Merseyside Prepared

England has moved to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant.  Visit GOV.UK to stay up to date with the latest Government guidance changes.

Funding for businesses most impacted by Omicron variant

The Government has announced that it has delivered over £700 million funding to Councils to help businesses in England most impacted by the Omicron variant in the coming weeks.

Further details are available via GOV.UK - Announcement and Guidance.

Get vaccinated, get your booster and look after each other through this difficult winter period – a joint statement from the Directors of Public Health in Cheshire and Merseyside is available here.

The Prime Minister has announced a move to Plan B in England from Friday 10 December 2021.  Further advice is available via the GOV.UK website. 

This autumn and winter it is essential that you protect yourself and others against both Flu and COVID-19.  If you are eligible, book your Flu and COVID-19 vaccines now via the NHS website.

Testing for Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Rapid lateral flow testing continues to be available free of charge. You can get tests from pharmacies or online. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test.

COVID-19: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread

A reminder that the Cabinet Office has recently updated the guidance that informs people of the actions they can take to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the pressure on the NHS over the winter months.  The guidance is available here.

It's Flood Action Week! Over 5 million homes and businesses are at risk of flooding. Don't assume it won't happen to you.

Click here to learn what to do in a flood.

#PrepareActSurvive #FloodActionWeek

For anyone involved in the recent terrorism incident in Liverpool, the Support for Victims of Terrorism website provides a 24/7 national contact centre and caseworker support, mental health assessment, bereavement services and facilitated peer support.  There is also further information on the GOV.UK website.

Following the incident outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital on Sunday 14 November, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has taken the decision to raise the UK National Threat Level from SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely, to SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely.

For further details visit Terrorism and National Emergencies - GOV.UK

The WeatherReady campaign aims to raise awareness of the actions people can take to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of severe weather.  The campaign has been launched on social media using #WeatherReady and information will be hosted on the WeatherReady website hub where you can find weather-related advice covering the themes of getting out and about in winter, staying well in cold weather and taking care of your family and home.

The Met Office have updated their Community Resilience leaflet which provides practical steps to support communities in preparing for severe weather.

What does PSTN Shutdown mean from the end of 2025?

Information is available on the Openreach website for both home and business users.

Follow our advice on how to be prepared and protect your home.

Follow advice provided for both the public and businesses, including the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Read how to protect your business.

As well as our own parent zone page, get further advice from the NSPCC.

Report anything that could suggest a terrorist threat to the UK, don't ignore it.

Remember to check your smoke alarm is working correctly.

Get the latest updates in your area

Rethink how you travel...

Visit the Merseyside Safeguarding Adults Board website

While everyone is being told to stay at home, the NHS are still there for you.

Cold Weather and Heat-Health Alerting Service

Download a leaflet, produced by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, and share with anyone you know who may not be able to leave their home or are a little vulnerable at this time.

Click to see how to prepare