Coronavirus update – the latest news from Yorkshire businesses

A North Yorkshire-based care company has received a supply of PPE from local senior schools.

Home Instead Senior Care says 80 units of face shields and eye protection glasses were made available thanks to the Design Teams and Science Departments  of two schools – Harrogate Grammar School and St John Fisher Catholic High School.

The owners of Home Instead Senior Care Harrogate, Ripon and Thirsk, Sheena and Andrew Van Parys, said they were “overjoyed” by the generosity of the schools’ contribution.

Sheena Van Parys said: “Our caregivers are essential frontline key workers who support and care for the elderly living in their own homes.

“Our hardworking and dedicated caregivers ensure our clients are safe and well in their own homes, and we will continue to support them even when they are unwell and showing symptoms of Covid-19.

“The kind donations of protective eye wear will enable our caregivers to continue to support our clients who may display symptoms  and at the same time keep our caregivers safe and help reduce the risk to them of any possible transmission of the disease so they can continue to provide much needed care and support in the community.

“The eye protection glasses and shields are a fantastic addition to our personal protective equipment and we are very grateful for such community support and spirit.”

:::

All international trade courses have been taken online by Bradford-based overseas trade specialist, Chamber International, to help people keep safe by avoiding gatherings during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The online courses cover a broad range of international trade topics, including some to help businesses prepare for Brexit, and are available internationally. The courses are interactive and use professional videoconferencing technology.

Chamber International director, Tim Bailey, said: “This move will help people keep safe by avoiding gatherings during the pandemic.

“The huge upheaval created by Coronavirus highlights that we are all interdependent.

“This is epitomised by international trade, which will remain crucial to help revitalise ravaged international economies after the pandemic recedes and as the UK negotiates international trade agreements.”

Many other Chamber International services, including telephone advice and documentation services, are operating as usual.

:::

Arsalan Karim

Consumer healthcare company Clinova, co-founded by Yorkshire man Arsalan Karim, is increasing production of its respirator flu mask, Covaflu, to 5 million per month to support the UK government.

Covaflu respirator masks were first launched in the UK in 2007. While they proved popular during the swine flu and avian flu pandemics, the present global demand is unprecedented.

The Covaflu respirator mask was the first product designed by Clinova’s founders when the company launched, based on the epidemiological statistical probability that a viral pandemic was a ‘when’ and not an ‘if’.

The company recently agreed to supply 500,000 of its flagship,FFP2 Flu Masks, to staff at Lloyds Pharmacy, Britain’s second-largest pharmacy chain.

Ocado and WHSmith have also agreed to list Covaflu to allow their customers easier access to flu masks.

Former Health Minister, Sir Simon Burns, said: “During these unprecedented times, I am pleased Clinova has increased its manufacturing capabilities to supply both the NHS and the public with Covaflu respiratory masks.

“These are essential to protect our key workers as they work tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19, and they will continue to do their part in providing the maximum protection for people from this deadly virus.”

Karim, director of research and development of Clinova, added: “It’s important that we ensure smooth supply for all UK businesses, hospitals and pharmacies during the pandemic to ensure the ongoing safety of frontline workers.

“We have also added a Pandemic Flu section in our Caidr app with detailed information on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and some tips on how to reduce the spread of the virus.”

Dr Tom Bracewell, Clinova chief medical officer, said: “Surgical masks that do not use particle-filtering technology will give you protection from large droplets but will not protect you from smaller airborne particles.

“Particle-filtering masks such as Covaflu will filter at least 94% of airborne particles.

“What is clear is that if you are going to wear a mask, it should be good enough at filtering particles small enough to prevent the virus from entering your body.”