Safety

Face Coverings are not PPE:

Face coverings are not a medical device (PPE), and so mask makers must meet the existing safety requirements (PDFv4), For example:

• "... there should be no claim to the effect that the face covering has been manufactured with the intention of offering protection 
• (a) to users from risks to health and safety (whether COVID-19, pollution, pollen or dust) and/or
• (b) to people other than the wearer from risks to their health and safety." [So what is the point in wearing them?]
• "A safe product is one which, under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, does not present any risk,..."
• "The producer will need to demonstrate it has assessed and taken action to mitigate the risks inherent in the product throughout normal or reasonably foreseeable uses." For example, hypoxia, especially if worn for long periods of time and WHO statement above. (more) 

Concerns over COVID19 Vaccination & Testing

"COVID-19 vaccines designed to elicit neutralising antibodies may sensitise vaccine recipients to more severe disease than if they were not vaccinated. Vaccines for SARS, MERS adn RSV have never been approved, and the data generated in the development and testing of these vaccines suggest a serious mechanistic concern." (article and image)

Individuals

How will individuals and groups, of all ages, be protected against racism, discrimination and potential public verbal and/or physical attack related to the COVID19 situation, e.g. the Australian app that "... "pings" or exchanges a "digital handshake" with another user when they come within 1.5 metres of each other"?

"COVID-19 is a public health emergency. History has shown that public health emergencies often lead to stigma and discrimination towards certain communities and groups or affected persons. Within the context of COVID-19, this has already manifested with the disease being associated with a specific population or nationality." (World Health Organisation pg1 - 21 APR 20)

Children

"Children and young people are normally seen by lots of different adults every day, like neighbours, grandparents and teachers. But due to coronavirus (COVID-19) we're self-isolating, social distancing and spending much more time at home. This means some families might need extra support with parenting. And if a child is experiencing abuse, there aren't as many opportunities for adults to spot the signs and help." (NSPCC)

 

"Children may respond to stress in different ways such as being more clingy, anxious, withdrawing, angry or agitated, bedwetting etc. Respond to your child’s reactions in a supportive way, listen to their concerns and give them extra love and attention ... " (WHO poster)

Adults & Elderly

"During the COVID-19 crisis, it is particularly important to safeguard adults with care and support needs. They may be more vulnerable to abuse and neglect as others may seek to exploit disadvantages due to age, disability, mental or physical impairment or illness." (SCIE - 01 APR 20)

 

"It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Talking to people you trust can help. Contact your friends and family.' (WHO poster)

Domestic Abuse

"Existing gender and social inequalities are exacerbated by COVID-19 and are impacting girls and women in different ways to men and boys. Women’s and girls’ exposure is likely to be affected by social norms and expectations around their caregiving roles ...". (WHO pg1 - 21 APR 20)

 

"The government acknowledges that the order to stay at home can cause anxiety for those who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse. There is never an excuse for domestic abuse, no matter what the circumstances are."  (UK Government - 14 APR 20)

 

"Police launch domestic abuse campaign to victims and survivors to seek help ... carries some very important information and highlights that no one should have to deal with domestic abuse alone. Do please share this information as much as possible." (NHW APR 20)

Shortages of supplies and equipment

"One of the key challenges facing every country, irrespective of income levels, is shortages of the supplies, goods and equipment needed in the context of COVID-19. With limited testing kits, supplies, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), government officials and health workers are confronted with decisions on how to distribute these scarce resources and equipment amongst all those who need it." (WHO pg2 - 21 APR 20)

Testing

02 MAY 2020: The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK, is published by the government including number of tests. "As of 9am on 2 May, there have been 1,129,907 tests, with 105,937 tests on 1 May. 825,946 people have been tested of which 182,260 tested positive. As of 5pm on 1 May, of those tested positive for coronavirus in the UK, 28,131 have sadly died". Also see UK Government's COVID19 Testing Strategy (04 APR 20)

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