Coronavirus live updates, April 16 2020: financial impact of pandemic hitting home

The number of people applying for Bristol’s council tax reduction scheme has increased by more than 400 per cent as the financial impact of coronavirus takes its toll.

Since mid-March, the applications for reduced payments have gone from an average of around 100 a week to 642 in the past week.

The means-tested scheme is open to householders for whom a change in circumstances has led to hardship. Bristol City Council has said those who are immediately worried about payments will not be charged interest if they miss instalments throughout the pandemic.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, mayor Marvin Rees spoke about the challenge of balancing the need to contain coronavirus with the “health price to be paid for the damage done to the economy”.

He echoed new Labour leader Keir Starmer’s calls for more clarity from central government.

Scroll down for live updates:

5.22pm
Thank you for joining us today. See you tomorrow morning at 9am.

5.17pm
Here’s a roundup of today’s news:

• Bristol Energy has donated £12,500 from its Fuel Good Fund to a Bristol charity project, supporting people who are struggling to top up their energy pre-payment meter because of Covid-19.
• The mayor has also outlined some of the immense challenges over deciding the best “exit strategy” for the city in the wake of the coronavirus peak. Rees says he would not want a national directive to be based on the position of the capital if the implications might prove detrimental to Bristol as he joined new Labour leader Keir Starmer in calling for more clarity from the Government on future planning.
• Bristol Old Vic has launched Bristol Old Vic At Home in response to the pandemic.
• The number of people applying for Bristol’s council tax reduction scheme has increased fivefold.
• The collection of garden and bulky waste will resume across Bristol from Monday, April 20.

5.15pm
The collection of garden and bulky waste will resume across Bristol from Monday, April 20.

“I am really glad that we are able to reinstate these services, and would like to thank Bristol Waste for all their hard work during these difficult times,” said Bristol mayor Marvin Rees.

“By following the guidance on how to present and prepare our waste and recycling for collection, we can all help to keep our streets and surroundings as clean as possible and make life easier for our waste collection teams.”

The council is also asking people to be considerate and think of others in their neighbourhood before having a bonfire, with Rees saying: “Open fires can have a negative impact on our air quality, and therefore people’s health – making things especially difficult for those with breathing difficulties.

“I would like to thank all of you are following advice and guidelines and for sticking together as we try and minimise the impact of the outbreak wherever possible.”

3.54pm
The number of confirmed cases in Bristol now stands at 374, according to Public Health England.

3.10pm
Bristol youth organisation Creative Youth Network will deliver tablets to vulnerable young people living across the city to help combat isolation.

https://twitter.com/Creative_Youth/status/1250784224048791552

2.21pm
Bristol Old Vic have launched Bristol Old Vic At Home, in response to the pandemic. Read the full story here.

2.02pm
Kingsdown-based microdistillery Psychopomp are making alcohol hand rub for frontline workers.

1.51pm
Bored during lockdown? Bristol24/7 looking for your artwork, videos and more that you have created during the coronavirus crisis which can be showcased online.

To share your work, email [email protected] with a bit of information about you and how you created your masterpiece.

1.03pm
Local baker and Great British Bake Off star, Briony May Williams, takes to Twitter to thank staff at St Peter’s Hospice.

12.06pm
Avon and Somerset Police welcome their newest recruit today, who is already surrounded by handmade rainbow signs. He will be named Hero, in tribute to the NHS frontline workers.

12.01pm
Avon Fire & Rescue Service are asking people not to set off sky lanterns tonight at 8pm during #ClapForCarers.

11.29am
The team at Bristol24/7 are working hard to bring you all the latest news about the coronavirus. Read some of our latest stories to find out more:

• Making PPE for frontline staff using 3D printers
• Revealed: The amount of funds distributed to Bristol businesses 
• Supporting mothers in difficult circumstances through the coronavirus pandemic
• Get pre-mixed cocktails delivered to your door from Bristol bars

10.39am
Bristol Energy has donated £12,500 from its Fuel Good Fund to a Bristol charity project, supporting people who are struggling to top up their energy pre-payment meter because of Covid-19.

On a mission to tackle fuel poverty and help vulnerable people amid the coronavirus outbreak, Bristol Energy is continuing its work with charity the Centre for Sustainable Energy to support its WHAM (Warmer Homes Advice & Money) project.

“These are unprecedented and challenging times for all of us, but the impact of coronavirus will be particularly difficult for vulnerable households; those who are ill, must self-isolate, or those who have lost a significant amount of income as a result of government restrictions,” says Allan Booth, managing director of Bristol Energy.

“Usually April marks the end of the heating season; a time for households to save on their energy bills. But this year, energy consumption is likely to rise despite the improving weather, with so many people staying at home. For those already struggling to pay their energy bills – having to make the decision to ‘heat or eat’ – extra support is vital.”

9.16am
Intensive care nurses at the BRI have launched a new campaign to provide their patients, and their patients’ loved ones, an additional offering of their care and compassion.

The Heart to Heart campaign hopes to bring connection between patients and their family during the coronavirus pandemic.

One handmade heart will me kept with the patient, and another will be kept with their loved ones. The nurses are asking the public to get involved. Read the full story here.

9.06am
The number of confirmed cases in Bristol now stands at 369, according to Public Health England.

8.45am
Good morning and welcome to Thursday’s live blog.

Here is a round-up of the latest news:

• NHS Trusts in the West of England will have more than £250m worth of debt written off.
• The number of people applying for Bristol’s council tax reduction scheme has increased fivefold.
• Tributes have been paid to a “kind-hearted and caring” Southmead Hospital worker who died after contracting coronavirus.
• Portishead musician Geoff Barrow and Bake Off contestant Briony Williams are among the celebrities who have made videos to support the NHS.

Main photo by Ellie Pipe

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