Care workers

Ben Humberstone, the head of health analysis and life events, at the Office for National Statistics, said, “Today’s analysis shows that jobs with regular exposure to Covid-19 and those working in close proximity to others continue to have higher Covid-19 death rates when compared to the rest of the working age population. Men continue to have higher rates of death than women, making up nearly two thirds of these deaths.” … [Read more...] about Covid deaths higher among low-paid workers in England and Wales, analysis shows

One of the first theatres to announce a socially distanced season was Home in Manchester, with all ticket prices at £10. As a multi-arts venue, its overheads and income are shared with other functions, including its cinemas, bars, catering and visual art exhibitions. Much of the season is online, in case measures for theatres are suddenly rolled back, or there are additional local restrictions. The programme will include Duckie, cabaret star Le Gateau Chocolat’s reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling. Gateau tells me how intrinsically linked performers’ identities are to performing. “It’s how we digest, reflect, converse, challenge, educate, grow … So being de-platformed while navigating the health implications of lockdown, isolation and social distancing – as creatures of communion and intimacy – has been anxiety- and depression-inducing. All this is exponentially magnified if your identity’s marginalised; … [Read more...] about Edgy and elated: how theatre workers feel about curtain-up during Covid

By the end of this month, a further 43 mass vaccination centres are planned to open - along with more GP surgeries, pharmacies and hospitals also planned to be set up for administering jabs - meaning everyone in England will live within 10 miles of a site. … [Read more...] about Covid care home deaths at highest since May after jump in fatalities over Christmas

The Chancellor got less wrong but it is a myth that he got everything right. His furlough scheme was too inflexible and even now seven in 10 of those who should get £500 isolation support do not. Which means one in five with symptoms are not staying home for the required period. … [Read more...] about Voice of the Mirror: Britain is paying the price for the blood on Boris Johnson’s hands

“We don’t want child protection to be seen as punitive,” says Whitney. “We want to give families the support they need, so they don’t have to be referred to social care. Because the service is so embedded in the school, there is no stigma attached to using it.” … [Read more...] about Guardian Public Service Awards 2017 health and wellbeing winner: Highgate primary school