The latest updates on Coronavirus in Stoke-on-Trent as a daily update.
Thursday 13th May
Recently, the sentinel reported that 'Pop-up Covid testing to be launched in Hanley Park and other 'hyper-local' venues.'
Friday 16th April
Today, 'More than 30 'street cafes' licensed in Stoke-on-Trent under new rules.'
Friday 9th April
- online article - 'Covid cops' to patrol Stoke-on-Trent's shops when lockdown rules are eased.
Thursday 1st April
'Six community Covid testing sites close in Stoke-on-Trent.', 'Stoke-on-Trent's toilets, sports courts and pitches reopen as park users told to act 'responsibly.", 'Stoke-on-Trent's Covid positivity rate falls to lowest level in six months - but the battle isn't over.'
Thursday 11th March
In today's news, the Sentinel reported Parents of 4,000 secondary pupils in Stoke-on-Trent fail to give permission for Covid tests, Dad fuming as 30 children 'ignore rules to socialise, hug and mess around' outside school gates, and last, but not least, Valentine's Day shoppers blamed for Covid spread in Stoke-on-Trent as cases plateau.
Friday 5th March
Councillor cries foul over pitch 'Covidiots'. Reported the Sentinel today, along with the articles, Lockdown partygoers flee as police swoop on house following tip-off, and Four new official Covid hotspots in Stoke-on-Trent amid 'battle isn't over yet' warning. and finally, Click and collect Covid tests for every child in Stoke-on-Trent as schools reopen.
Monday 1st March
Front page lead - "Everyone is so thankful for all we are doing.' Junior doctors tell of life on the NHS frontline during coronavirus pandemic,' and lead, pg.2 - "Everyone has a duty to help out in a crisis.' and Businesses get another £2.4m in lockdown grants. Now firms who missed out are being urged to sign up
Friday 26th February
Today, the Sentinel reported that 'Five areas of Stoke-on-Trent declared official Covid hotspots as infections plateau.'
Thursday 25th February
1,905 care staff in city are yet to take up offer of Covid-19 vaccines, Renewed calls to book Covid tests as Stoke-on-Trent's infection rate plateaus again., More complaints about lockdown face mask flouters at this Stoke-on-Trent Tesco
Monday 22nd February
Stoke-on-Trent aiming to increase number of tests being carried out across the city.
Monday 8th February
During the weekend, the Sentinel published that 'Weekly Covid tests for staff. Unitas joins efforts to stop virus spread.' and 'Four new Covid testing centres to open in Stoke-on-Trent as 65 cases confirmed - here's where.'
Friday 5th February
The Sentinel reported that Covid vaccine has now been offered to every care home across Staffordshire., and Unitas staff working on Stoke-on-Trent's council houses are now having Covid tests.
Thursday, 4th February
Today, the Sentinel reported that 'All supermarket shoppers in Stoke-on-Trent told to get tested for Covid-19 once a week.'
Wednesday 27th January
The front page headline of the Sentinel, today was Front page headline - '1,000 to get virus jabs every day' and lead, pg.4 - "Hopefully this will be the turning point for Stoke-on-Trent in the fight against coronavirus.'
Tuesday 26th January
In today's news, 'Take a look inside Stoke-on-Trent's new mass Covid vaccination centre which will deliver 1,000 jabs a day.' , 'Empty warehouse turned into Covid-19 vaccination centre for up to 500 people a day.' and 'Know a lockdown hero? Royal Stoke University Hospital charity wants you to nominate yours.'
Monday 25th January
The Sentinel recently reported that 'Hanley mosque becomes Stoke-on-Trent's first religious venue to offer mass Covid testing.' and Covid marshals out to catch Stoke-on-Trent's lockdown retail rule-breakers as 50 shops. Signal Radio reported that 'CONFIRMED: Stoke will get a mass vaccination centre next week.'
Friday 22nd January
Headlines from the Sentinel today read 'More than 20,000 rapid Covid-19 tests carried out in Stoke-on-Trent.' and 'Staff at Stoke-on-Trent Tesco praised for helping to stop coronavirus spread with this one simple gesture.' and '80,000 of your loved ones have now had Covid vaccine as rollout in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire continues.' and finally, one from Babababoon read 'Further £50,000 of funding for Stoke-on-Trent voluntary and community groups.'
Thursday 21st January
According to an article published by the sentinel, 856 new Covid cases in Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire.
Wednesday 20th January
Babababoon reported recently that Further support grant available for Stoke-on-Trent based businesses
Tuesday 19th January
Today, one Sentinel headline said: 'Nearly 200 Stoke-on-Trent Covid-hit businesses benefit from grant scheme' and signal Radio released an article titled: When is Stoke getting a mass vaccination centre?
Thursday 14th January
The sentinel released an article today; 'All working people in Stoke-on-Trent told to get tested for Covid-19 at least once a week.'
Tuesday 12th January 2021
Today, the sentinel reported that 'Council leisure staff volunteer to help Royal Stoke cope with Covid surge.'
Thursday 31st December
Monday 28th December
An article from the Sentinel says that NHS and council leaders issue stark tier four warning for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Thursday 24th December
An article from the Independent wrote about which areas will be put into tier 4 next. Cheshire Live also published an article, Could Cheshire soon be neighbouring a tier 4 area? The Morning Advertiser wrote an article regarding the Government committee's consideration of tougher tiers for more areas. And finally, one of Cross Rhythms morning headlines was about actions Stoke-On-Trent residents could taken too avoid the spread of the new coronavirus strain.
Wednesday 23rd December
An article from the Sentinel today said that 'Stoke-on-Trent in top five most likely places to join London in Tier 4 lockdown.', another article claims ''Danger zone' Stoke-on-Trent on verge of Tier 4 as household mixing blamed for rise in cases.' Another says that 'Coronavirus claims 28 more lives across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.' Another headline was: 'Coronavirus claims 28 more lives across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.' And another says 'Portakabins go up at hospital site to provide more space for social distancing. Buildings needed for next two years.'
Thursday 17th December
An article in the sentinel today covers the city council’s potential of moving out of tier 3, which the leader says is unlikely. The same news is covered on BBC news online. There was also an article on Babababoon, about the arrival of 15,000 lateral flow tests for the city.
Wednesday 16th December
Coverage on Babababoon of over £550,000 of funding for the voluntary and community sector in Stoke-on-Trent, with Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s latest round of grants for those offering support around mental health, loneliness and preventing domestic violence and abuse.
Monday 14th December
Continued coverage of plans by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to roll out rapid result lateral flow tests to schools in the city are covered by the Sentinel.
Thursday 10th December
Ongoing coverage in the Sentinel today of areas experiencing high rates of coronavirus, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council writes to supermarkets across the city to remind them of the need to abide by and enforce the coronavirus guidance.
Tuesday 8th December
Today the Sentinel wrote that 'Stoke-on-Trent care homes are getting Covid tests to let you hug your loved-ones.'
Monday 7th December
The Sentinel wrote recently that there is now More support for homeless. Extra Government funding will see rough sleepers get £14-a-day food handouts
Friday 4th December
On the Sentinel's Front page headline -'It's marshal! Law in city's Covid-19 hotspots' and lead, pg.5 - 'Covid enforcers visit 120 premises every day to catch flouters.' Later, there was another article headlined with 'Testing times 'are no good for teachers.' Covid-hit teacher calls for 8pm test sessions.'
Wednesday 2nd December
Today the Sentinel reported that 'Three council-run Stoke-on-Trent gyms to remain closed today despite end of lockdown.' In addition, 'Another 335 new positive coronavirus tests in Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire as area prepares to enter Tier 3.' Furthermore, a later article was published with the headline: 'Boris Johnson asked to help 6,000 Covid-hit pubs and restaurants in Tier 3 Stoke-on-Trent.' another was titled: 'Brewery issues apology as action taken against licensee after 'lock-in' at Stoke-on-Trent pub.' and finally today, a BBC news article was published: 'Keeping pools closed 'a catastrophe for health and wellbeing.'
Friday 30th October
With the City Council in Tier 2 - High, the Sentinel covers a call for those with Covid-19 symptoms to be tested.
Wednesday 26th October
Bababoon covers the move of Stoke-on-Trent from Tier 1 - Medium to Tier 2 - High, as a result of coronavirus cases quickly increasing across the city, and the new restrictions.
Tuesday 24th October
Spooky ideas for a covid-secure Halloween are covered in the Sentinel, alongside vox pops on the city’s move to Tier 2 - High restrictions.
Sunday 22nd October
Signal One cover the move of Stoke-on-Trent from Tier 1 - Medium to Tier 2 - High restrictions and what it means for the city.
Friday 21st October
BBC websites covers use of new lateral testing in Stoke-on-Trent, alongside the city’s move to Tier 2 - High from Tier 1 - Medium.
Friday 9th October
The Sentinel cover the work of the City Council’s Public Protection team in enforcing the Covid-19 guidance with businesses in Stoke-on-Trent.
Wednesday 30th September
A joint letter from Cllr Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and Cllr Alan White, leader of Staffordshire County Council, leads the news as they call for government support to continue the community testing facility they have jointly established, in lieu of the regional system, which has experienced a reduction in capacity over recent weeks. Covered in The Sentinel,
Monday 27th July
Covid support campaign has made more than 100,000 calls to vulnerable people’.
Tuesday 21st July
Front page coverage of the financial impact of Coronavirus on Stoke-on-Trent City Council from the Sentinel, alongside details on the reopening of gyms. There is also an article on the recent council motion around foster carer recruitment and the council’s bid to become Foster Friendly.
Monday 20th July
The Sentinel covers when Stoke-on-Trent leisure centres and libraries will start to reopen, and Bababoon covers the reopening of leisure centres and extending of Iibrary services also.
Saturday 18th July
Coverage of additional allocations of money to local government, including Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Friday 17th July
Signal One covers how local businesses have been sticking to the Coronavirus guidance as they reopen.
Friday 14th July
Caution urged over pubs in Stoke-on-Trent features in one story in the Sentinel,
Tuesday 30th June
Coverage in the Sentinel of reports by the public to Staffordshire Police of people breaking the Coronavirus lockdown guidance.
Monday 29th June
Information on potential options around libraries reopening across North Staffordshire, including Hanley’s City Centre library, as well as details of the City Council’s second round of its discretionary business rates grants for small and micro businesses in the Sentinel. The discretionary grants scheme is also covered by Signal One on their website.
Friday 26th June
The Sentinel covers how viewings of Clayworks city centre apartments are now being done online. Clayworks is a high end city centre living offer being brought forward by Fortior, the City Council’s housing company. There is also coverage of the Intu Potteries shopping centre going into administration.
Friday 19th June
Rising unemployment and how this is being addressed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council is covered by the Sentinel
Tuesday 16th June
The Sentinel reports in various issues including the reopening of markets, as well as the projected opening later this year of the Clayworks city centre living apartments and the Hilton 4* Garden Inn hotel. There is also coverage of the reopening of the city centre, including a tour of Intu shopping centre and the queues around various locations in the city centre. The Signal One website also covers the reopening of markets.
Monday 15th June
Free parking on Stoke-on-Trent City Council car parks is covered in the Sentinel, as well as my Personally Speaking column on what we’re doing to bring forward economic recovery.
Monday 8th June
Coverage of Unitas housing repairs restarting In the Sentinel, as well as an update on Registrars services in Stoke-on-Trent. Signal One website covers the work of Emmaus Furniture Mine in helping to furnish units quickly brought forward for the homeless.
Friday 5th June
Coverage on Bababoon of how to nominate people for honours in relation to work undertaken during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Friday 29th May
The Sentinel covers my letter to city headteachers, thanking them for all their hard work over the last ten weeks, and outlining the City Council’s position with regards to reopening. This is also covered on the Signal One website. Signal also cover the test and trace launch and implications locally, as well as the first case of Trading Standards in the city seizing equipment to stop a business trading illegally.
Thursday 28th May
The Sentinel covers the latest update on the Bet365 stadium becoming a nationally recognised regional testing centre.
Wednesday 27th May
Coverage in the Sentinel of potential implications on the lockdown of the political drama around Downing Street. Update also on Corona virus infection rates in the city. Signal One covers the news around the Bet365 stadium becoming a nationally recognised, regional testing centre.
Tuesday 26th May
The Sentinel cover the improving Coronavirus infection rate in the city long side news on the Bet365 stadium becoming a nationally recognised, regional testing centre. There is also an update on the services delivered by the City Council during the pandemic, particularly for the most vulnerable, including over 17,300 visits.
Sunday 24th May
Signal One website covers the popularity of the City Council’s leisure classes that have gone online in recent weeks.
Saturday 23rd May
Coverage on the Signal One website of the City Council’s warning to parents about the city’s playgrounds being closed currently.
Wednesday 20th May
Coverage in the Sentinel of my letter to the Prime Minister, asking him to consider upgrading the Bet365 stadium to be a national testing centre for any residents of Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. Also an update on the tips that reopened last week in the city, as well as children being allowed by their parents to use closed playgrounds in parks. An article also on the development of a further office block at Smithfield in the city centre.
Tuesday 19th May
Signal One website covers my letter to the Prime Minister, asking him to consider upgrading the Bet365 stadium to a national testing centre, as well as details around the City Council Jobs & Enterprise Team Service who can help those seeking employment. Insider Media covers the development of a further office block at the Smithfield site in the city centre.
Friday 15th May
The Sentinel covers the City Council’s reopening of the Hanford tip, as well as the restarting of the brown bin service from Monday 18th May. Also coverage of how the City Council is looking to encourage people to consider becoming foster carers during the Coronavirus.
Thursday 14th May
Coverage of the support being given by the City Council and partners to care homes in Stoke-on-Trent in the Sentinel. Signal One cover the City Council’s campaign for foster carers during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Wednesday 13th May
Coverage in the Sentinel of people turning up a day early to access the Hanford tip,
Tuesday 12th May
The Sentinel covers the likely implications of the Government’s first stage of the recovery process on Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Thursday 7th May
Public Sector Executive reports on the huge increase in road maintenance work carried out by Stoke-on-Trent City Council during the lock down.
Wednesday 6th May
The Sentinel continues to provide regular coverage of the City Council’s two week ‘sweep’ of brown bins. There is also coverage of the work being done with the Macari Foundation to create a new centre. Signal One covers the Macari Centre work too, as well as the increase in road repairs carried out by the City Council during the lockdown.
Tuesday 5th May
The Signal One website continues to cover brown bin collections across Stoke-on-Trent.
Friday 1st May
The Sentinel reports on the City Council’s work with local pubs, including action against one that resulted in an Anti Social Behaviour order. Signal One cover how much funding the City Council have received from the government to support their Covid-19 response.
Thursday 30th April
Coverage of the ongoing #StokeonTrentTogether initiative on the Bababoon community website.
Wednesday 22nd April
The Sentinel reports on the increase in Fixed Penalty Notices for flytippers, as well as coverage of Michelin restarting work and it’s recent donation of PPE to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the sad death of NHS nurse Patrick McManus, and Trading Standards work to ensure pubs in the city aren’t operating lock ins during the lockdown.
Tuesday 21st April
The Signal One website covers comments from public sector leaders following the sad death of local NHS nurse Patrick McManus.
Monday 20th April
Coverage on the Signal One website of the city council’s zero tolerance approach to pubs operating ‘lock ins’. Meanwhile, the Sentinel issues an urgent call for businesses who may have missed the business grant payments to come forward.
Saturday 18th April
The Sentinel covers a number of stories including the work of Trading Standards in ensuring pubs and convenience stores are operating social distancing, and also around the sale of masks without the correct safety requirements. There is also a story about a fire at Park Hall Country Park. The Signal One website covers the city council crackdown on flytipping.
Thursday 2nd April
The Sentinel majors on the City Council #StokeCares initiative, which looks to recruit 40 care workers to support the most vulnerable across Stoke-on-Trent during the Covid-19 pandemic. The #StokeCares initiative is also covered by Signal One.
Wednesday 1st April
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is distributing £57m work of support to businesses in the city in light of the Covid-19 pandemic reports the Sentinel. The same story is also covered by Signal One.
Tuesday 31st March
Coverage by Signal One of the success of the #StokeonTrentTogether campaign, with over 400 volunteers now signed up to support those self-isolating or shielding during the Covid-19 campaign.
Friday 27th March
Coverage in the Sentinel of yesterday’s full Council meeting, held with a minimum of councillors. Story on Signal One about business closures across Stoke-on-Trent and the work of the Trading Standards team in supporting this.
Thursday 26th March
Following Government guidance, all outdoor markets in Stoke-on-Trent have now closed, as well as indoor markets in Tunstall and Hanley reports the Sentinel. Coverage also of the report to be considered at today’s full council meeting, which will be held in special circumstances, as well as of the redeployment of city council staff to other services.
Wednesday 25th March
Government guidance sees outdoor markets across Stoke-on-Trent close down, plus ongoing coverage of #StokeonTrentTogether on social media.
Monday 23rd March
Continued coverage of the need for social distancing in the Sentinel along with coverage of the cancellation of the Potters ‘Arf on Signal One. Also coverage of the launch of #StokeonTrentTogether the joint community/voluntary sector and City Council response to the Coronavirus in the Sentinel as well as a story about the work being done by staff in Adult Social Care to support our most vulnerable. Signal One also cover the #StokeonTrentTogether launch. There’s also a joint Personally Speaking from myself and the other two group leaders at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Saturday 21st March
Stoke-on-Trent City Council have agreed to lift the restrictions on the use of concessionary fares before 9.30am, alongside Staffordshire County Council, reports the Sentinel. Signal One cover restrictions to the numbers attending funerals and weddings.
Friday 20th March
The Sentinel covers closure of all but one Stoke-on-Trent local centre, alongside closure of leisure centres.