Public toilets are now closed except for those on Market Street, Gloucester Green and Speedwell Street.
o 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.
o 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:
o Those who need to pay council tax or business rates: 01865 252856.
o Council tenants, Council garage tenants or leaseholders: 01865 252880.
o Commercial Rent or Sundry Income customers: 01865 252863
Oxford City Council have launched an online Activities Hub which provides links to online advice on exercise, mental health, learning and cultural activities: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/activityhub
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
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
Cherwell:
· Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington markets have been cancelled until further notice.
Oxford City Council services
City Council and Oxford Hub have created Locality Response Centres (Link). They aim to address common issues for the vulnerable such as isolation, routine pharmacy services and food services, and to coordinate council and voluntary sector services in each locality. The new Locality Response Centres will begin operating this week, with five teams across the city – North, South, East, West and Central. More details will be announced as the Centres get ready to open.
Government support for 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
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
Street level support and online groups
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.
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, 25/3/2020:
1) For anyone concerned about food, or helping others with food, the Hub have put together a resource to make sure everyone can get access to what they need. If you are in touch with someone who is struggling with accessing food, you can refer them to the Hub here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR_Rot_eDoRpWgWUSe8xDUEY6uNf-3rHoqURCQfYxC4Kztmg/viewform?mc_cid=59587a20d9&mc_eid=c5b27ab3f9
2)You can also now look up your local ‘street champion’ (hub support volunteer responsible for your area) at: https://oxfordtogether.org/postcode-lookup
3) You can refer someone for phone link support here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrnON6LlkJvxoB9O2Mq-OnK_Wp7iV0GW2JYUZ7hv_hSHrMbQ/viewform?mc_cid=59587a20d9&mc_eid=c5b27ab3f9
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
At https://www.facebook.com/groups/642102189685379/. 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.
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
· 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.
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)
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.
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 Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
FOOD
Food banks
Local food banks have seen a massive fall in donations and are worried about not being able to feed their clients. Oxford Food Bank’s donations last week dropped by half. Link
Professional caterers: Oxford Food Bank can take your leftover food stocks (anything fresh or otherwise). Contact: Emma - admin@oxfordfoodbank.org or 01865 236420
Oxford Food Bank COVID-19 TEMPORARY CLOSURE: Sadly, Oxford Food Bank will be closing from 12pm on Friday 27th March as the risk to staff, volunteers, and charities means that operations must be temporarily discontinued. The Food Bank is open for collections from its base until this Friday 12pm. It will continue to redirect any surplus food to other organisations while closed. Contact: 07856 610368, admin@oxfordfoodbank.org.
Free food services
For a map and database of services providing free or subsidised food within Oxford see https://www.oxford.gov.uk/foodservicesmap?fbclid=IwAR13qgSnEjfyPS8yWNQFg6Cbt2-8YX_XkVr69Je9MDAW5rQ8TLKHnLZGOFM
Botley Community fridge. There is a new post-lockdown community fridge protocol. “Pre-packed bags of food will be left in front of the library between 12 and 1 each day. They will be labeled 'fresh' or 'non-perishable'. Anyone can take fresh food. Please take the non-perishable food only if you are in need or taking it to someone who is self-isolated. PLEASE DO NOT OPEN THE BAGS UNTIL YOU HAVE TAKEN THEM AWAY! We are also providing food parcels to people who need them. Please contact riki@phonecoop.coop or 07759 135811 if you need that."
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.
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
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
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, OX25, OX26, and OX27 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.
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
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/
Aldi
· Reduced shopping hours. All shops close at 8 pm except Sunday where regular hours apply
· Dedicated shopping slot for NS, Police or Fire Service on Sunday between 9.30 and 10am.
· Nappies and paper products, including toilet and kitchen roll, will now be restricted to two items per customer. All other products will remain restricted to four items per customer, with a few exceptions.
· Aldi is seeking to hire 9,000 new workers, including 4,000 permanent jobs, to help keep shelves filled during the coronavirus outbreak.
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.
Aldi 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.
OCADO are taking new orders again.
· Customers can only book one delivery slot every seven days.
· Some products are limited to one or two per order.
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
More local suppliers doing deliveries
Cheese - wheymoreltd@gmail.com, 07966434783
Fresh veg - www.styanfamilyproduce.co.uk
Bread - Farmhouse Bakery & Cafe, 01235 831230, https://farmhousebakerycafe.co.uk
- Hambin Bread, https://www.hamblinbread.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
Restaurants, pubs, gyms are now closed.
For lists of places offering deliveries see
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).
HEALTH
General
Latest health advice can be found at the NHS Oxfordshire website: Link
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 at the bottom of the report.
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
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
Round of applause for the NHS: please applaud all our medics and healthcare workers from your windows/gardens/balconies/front doors tonight (26th March) at 8pm! Oxford Mail reports that a number of fast food outlets are delivering free food - pizzas and kebabs - to NHS staff this evening as part of the wider 'Clap for our Carers'. Details can be found in their report at https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/18333895.free-fast-food-nhs-staff-clap-carers/
Oxfordshire Period Drive - Coronavirus Response
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.”
Mental health support
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
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.
For more tips and resources for Covid-19 anxiety and isolation see here: https://tinyurl.com/rotxwgu
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).
HELP NEEDED
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.
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
Also 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.
Blood donors needed
The John Radcliffe Hospital’s blood donation centres are open and in urgent need of donations. Extra safety measures have been put into place. Travelling to donate is permitted under the lockdown as it helps meet the medical needs of vulnerable people. Update 26/03/20: John Radcliffe and West Oxford blood donation centres are now fully booked for weeks to come! So the need is not now urgent….. thanks to everyone (again) for your contributions!
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.
EDUCATION
Schools
All schools closed from Friday afternoon onwards. 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.
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.
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.
Union (NASWT) advice for schools available here: https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/…/5d972862-d4f6-44f4-8f34a9044a0a…
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
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
Oxford Brookes University
As of 17 March, two cases of coronavirus have been diagnosed at Oxford Brookes University. The University and its halls of residence remain open. Due to the continued spread of coronavirus (Covid-19), the University is declaring a number of Reading Weeks from 8.00am Tuesday 17 March to Friday 3 April. There will be no delivery of teaching during these weeks. For more information see: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/alerts/coronavirus/; https://www.brookesunion.org.uk/articles/covid-19-update.
Tutoring support
Go here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15IwzRLvPEmD-A6FFXCdhFUfFjno9NflrB8NGnT303Fo/edit?usp=drivesdk to offer or request online tutoring.
VULNERABLE GROUPS
Homelessness / Vulnerable Housing
Hotels are to be allowed to remain open to provide accommodation to keyworkers 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 has announced £3.2 million emergency support for rough sleepers during coronavirus outbreak https://www.gov.uk/…/3-2-million-emergency-support-for-roug…
Oxford City Council has promised support for renters during coronavirus crisis. See here for more information and follow Cllr Linda Smith, Deputy Leader, Oxford City Council and cabinet lead on Homelessness @LabLinda75
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.
Find them at https://oxfordtenantsunion.wordpress.com.
Prisons and Immigration Detainees
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
Please send us any information you have for Oxfordshire.
A prisoner in HMP Manchester became the first in the UK to test positive for the coronavirus. The inmate is currently being treated in hospital. Failure to protect the most vulnerable inmates in the UK prison system from coronavirus could result in more than 800 avoidable deaths: link.
Following the announcement of the latest government measures, all UK prisons have been put on immediate lockdown with all visits cancelled.
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.
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
The following services remain available in a time of quarantine:
National helpline https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us
Links for Oxfordshire: https://www.reducingtherisk.org.uk/cms/content/oxfordshire?area=oxfordshire
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.
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.
SCAMS
Beware of a 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/
For more tips on how to identify scams and on good behaviour, see https://twitter.com/AgainstScams/status/1242764178743529473
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.
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 Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
GREEN SPACES
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.
TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY
Parking
NHS staff are to be given free parking at work: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-provide-free-car-parking-for-nhs-and-social-care-staff
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 are now running on a reduced schedule. The timetable will be reduced to a frequency of up to 20 minutes during morning peaks leaving Oxford and afternoon peaks from London. During the day, services will run to a half - hourly timetable but will maintain a 24 hour offering.For more details see here:
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
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
Now and always, workers need strong union representation.
For the latest information on:
- the Trades Union Congress (TUC), see https://www.tuc.org.uk/. Workers wishing to join an appropriate TUC affiliated union can look here: https://www.tuc.org.uk/join-union
- The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), see https://www.usdaw.org.uk/. You can join them at https://www.usdaw.org.uk/Join-Us, and contact them at contactus@usdaw.org.uk. They have compiled a document with their most frequently asked question, including information on workers’ rights, health and safety regulations, and sick pay. You can find this at the bottom of this situation report (Attachment 3).
-The Communications Workers Union (CWU), see https://www.cwu.org/. Join them athttps://www.cwu.org/join-us/. The CWU can play a crucial role in keeping everyone in this country connected & informed, delivering medical aid, checking on the elderly and vulnerable, delivering local to local services and supporting people working from home. They could also assist with food bank collections and the delivery of food parcels to those most in need. The CWU Union has put these proposals forward to Royal Mail Group and are awaiting a response.
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
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 last Friday, March 20th.
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
Round of applause for the NHS: please applaud all our medics and healthcare workers from your windows/gardens/balconies/front doors tonight (26th March) at 8pm! Oxford Mail reports that a number of fast food outlets are delivering free food - pizzas and kebabs - to NHS staff this evening as part of the wider 'Clap for our Carers'. Details can be found in their report at https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/18333895.free-fast-food-nhs-staff-clap-carers/
Daily Info is compiling virtual events listings - music, poetry, religious worship, fitness classes, quizzes, and more.
Closures
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
Cancelled events
Oxford Pride
May Morning
Cowley Road Carnival
Contributions and comments
Please send us any contributions or comments per email to oxfordvirusactiongroup@gmail.com, or text us at 07384939145. Any contributions received before 2pm will go into that day’s situation report.
Attachment 1) Know your rights leaflet by the Oxford Living Wage Campaign
Attachment 2) Local Government Chronicle article
Rules on data sharing relaxed to speed up emergency response
26 MARCH 2020 BY JESSICA HILL
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 Information Commissioners Office (ICO) has said that organisations
worried that data protection practices might not meet the “usual
standard” or that responses to information rights requests will be
longer will not be penalised.
“We understand that resources, whether they are finances or people,
might be diverted away from usual compliance or information governance
work,” they said. “We won’t penalise organisations that we know need
to prioritise other areas or adapt their usual approach during this
extraordinary period.
“We can’t extend statutory timescales, but we will tell people through
our own communications channels that they may experience
understandable delays when making information rights requests during
the pandemic.”
According to a guidance document sent to local authority chief
executives yesterday and seen by LGC, the Information Commissioner
Elizabeth Denham has also assured healthcare workers that she “cannot
envisage a situation where she would act against a health and care
professional using or sharing data to deliver care and support”.
In a statement, the ICO said it is “a reasonable and pragmatic
regulator, one that does not operate in isolation from matters of
serious public concern”. “Regarding compliance with data protection,
we will take into account the compelling public interest in the
current health emergency,” they added.
The reassurances come as councils are busy coordinating new volunteer
groups in order to protect the most vulnerable, which involves the
sharing of new contact details. LGC reported yesterday how Sutton
Parish Council in Cambridgeshire had been reluctant to work with a new
group of volunteers partly because of GDPR concerns.
The ICO has also clarified that data protection and electronic
communication laws do not stop councils from sending public health
messages to people, either by phone, text or email, “as these messages
are not direct marketing”.
“Public bodies may require additional collection and sharing of
personal data to protect against serious threats to public health,”
they added.
However, council chiefs have also been reminded to try to stay within
the rules. The guide sent to council chiefs yesterday warned that
council data controllers are "still required to comply with relevant
and appropriate data protection standards and to ensure within reason
that they operate within statutory and regulatory boundaries".
3) USDAW - Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: 25 March
I work in a shop. Does the current lockdown mean I can’t go into work?
This depends on what type of shop you work in. All non-essential shops have been closed from end of trading on Monday 23 March.
The following retail premises can remain open:
Supermarkets and other food shops
Health shops
Pharmacies and chemists
Petrol stations
Bicycle shops
Hardware shops
Veterinary surgeries and pet shops
Corner shops and newsagents
Off-licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol, including those within breweries • Laundrettes and dry cleaners
All Post Offices
Car parks in towns, cities and near to takeaways may remain open, to facilitate essential activity (e.g. where they are supporting hospitals, supermarkets or takeaways)
High street banks, building societies, short-term loan providers, credit unions and cash points
Storage and distribution facilties, including delivery drop off points
If you work in one of these shops, it is likely to stay open and you will be expected to go to work if you are well and not self-isolating. If you work in a different type of shop or other workplace that is open to the public, it should be closed.
What happens to my pay if my workplace is closed or there is no work for me?
Your employer might want to move you to ‘furloughed worker’ status. This status will mean that the Government will fund 80% of your wages up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. The full details of the scheme are not yet clear and should be released in the near future. We are calling on employers to top up workers’ pay to full pay and base this on their average earnings. We believe that your employer will need your agreement to transfer you to ‘furloughed worker’ status. You should not agree to this without full details of what it means for you and your pay. Contact your Union rep or local official if you need help with this.
My employer has said that I’m a furloughed worker and I won’t get paid until the Government money comes through.
If this happens, report it to the Union immediately.
My workplace is open as an essential retailer. What should my employer be doing to keep me safe?
If you are still going into work and dealing with the public, we expect employers to do everything they can to protect you. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring a clean workplace, providing access to hand washing facilities, enforcing safe distances and increasing security measures where this is needed to keep you safe.
The Government has said that retail and public premises which are expected to remain open must ensure a distance of two metres between customers and shop assistants and let people enter the shop only in small groups to ensure that spaces are not crowded. Queue control is required outside of shops and other essential premises that remain open. We are urgently seeking clarification from government and employers as to how this will be implemented.
If you are pregnant, over 70 years old or have an underlying health condition, there should be a policy in place to protect you. Ask your manager and speak to your union rep for advice. The same applies to extremely vulnerable people who have received a confirmation letter from the NHS and must go through a period of isolation/absence of 12 weeks.
Can I still use public transport to get to work?
If you are able to avoid using public transport, you should. If you have to go to work and do not have access to a car, then you can continue to use public transport. You should take extra care when using public transport to maintain as much distance as possible from others and ensure you wash your hands as soon as you get to work.
Should I be wearing a mask and gloves at work?
Social distancing and regular handwashing are the most effective ways to prevent the spreading of the virus. The wearing of masks and gloves is not currently recommended by Public Health England, the NHS or the World Health Organisation in most work settings.
There is no clear evidence that masks or gloves are effective in protecting the wearer against infection. If they are used incorrectly they may increase the risk of infection. Wearing gloves simply means the outside of the glove would be contaminated and you would still be at risk if you touched your face with the gloved hand.
If your employer is providing masks and/or gloves, you should only use them if you are properly trained in how to put them on and how to take them off hygienically and dispose of them safely. Single-use disposable masks should not be worn for long periods, should be disposed of when damp and should not be re-used. See World Health Organisation guidance here for more information.
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