Asking adults to wear a face mask if they are experiencing a respiratory infection and need to go out is “sensible”, health ministers say.
The advice – which has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has been out for months now, but it has recently been reiterated this week in time for adults to return to work and children to go back to school after the Christmas period, The Hoot reports.
It comes amid rising pressures on the NHS as rates of COVID, flu, and other infections are rapidly rising in the UK.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has said he fully supports this advice and that he understands the NHS are currently under “tremendous pressure”, which the Government aimed to help with the £500 million winter fund.
This fund was aimed at helping hospitals discharge patients who are medically fit enough to leave the hospital, but cannot because of a lack of support available in the community.
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Health ministers urge people to be ‘sensible’ and wear face masks if going out while ill / Image: Unsplash
Mr Harper said “I hope these resources are going to help in the coming months to relieve some of the pressure on our hard-worked health and care staff.”
The UKHSA has also advised parents to not send their children back to school unless they are in full health.
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Adults should also stay at home if they can as well, ministers say.
There has been a significant rise of people with COVID and flu in the UK – with one in eight NHS hospitable beds being occupied by patients with these infections.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman has acknowledged the current pressure on the health service, calling it an “unprecedented challenge”, and adding: “I think we are confident we are providing the NHS with the funding it needs – and as we did throughout the pandemic – to deal with these issues.”
Featured Image – Alin Luna (via Unsplash)
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Clementine Hall -
4th January 2023 
