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The first #COVID19 Mayoral Press Conference of 2021 will be starting shortly.
At 2pm Andy, @DeputyMayorofGM and @SirRichardLeese will give an update on the latest for the city-region.
Follow updates here.
You can watch a live stream of the press conference here https://twitter.com/MayorofGM/status/1346819339199111168Remember, you can also follow the @MENnewsdesk live blog for updates here http://manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/live-andy-burnham-press-conference-19572888
@SirRichardLeese is giving an update on the 7-day rate of positive tests per 100,000 people, up to January 1, 2021.”There has been a very significant increase over the three weeks, it really has taken off in a way that is unprecedented.”
The next slide shows the prevalence of the new coronavirus variant. @SirRichardLeese says approximately 30% of cases in Greater Manchester are of the new variant.
This slide shows the age specific case rate up to 31 December, 2020.”We are seeing an increase among older people as well,” says Sir Richard.
This slide shows the weekly Pillar 2 testing per 100,000 of the population”We’re seeing across the board an increase in positivity, more people are testing positive,” says Sir Richard.
The next slide shows the percentage of care home residents with confirmed Covid-19 or showing symptoms.”You can see the number of residents testing positive is down, this has now been stable for a very long time.”
This slide shows the number of Covid-19 cases occupying hospital beds in the city-region. ”This is where there has been phenomenal change, there has been a very rapid increase in admissions,” says @SirRichardLeese.
Onto the next slide, which shows the number of vaccines carried out as of 3 January, 2021. “This is not a miracle cure, but will ease the pressure on hospitals, says Sir Richard.
@DeputyMayorofGM is now discussing policing and enforcement in Greater Manchester. “Particularly on NYE, we saw activities of all kinds in every part of Greater Manchester mainly house parties, one or two businesses trading illegally and incidents at the Trafford Centre."
@DeputyMayorofGM says we will see a rise in infections, unless people comply with the restrictions. “Largely, the people who aren’t complying aren’t putting their own lives at risk, it’s the lives of their older relatives and older people of the community.”
@DeputyMayorofGM is discussing support available for domestic violence victims. “We are in lockdown, but an important exception is that if you’re a victim you can leave your home to get help and call police. If home isn’t a safe place for you, you must seek help.”
Andy is now discussing homelessness, as well as the A Bed Every Night and Everyone In schemes. ”Thoughts have turned again to those sleeping rough. We’re endeavouring to make an offer available to everybody.”
Andy is discussing a letter which has been written to Government by @salford_mayor urging for the extension of the evictions ban.”If we’re to see more people on the streets in Greater Manchester, it’d make a very difficult situation potentially unsustainable,” says Andy.
On those excluded from support schemes, Andy says he will be writing to the Chancellor to open up eligibility to the self-employment income support scheme. “There is now no reason why those people cannot be helped, it’s really important the Government responds positively.”
Andy has raised the issue of young people not having digital access for remote learning. “We’re putting an appeal out for businesses to help and donate devices, or help with connectivity issues and thirdly to make a financial contribution to the GM Tech Fund," he adds.
Andy, @SirRichardLeese and @DeputyMayorofGM are now taking questions from the media You can also watch a live stream of the conference on the @MENnewdesk Facebook page http://facebook.com/ManchesterEveningNews/posts/10158169346367060
Andy ends the press conference talking about those excluded from Government support.”I would appreciate your help in trying to raise the plight of the 3m taxpayers who have been given nothing so far, I will continue to raise my voice in support of those people.”
