M&S supplier Greencore back in operation after Covid closure

M&S supplier Greencore back in operation after Covid closure Production is back under way at a sandwich-making factory days after it was closed because almost 300 workers tested positive for Covid-19.

M&S supplier Greencore in Northampton ceased production on Friday, with workers told to self-isolate.

The Bakers' Union said staff have been asked to return to work before periods of self-isolation have finished. BBC Northampton

See also:

• Union criticises Northampton sandwich factory for calling workers back in less than a week after ordering employees into isolation Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Coronavirus risk at Wellingborough horse fair is low, say public health officials Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• £8.5m covid shortfall could impact new unitaries start up balances Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Bank Holiday horse fair: The statement in full from Police, Wellingborough council and Public Health Northamptonshire Northamptonshire Telegraph
• New Covid-19 testing unit opens in Wellingborough town centre Northamptonshire Telegraph

PPE: care workers delivering homecare during the Covid-19 response

PPE: care workers delivering homecare during the Covid-19 response This national intelligence report provides insight into a safety risk related to PPE requirements for care workers delivering homecare during the Covid-19 response. Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch

See also:

• Unclear UK advice on PPE cited in home care Covid-19 death inquiry The Guardian
• Coronavirus: ‘Confusing’ advice from Public Health England put patients at risk, watchdog says The Independent

How has Covid-19 and associated lockdown measures affected loneliness in the UK?

How has Covid-19 and associated lockdown measures affected loneliness in the UK? This briefing highlights findings from the Covid Social Study, as part of ongoing data analysis work with University College London. This study has surveyed over 70,000 people since March 2020, asking different questions about their experiences and wellbeing over the past few months, including asking people about loneliness. What Works Centre for Wellbeing

Women in healthcare: moving from the front lines to the top rung

Women in healthcare: moving from the front lines to the top rung This report shows women in healthcare have made progress and continue to report high job satisfaction. However, women also encounter persistent obstacles to advancement, particularly for senior positions, where they remain underrepresented. McKinsey & Company

Suicide Prevention in Gypsy and Traveller communities in England

Suicide Prevention in Gypsy and Traveller communities in England The suicide rate for members of the Traveller community is six times higher than the general population, yet Gypsy and Traveller communities are not recognised as a high-risk group, nor mentioned once in the Government’s National Suicide Prevention Plan. This paper assesses 79 local suicide prevention plans which represent 113 local areas to see whether the high suicide rate in Gypsy and Traveller communities has been identified and mitigated against on a local level. It finds that only five out of 79 local suicide prevention plans in England mention Gypsy and Traveller communities. Friends, Families and Travellers

New payment for people self-isolating in highest risk areas

New payment for people self-isolating in highest risk areas People on low incomes who need to self-isolate and are unable to work from home in areas with high incidence of COVID-19 will benefit from a new payment scheme. Department of Health and Social Care

UK flu jab rates prompt complacency warning

UK flu jab rates prompt complacency warning Complacency over the flu jab risks overwhelming the NHS, experts warn, as data reveals the scale of the challenge in expanding the vaccination programme.

Last month, the government announced plans to double the amount of people who receive the influenza jab.

But BBC analysis has found the take-up rate among those people in vulnerable groups eligible for a free jab has declined in recent years. BBC News

See also:

• Flu: Why we still need to worry about it this winter BBC News

The deterioration of Britain's mental health can no longer be ignored

The deterioration of Britain's mental health can no longer be ignored | Frances Ryan It feels as if the nation’s mental wellbeing has been strangely ignored throughout the pandemic. The public has experienced what is by any definition a traumatic event this year with little time to grieve or process it, often while enduring financial insecurity and hardship. A survey by the Office for National Statistics shows the number of adults in Britain with depression has doubled during the pandemic. Almost one in five people experienced depression in June, with young adults, women, key workers and disabled people among those most likely to be affected, as well as those unable to meet unexpected costs. The Guardian

Britain's two-metre social distancing rule 'is based on outdated science'

Britain's two-metre social distancing rule 'is based on outdated science' Britain's two metre social distancing rule is based on outdated science and is not far enough in crowded places like bars, experts say.

Dr Nicholas Jones and colleagues at the University of Oxford said the rule was produced from studies dating back up to 100 years ago and is too simplistic.

Instead, there should be a grading system depending on how 'risky' a place is, they said. The Daily Mail

See also:

• Two metres or one: what is the evidence for physical distancing in covid-19? (open access) The BMJ
• Coronavirus: Obesity 'increases risks from Covid-19' BBC News
• First Scotland deaths after positive test for six weeks BBC News
• Coronavirus: Payment for people on low incomes who must self-isolate BBC News
• UK announces Covid-19 deaths for Wednesday The Daily Mail
• BAME Britons less likely to trust Covid health officials – survey The Guardian 
• Saving lives or UK economy from Covid a 'false choice', MPs warn The Guardian