4 UK
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AsianVoiceNewsweekly
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AsianVoiceNews
AsianVoiceNewsweekly
28 March - 3 April 2020
UK
5
28 March - 3 April 2020
Continued from page 1 “Therefore it has been difficult for me because, the school is quite far from home. However, I am still grateful despite the added stress of school runs, that, at least my children are able to attend school.” Sutapa who is a specialist and still not in the frontline, will be deployed to A&E if the situation worsens.
Dr Sutapa Biswas
Speaking about that future scenario, Sutapa added, “My main worry is childcare (because the schools are now closed) and also as I am a single mum with no family in the UK.” But amidst all these challenges, fighting misinformations and panic, Sutapa is keeping her spirit up and asking people to have faith in the authorities and sticking to reliable sources for informations. “There are a lot of fake news and hearsay circulating in the media. Posts about DIY sanitisers, who said what etc that are extremely dangerous and I would urge people to please double-check anything before believing. “I would also urge people to have faith in the authorities and stick to reliable websites. “My 5 key advices? Be responsible, be positive, stay healthy, be kind and please report any illegal activities to relevant authorities.” Dr Diana Suresh is a GP and a frontline staff. Speaking to Asian Voice, she
OUR UNSUNG HEROES
coping reasonably well. We are doing our best to ensure patient safety and access to medical care though having to consult mostly by phone/video and restrict face to face consults for all but very urgent cases. “But I have had some problems getting hold of food and basic amenities though have been able to manage with what I have at home so far, and with a few different trips to the shops (by my partner) able to get what we needed.” When asked if she feels that the government has done enough for the frontline staff, Diana said, “In my opinion the government has been very slow to respond to the potential crisis within the NHS and there has not been enough done to protect frontline staff. Access to adequate PPE (personal protective equipment) still remains an issue, and though we do have some of this available we currently have to reserve this for the patients we think are “high risk” as opposed to just using it as standard for everyone we see. We are all mindful of when or how we use PPE knowing we may run out. Again my employers have been very proactive in seeking further supplies. “I personally am not worried for my own safety at
said, “As a frontline staff, my employers have been very proactive in preparing for the potential crisis ahead and for the moment we are
Covid-19 – Worse than a war
Diabetic patient vulnerable to virus, cooks for NHS in gratitude
50 biryani boxes delivered to NHS staff at the Royal Stoke University Hospital
essentials. I am talking about bread, milk etc. “Although we were seeing patients only in outpatient department (the department has been shut now) we were still at the front line and we did not have any protection. To add salt to injury, we were out stock on antibacterial wipes and hand gels were stolen from within the department! A whole box full of unopened packets (each packet had about 200 wipes) were stolen 2 weeks ago!” Dr Arpita Ray, a gynaecology consultant, superspecialising in IVF told us
ease". But her husband Dr Anirban Mandal, who is a consultant plastic surgeon in North West of England, may have to go in the frontline to support his colleagues. “My husband’s hospital is preparing to control this epidemic. He will possibly part of frontline team to support his colleagues and will act according to guidance.” Arpita’s son's A-level exam got cancelled because of coronavirus outbreak, but she thinks this was an appropriate step in this emergency situation (see story page 11).
Bombay Central delivering food to NHS staff
Dr Diana Suresh
Lord Dolar Popat, former Business Minister and Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Rwanda and Uganda
affected by Coronavirus. Now, consumers’ panicbuying and stock-piling habits have also added to their distress. However, there is a flip side to the UK’s socialistic society where the community has decided to shoulder the weight of the government.
Covid-19 and people ‘braving’ it out. But realistically, as doctors this is what we signed up for, when we decided to become medics. If someone did not think about it when they took up medicine as profession, whenever that was, that is just unfortunate.” Many of the NHS staff are relying on each other’s support to keep it going, as the pandemic worsens. Speaking to Asian Voice, Dr Amir Khan, a GP, who is also a wildlife enthusiast said, “It is very hard work dealing with patients anxieties and symptoms around
Dr Amir Khan
work, as I have a supportive, well organised and caring employer, but I cannot say the same for many of my hospital-based colleagues.” A doctor working as an audiological scientist with hearing implants, who did not want to be named told the newsweekly, “Last week when I went to pick up some essentials, the supermarket was empty. The vegetable section only had one onion. My colleagues have had to go to 5 different supermarkets after work to get basic
Lord Dolar Popat
that she has been lucky to face no food shortage in their area. “We have closed our clinic for all elective procedure. I am not in the frontline but we are continuing consultation over telephone. I haven't faced any food shortages so far. I didn't do any panic buying and I think there is enough food for everyone in UK . “Everyone needs to follow government advice and order. Public needs to be aware of their responsibility to stop spreading the dis-
Braving the scenario, fighting daily odds, many doctors remain resilient with indomitable spirit. In videos that are doing rounds on social media, some are even seen dancing to music during breaks, to keep themselves in good humour. An Indian-origin doctor working in the coronavirus ward here, thinks what they are doing as medics does not need to be called ‘heroic’. “It is a part of our job,” he told Asian Voice. “There is a lot of hype around
Covid-19. We now have to treat every patient regardless of symptoms as a potential case. There is a somber mood amongst the staff, as we know how serious this is, but it’s each other who are getting us through. Generally only NHS staff know what it’s like to treat people and have shared experiences, so we rely on each other to get through hard situations and know when your colleague needs a break or support.” A recent video from a paramedic showed how supermarket shelves were stripped bare of basic essentials such as fruits and raw vegetables which resulted in an emotional breakdown for her. The doctors, paramedics, nurses among other healthcare professionals at the NHS are already over-worked, burnt out and at the risk of contracting the infection as they treat those
A couple in Stoke-on-Trent have started delivering hot food boxes to the NHS healthcare professionals at the Royal Stoke University Hospital in a gesture of gratitude to the health professionals for their dedicated services during such difficult times. Arpita Patel and her husband Kinjal Patel have started delivering 50 containers of vegetable biryanis to the hospital on a weekly basis and have even started fundraising for the said cause: Feed the NHS. Speaking to Asian Voice, Arpita, owner of Spice Box catering, said, “I am a diabetic patient on insulin and tablets. I am more susceptible and vulnerable to the virus. So, me and my husband wanted to show our gratitude to the medical staff working long hours at the hospital. After taking permission from the A&E, my husband went shopping for the ingredients, and containers and I started cooking for them. “Following my first week, I set up a GoFund page and I have successfully raised about £400 from various people for the said cause. Most of it would go into ingredients and disposable plastic boxes and sanitary products and packaging bearing in mind the nature of the virus. Unfortunately, it is difficult for us to recycle these containers at the moment. However, we are intent on donating the surplus money to Diabetes UK.” In the upcoming weeks, Arpita plans on cooking hot curry and rice besides asking the NHS if they require essential supplies such as milk, bread and pasta among others. The team of two have not engaged a wider volunteer network for the fear of the human chain contracting the virus in any form. They are registered with the local council and have a hygiene rating of five.
Other restaurants and caterers cooking for vulnerable and frontline doctors Arpita is not the only one in this endeavour. There are various other community efforts in small pockets across the country that is
Arpita Patel and husband Kinjal Patel with the NHS staff
helping the NHS in their own way. In their show of gratitude local restaurants such as the Bombay Central has also recently provided 100 meals for the NHS front line workers at the Northwick Park Hospital. Each of these boxes have messages inscribed on them “We are really proud of you!” and also have disclaimer with allergens contents in the food. This initiative has been hailed by Conservative Party candidate councillor Anjana Patel who thanked Bombay Central for their generous donation. Additionally, Rangrez restaurant in Hammersmith and Ealing is also providing free food for elderly people beyond the age of 65 years old. Manan Seva Day Care Centre, Leicester has also started providing hot meals on wheels for just £2.50 for those who are vulnerable and cannot access necessary food items during the lockdown. Their Meals on Wheels services is available seven days a week between 11am-14:30 hours.
which is only open for takeaway, with the elderly being offered free food as well. Desi Dhaba has also successfully delivered 1350 meals plus teas, coffees, fruits to UCL, Royal Free, Barnet, St Albans, Ritz Pharmacy and local residents in Hayes. Now, they will also be covering Barnet residents who live in and around Barnet hospital. Other large food chains and coffee houses offering discounts to NHS staff include Greggs, Nando's, McDonald’s, Pret A Manger and Cafe Nero among others. At such a crucial stage, it is time everyone stepped up their efforts in being more tolerant of each other and supporting them mentally, and emotionally. Dr Dinesh Bhugra, emeritus professor of mental health and cultural diversity at Kings College London told Asian Voice that the onus also lies on the doctor. He said, “Frontline workers are in serious likelihood to burnout. They may be working long hours and not getting enough
with friends and family if possible. If needed diet supplements or vitamins may be added to diet but we need to ensure a sense of proportion. “Various factors play a role in managing burnout. Employers and organisations need to be aware of the pressures and ensure that time for short breaks is made available. Access to rest places and diet are available. In addition self awareness and self man-
Dr Dinesh Bhugra
agement including relationship management play a role in managing and preventing
Khalsa Aid delivering food to the emergency department at Northwick Park Hospital
Abdul Hamed, who owns Carron to Mumbai in Stonehaven, has also stepped in for the cause and is now asking NHS staff to phone in orders to the restaurant,
rest. It is important to recover from the day by setting time aside for oneself even if it is 10 minutes, listening to music, meditation, yoga, physical exercise chatting
burnout along with an awareness of structures. Doctors and nurses are not infallible and safe space should be accessible to deal with what they are experiencing.”
Covid-19 is set to drastically impact the vast majority of British Indian owned businesses in the UK. To combat this, our new Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced a set of comprehensive measures last week to support British businesses to deal with the crippling nature of this pandemic. The measures were widely welcomed by the UK’s business community, particularly British Indian businesses, making Rishi the blueeyed boy of the nation. From the Coronavirus Retention Scheme which is set to underwrite 80 per cent of wages of Rishi Sunak retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month, to the Business Rate holiday for thousands of businesses up and down the country, this set of schemes was by far the most draconian set of state intervention measures by any Government in postwar Britain. However, this is not a war. As days unfold, we have all begun to realise that this crisis is far worse than a war; worse for our economy, worse for our businesses and worse for our investments. Whilst one can understand why the similarity with war is constantly made and why we need war like measures; this comparison is misleading. Unlike a war, we have hope that this crisis will end. However, for the foreseeable future the economic prospects are bleak. Bleaker than the 2008 financial crisis. Our economy is under cardiac arrest. Unlike the 2008 financial crisis, which mainly hit our financial services sector, this crisis is hitting the very core of our economy; hard-working businesspeople who are the lifeblood of our country. In just a week, we have seen such businesses implode around us, not due to poor financial planning, but because just like us, no business is immune from this pandemic. This is therefore not a war. For even in the war, the core of our economy did not shut down in this way. There might have been blackouts during the war, but no lockdowns. Even Harrods, an institution which prided itself on staying open during the war has closed for the first time in its history! Rishi’s extraordinary intervention is therefore a lifeline for our economy. Don’t forget, it’s always difficult for a Government to intervene in the market in this way – but for a Conservative Government who believes in free market economics and minimal intervention at its core - these measures were simply record breaking. Whilst we accept that these measures won’t prevent the worst recession in history, at least it will mean that we still have an economy at the end of this pandemic. However, the Chancellor has faced calls to further assist Britain’s five million self-employed people, who feel the measures do not protect them enough. The Government has already announced several measures to help the self-employed, including a deferral of self-assessment payments from the end of July to January. Self-employed people will also be able to apply for interest-free loans for a year guaranteed by the Government. In addition
to this, Rishi has removed the minimum income floor for universal credit, making it easier for self-employed people to claim. Furthermore, self-employed people will also be eligible for support through Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) Time to Pay service. Arrangements will be agreed on a case-by-case basis and tailored to individual circumstances and liabilities. Applications can be made by calling the dedicated Time to Pay service on 0800 0159 559. The Chancellor has already assured the self-employed sector – worth an estimated £305 billion – that he will continue to review the situation to see what further measures can be put in place to support them. This includes addressing concerns that the current package is pushing people into benefits and building up debt. An ideal solution would be to extend the job retention scheme to the selfemployed, but this has its pitfalls and will be duly reviewed. If we are to confront this economic pandemic, we must go much further than comparing it to a war. This is what our new Chancellor is trying to do. During these uncertain times, I like many other British Indians, have been very impressed by Rishi and have found his approach to Covid-19 to be very reassuring. He is certainly giving the impression that he has a steady hand on the tiller. The Chancellor’s comprehensive package of measures to support businesses include: ● a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - offering grants to employers who promise to retain their staff, covering most of the cost of paying people’s wages. Any PAYE employer in the country small or large, charitable or non-profit, will be eligible for the scheme. The government expects the first job-retention grants to be payed before the end of April and the scheme is initially expected to operate for three months. ● deferring VAT and Income Tax payments ● a Statutory Sick Pay relief package for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) ● a 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality, leisure and nursery businesses in England ● small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief ● grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000 ● the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank ● a new lending facility from the Bank of England to help support liquidity among larger firms, helping them bridge coronavirus disruption to their cash flows through loans ● the HMRC Time To Pay Scheme Further information on how to apply for the Government’s various COVID-19 support for business schemes can be found through the following website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-toemployers-and-businesses-aboutcovid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses