In a world where dealing with a pandemic seems to be the main concern, it is incredibly important to not lose sight of other work-related health and infection risks. For many industries, infection with COVID-19 is not the only hazard at work. Bloodborne pathogens transferred by accidental contact through work is a very real risk in many different occupations.

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms that are transferred through direct contact with blood and bodily fluids. For persons working daily with sharps, or the community that is known to use them, it is especially important to ensure education and information regarding lessening the risks of accidental infection with these pathogens.

Ensuring appropriate education, certification, and training to help prevent accidental infection in the workplace is key to workplace health and safety.

There is no better way to prevent infection and keep vulnerable occupations safe than ensuring proper education. The benefits of workplace safety and online certification are priceless as these courses work to reduce workplace accidental infection with dangerous pathogens.

Online certification courses to prevent bloodborne pathogen infection is important for a plethora of occupations. From hospital staff, doctors, nurses, and first responders, to tattoo artists and employees of medical spas, this online training is of the utmost importance. While many courses are offered, it is very important to seek training from an accredited provider of online HIPAA training and certification courses. The benefits of these courses are myriad, and the knowledge contained within them can protect workers and their families from accidental infection with bloodborne pathogens.

HIPAA certification classes online teach workers how to mitigate the risk of infection from bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Workplace incidents of accidental infection through lack of sharps handling training is a very real and important danger faced every day by workers in many fields.

Not only for those in the medical industry, tattoo artists and spa workers can also be at risk of coming into contact with these pathogens. Ensuring the appropriate education and receiving certification in dealing with these risks is paramount to worker health and safety.

While it is possible to work safely and securely with these pathogens, as is demonstrated every day, a healthy level of caution and education is paramount to workplace health and safety. The thrust of the issues surrounding these pathogens is that they are often transmitted accidentally, due to improper handling of needles and sharps.

The CDC has a campaign in place to increase worker awareness and to stop accidental needle pokes from causing infection in otherwise healthy workers. At-risk occupations should complete online training courses and certification, to protect themselves, their coworkers, and their families.

While the out-of-pocket costs associated with these courses is often a consideration, the knowledge gained by online training is priceless. Should accidents happen, it can take months of testing and treatment before a worker is either diagnosed with these infections or marked in the clear. The mental strain this can put on individuals and their family members is impactful, and it is best to avoid these instances by ensuring appropriate training for workers who come into contact with bloodborne pathogens daily at work.

Accidental infection often occurs due to a lack of appropriate training when it comes to dealing with needles and bodily fluids that can transmit infections. These pathogens do not discriminate and can infect police officers and tattoo artists alike. Avoiding accidents and unsafe situations at work is the first step to lowering the risk of exposure and possible preventable infections.

There is no way to 100% eliminate the risk of pathogen infection, however appropriate training and care in the workplace can dramatically reduce the number of instances where accidental infection can occur.

Taking these online certification courses is the first step to ensuring workplace safety in high risks professions. Online HIPAA certification is the primary method in which workers and employers alike can mitigate the risks of transmission and infection with these diseases. While there are currently vaccinations for some pathogens, such as hepatitis A and hepatitis B, there is no possible way to vaccinate against hepatitis C or HIV.

If you are a worker whose job poses a risk of exposure, it is worth it to take these online courses and provide yourself with an extra layer of protection through knowledge and awareness. These courses are key to ensuring your safety and by extension the safety of your coworkers and family.

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HIPAA Certification Online: Why Is It Worth It? - South Florida Caribbean News

Published: January 23, 2021 6:42 pm ET

If asked what's the common thread between O'Brien Award finalists Lawless Shadow, Tattoo Artist and Century Farroh, the most likely answer would be their trainer Dr. Ian Moore. While true, it's just as notable that all three male pacers made their first pari-mutuel starts as two-year-olds in the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots program.

"I never thought about it until awhile ago, but they said all three of my finalists started their careers in the Grassroots, so I guess that means theres nothing wrong with that, is there?" Moore told Trot Insider with a laugh when asked about his 2020 O'Brien Awards finalists. It's a system of development that clearly worked and continues to work for the veteran horseman.

"I tend to do that a lot. I guess that probably comes from my time I spent where I grew up in the East Coast. Back then I used to train all the babies down there in the winter, including Shadow Play, and they all started their careers in the non-winners of one going for $800 or $900...and they all went on to be decent horses.

"Sometimes I think you put them in the Golds, and theres evidence this year, especially in the fillies. Like Bet On Becky, whatd she go? 1:50-and-something in the first start in the Gold?...Id rather wait a little bit, so I like the Grassroots for that."

There's a pretty good chance Moore will stick to what works going forward as he's Coming off a career-best training season with $2.3 million earned by his starters during a shortened stakes season where some of his stable stars missed out on some solid racing opportunities.

Obviously Im very, very pleased. This year was the best year weve had as a stable, and [we] only averaged about 20 horses most of the time. We only had the five months, which was also pretty good since we needed to make the amount of money out of the usual six we race in. May was gone, and a lot of big stakes races were cancelled as well.

"I had a great staff last summer, and they all did a fantastic job for me. You need good management and good help to have success, and I think all of that worked last year.

Moore admitted that managing his stable, comprised of horses with stakes engagements in multiple states and provinces, was no simple task and required solid connections in addition to stellar staff.

"It was difficult. And as a result, we only really sent three horses [stateside] -- one of them was only down there a short period of time, that was Tattoo Artist at the end of the year. Century Farroh was back and forth a lot initially, and then towards the end of the year he stayed a little bit longer. And Lady Arthur was back and forth to Ohio, then did well there initially and then when I left her there things went a little wrong for her. I have a lot of friends in the business throughout North America, and the world I guess, and at times like this it's always good to have friends -- people that you know and know very well, and people you can trust with horses that you send them and do what you ask them."

The 2015 O'Brien Award of Horsemanship winner, Moore picked up his first Breeders Crown championship as a trainer in 2020 courtesy Century Farroh. The four-year-old son of Mach Three - Beachy Girl is looking for his second consecutive OBrien trophy after being voted Canadas Three-Year-Old Pacing Colt of the Year in 2019 for Moore and owner Ratchford Stable NS of North Sydney, N.S.

"It was the first for us as a stable, and it was quite a thrill to win that even though I wasnt there to share in it at all," said Moore. "It will be a lasting memory for sure."

After the Breeders Crown, Century Farroh was scratched from the Potomac Pace at Rosecroft and then finished his season with an off-the-board finish in the TVG Final.

"He got whats commonly called limestone poisoning and I had never heard of it before. And I guess it is quite a common entity in the Midwest, in places like Indiana, where theres more calcium in the limestone that they use on track surfaces down there. And [in] a lot of horses it causes infection similar to cellulitis, and it swells up and breaks out at the hairlines in the heel areas in particular."

With the infection cleared up and no long-term repercussions, Century Farroh is enjoying a well-deserved rest after spending most of the season battling the sport's top free-for-allers on the Grand Circuit. Competing as a four-year-old, the son of Mach Three scored 12 top-three finishes in 16 starts and banked more than $637,000.

"He did a lot of trucking, because I was bringing him back and forth a lot. He was pretty ribby at the end when we finally got to Florida around the first of December. He put some weight on and he looks fantastic. Were probably not going to start Century Farroh back until the end of January...going to give him a whole two months off."

Stablemate Tattoo Artist will also enjoy a two-month break after a superb sophomore season that garnered him an O'Brien Award nomination. The son of Hes Watching - Stylish Artist won eight of 17 starts and more than $666,000 this past season with victories in five Ontario Sires Stakes events, and a division of the Simcoe Stakes. One of his biggest efforts was a runner-up finish in the $1 million North America Cup for Florida-based owners Frank Cannon and Let It Ride Stables Inc.

"The second-place finish in the North America Cup was pretty good as any," said Moore in selecting a highlight of Tattoo Artist's season. "I mean he won several Golds there, and they were all good. Its hard to pick one highlight with him, but I guess if I had to, the fact he was second in the N.A. Cup...wed been there many times before. I think the best wed ever achieved in the final was a fifth with State Treasurer, if I remember correctly. So that was a good thrill to be in there. We didnt expect to beat Tall Dark Stranger, but we were happy to be runner-up."

Moore could sweep the male pacing categories at the 2020 O'Brien Awards thanks to the exploits of two-year-old Lawless Shadow. The son of Shadow Play - Ladycino hit the board in eight of nine races, including four wins in his rookie campaign and topped $307,000 in purse earnings for Moore, Cannon and co-owners R G McGroup Ltd. of Bathurst, N.B. and NHLer Hall of Famer Serge Savard.

"Lawless Shadow was a really nice two-year-old. He trained well in the spring and had some problems with making breaks, but he turned out to be a super horse for us. He started in the Grassroots, and like Tattoo Artist and Century Farroh, and when you win a Gold at some point after that, thats always a big thrill."

No matter who gets the nod in the two-year-old pacing colt category -- Bulldog Hanover or Lawless Shadow, Moore will consider it a win for him as both colts are sired by his former stable star Shadow Play. Regardless of the voting, Moore is looking forward to watching the virtual gala from his Florida base of operations.

"Im happy. Its good just to get the recognition of being a finalist. And Im not sure how its going to go, like Bulldog Hanover [did really well] at the end of the year for Jack Darling...Century Farroh spent most of his time in the U.S. this year, so I dont know whats going to happen there. Well see what happens.

"Well be watching on the computer like everybody else I guess, but its such a shame because its such a well-done event," Moore continued. Excellent organization, and everybody puts on a good show. Its quite impressive. It is a shame that its going to be online but thats just the way it is and I hope everybody stays safe and watches it.

"If they do an online production as well as they did the actual production itll be just fine. Im looking forward to it."

The 2020 Virtual OBrien Awards Gala takes place on Sunday, January 31, 2021 and will be available for viewing on standardbredcanada.ca from 7:00 8:30 p.m. (EST).

Read more here:
From Grassroots To Grand Circuit Glory - Standardbred Canada

Irvine was cut adrift but Hull City in June, but last played for the English Championship club in March before the Coronavirus pandemic struck.

The Socceroo was without a club until this month when he signed for Scottish side Hibernian and played his first competitive game for the Edinburgh club in the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock on January 16.

The 27-year-old has joined Hibs for the rest of the 2020-2021 season and admits he is relieved to be back on the pitch.

Its been a long time and I would have never have dreamed being a free agent, with my experience and having played at the international level, the last thing you expect is sitting without a club for six months, he told SBS The World Game.

But the worlds, obviously, in a strange place and although it was difficult for me a lot of people have been far worse off than me not being able to find a football club for six months. So youve got to try keep that perspective I guess.

From a personal point of view, it was the most challenging period of my life, especially professionally.

"Having gone from a professional environment where youre working with top players and medical staff and all the things, that you maybe not take for granted, but all the things youre used to being there for you as an athlete on the day to day to all of a sudden not just having that but being on your own totally.

Having to manage your own career and your own fitness. I had some great help from the Socceroos sports science and strength and conditioning guys, and some ex-Hull people as well, just giving me programs and keeping me ticking over.

Without that support, I would have been in real trouble as its very difficult to put those things together on your own.

Irvine started against Kilmarnock and spent 74 minutes on the park being substituted. The Australian described his long-awaited return as being amazing.

Such a great feeling to be out playing competitive football again after so long, he said.

I wasnt probably expecting to start and play as long as I did, but Im kind of old enough now and experienced enough now to manage myself through these periods of my career, especially through games as well. I had a chat to the manager and we both agreed that the best way is just to play games and get minutes.

Two days training and straight into it was a bit of a baptism of fire, but it was great to get the game in and get a positive result as well. For me it was the competitive edge of football that I missed the most. Ive always been a competitor at heart.

I love winning and even at training, it was the competitive side I miss the most. You can run in a park and keep fit and do this and that, even in the last few weeks training with Oldham, which was great for me as well, but it was the competition.

Wanting to go out there and win and be a part of a winning team is definitely what I missed the most.

Hull City let Irvines contract run out last year, despite the midfielder captaining the club and making more than 100 appearances for them since joining from Burton Albion in 2017.

The Socceroo was linked to a number of different clubs since exiting the Tigers and concedes even he is unsure why it took him so long to find a new home.

Listen, the last few months of my life have required a bit of reflection and a bit of analysis, he said.

Im still probably asking those questions myself why this situation unfolded the way it did. Thats probably a discussion over the next few months it will probably because a little bit, in terms of the decisions I make going forward, that will become clearer.

Obviously the state of the world didnt help, but also I just think a bit of timing, a bit of bad luck on the way as well. But theres no denying the situation wasnt handled ideally to end up going from a 150-game Championship player, a starting national team player, to not having a club for that amount of time.

Therell probably never be another time in my career where I find it so difficult.

Irvine has Scottish heritage through his father and spent six years in the country after joining Celtic in 2010, with spells at Kilmarnock and Ross County. He says joining Hibs was a no-brainer.

There was so much that attracted me to this club and everything about it, he said.

I didnt need any introduction to the football club in terms of my time in Scotland. Playing with [Martin] Boyle in the national team and Ive played against Hibs for years and years and I knew about their amazing training facility.

Its a big club with a big fanbase and theyve been unbelievably competitive for the first six months of the season. We find ourselves in the semi-final of a cup and sitting third in the league and with the chance to compete for places in Europe.

To me, it was a no-brainer. And also theres an element that Scotland is like a second home to me. I spent so much of my life here.

And after a difficult period in my life, the chance to come back and play here was something that definitely had a bit of a personal side to it as well.

Irvine and the Hibbes will take on St Johnstone in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup on Sunday (Saturday UK time).

A cup semi-final is an absolutely huge occasion, he said.

Ive very much looking forward to that. Its a great time for the club being involved in these kinds of fixtures."

The midfielders signing for Hibernian went viral when a tweet of his tattoo of Simpsons character Moe Szyslak on his lower leg exploded online. Irvine explains there is no deeper meaning to why he got the tattoo, but he was amazed at the reaction it garnered.

Ive actually had it for a couple of years, he said.

I dont know how its just become a bit of a viral sensation. I have no idea how it made it to one of the writers of the Simpsons, but it was definitely far from what I expected when I signed for the club.

Its always been one of my favourite shows. It was actually just a joke between and the tattoo artist whos done a lot of my work. We always talk about the Simpsons and quote the Simpsons, and we hadnt planned it we just thought should we do a Simpsons tattoo it would be a laugh.

We decided on that Moe one because we thought it was funny. I wish there was a deeper meaning to it, but it was just for a joke.

Go here to see the original:
'It was the most challenging period of my life': Irvine on being in football's wilderness - The World Game

The midfielder states the imagery is to honour his late father who supported his wish and dream to become a professional footballer

Sports Club Villa youngster Salim Abdallah has explained why he carries a number 10 tattoo on his leg.

Abdallah said the tattoo is a sign of respect for his departed father who gave him great support while he was young as he chased the dream of becoming a professional footballer.

My parents have been very supportive in my football journey, Abdallah told the clubs portal. While he was still alive, my father always inspired and encouraged me that I have to play professional football when I grow.

He also said that I should put on the number 10 and when he passed on, in his honour I got the number 10 tattooed on my right leg to remember him.

The 20-year-old also spoke about the support from his mother, from buying what he needs on the pitch to the inspiration she has been since he turned pro.

My mother on the other hand continues to support my career up to this day. Growing up, she bought all the necessary attires for me to play in, he added.

Today, she continues to encourage me to train hard and always believe in myself.

The starlet was promoted to the senior team in the 2019/20 season and although he has not enjoyed a breakthrough into the starting XI regularly so far, he declared he has seen his career progress nonetheless.

From the junior team, I learned very many important things which I have carried forward to the senior team. I learned discipline on and off the pitch, Abdallah added.

My coaches also taught me very well about the positional play that on and off-ball movements while on the pitch, I thank them for that.

These skills have helped me a lot settle into the senior team without struggling.

Abdallah also pointed out differences from how life is at the senior and at the junior teams.

Transitioning from the junior to the senior team is every youth players dream, explained the midfielder.

It is a long journey both physically and mentally because the priorities of the junior team differ from those of the senior team. In the junior team, the main emphasis is on building the style of play and there is little competition.

At the senior team, there is a new challenge which needs to be mentally strong. There is a lot of hard work and competition at the senior team even during training. The training is usually very tense in that we not only compete for starting slots but also being included in the matchday squad.

On match days, the intensity of the game being played is so high and every player is obliged to pay maximum attention to what is going on even if you are not playing. In the senior team, there are high expectations of you unlike in the junior team.

Abdallah has often enjoyed minutes coming from the substitutes bench in the Uganda Premier League.

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SC Villas Abdallah explains meaning of number 10 tattoo - Goal.com

By CHRISTINE STEPHENSONcstephenson@dcherald.com

JASPER The Jasper Plan Commission approved recommendations to change the Unified Development Ordinance at a meeting Wednesday evening. Recommendations included adding body art salons to permitted businesses and including language about transitional housing throughout the ordinance.

The language adding body art salons to the ordinance was overdue, Commission President Paul Lorey said. This language applies to parlors that do both tattooing and body piercing.

We actually did not have anywhere in the UDO for a tattoo parlor, he said. There was no permitted area for them to be in business in the city, and we had a couple of them already in operation, so that was the reason that brought that one around.

Adding the term transitional housing throughout special exception sections in the ordinance will allow for places that bridge the gap between homelessness or unsafe living environments to safe, permanent housing to operate. These places often include support for addiction, mental health issues and sometimes offer education and training, according to the ordinance.

Transitional housing is going to reflect some of the new social services, Lorey said. So that helps to take care of some of the recidivism housing the LifeSpring house, the Heidorn property and a few others like that.

These proposed changes will be brought to the Jasper Common Council to approve. The council will likely discuss the changes at its next meeting on Jan. 20. The current Unified Development Ordinance can be found on the citys website.

The commission also:

Approved a proposed plat of the Alumni Addition, a subdivision to the city, for right-of-way width dedications and dead-end street and for easements adjacent to street right-of-way.

Continued here:
Proposed changes to UDO moving forward - The Herald

Prime Minister Boris Johnson a third national lockdown in England on Monday night in response to a rapid rise of coronavirus cases across the country.

The new measures were confirmed in a televised national address, which will see England once again advised to stay at home, with the exception of a limited number of reasons.

The strict rules will become law as of Wednesday (12:01am on 6 January), but people are advised to start following them now. The restrictions are expected to be in place for around six weeks, until mid-February.

Englands national lockdown will see several businesses forced to close while restrictions remain in place, with rules not expected to change until mid-February.

This is the full list of businesses required to close under the new rules:

Some of these businesses and places will be permitted to be open for a small number of exempt activities, including the following:

A limited number of businesses providing essential goods and services can stay open during lockdown. These include:

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Full list of businesses that must close for lockdown - including shops and gyms - Hereford Times

The Government has published a comprehensive list of all businesses and services which have to close, and those which will be allowed to continue operating under the new lockdown in England.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the new rules on Monday evening and said people should follow them with immediate effect.

They will come into law on Wednesday, and the rules will last until at least the middle of February.

To reduce social contact, the regulations require some businesses to close and impose restrictions on how some businesses provide goods and services. The full list of businesses required to close can be found in the guidance on closing certain businesses and venues in England, but includes:

Some of these businesses and places will also be permitted to be open for a small number of exempt activities. A full list of exemptions can be found in the guidance on closing certain businesses and venues in England, but includes:

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Other businesses and venues are permitted to stay open, following COVID-19 secure guidelines. Businesses providing essential goods and services can stay open. The full list of these businesses can be found in the guidance on closing certain businesses and venues in England, but includes:

The majority of public services will continue and you will be able to leave home to visit them. These include:

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Everything that must close, and what will stay open under new lockdown - Derbyshire Live

THE country has been put into its third national lockdown following an announcement by the prime minister this evening.

Here's what you will and won't be able to do under the new rules...

Who this guidance is for

This guidance is for people who are fit and well. There is additional advice for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus and households with a possible or confirmed coronavirus infection. If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should not attend work, school, college or university, and limit the time you spend outside the home. You should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential.

Hands. Face. Space.

Approximately 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it.

Remember - Hands. Face. Space.

hands wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds

face wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet

space stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings)

In all circumstances, you should follow the guidance on meeting others safely.

When you can leave home

You must not leave or be outside of your home except where you have a reasonable excuse. This will be put in law. The police can take action against you if you leave home without a reasonable excuse, and issue you with a fine (Fixed Penalty Notice).

You can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of 200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of 6,400.

A reasonable excuse includes:

Work - you can only leave home for work purposes where it is unreasonable for you to do your job from home, including but not limited to people who work within critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing that require in-person attendance

Volunteering - you can also leave home to provide voluntary or charitable services.

Essential activities - you can leave home to buy things at shops or obtain services. You may also leave your home to do these things on behalf of a disabled or vulnerable person or someone self-isolating.

Education and childcare - You can only leave home for education, registered childcare, and supervised activities for children where they are eligible to attend. Access to education and childrens activities for school-aged pupils is restricted. See further information on education and childcare. People can continue existing arrangements for contact between parents and children where they live apart. This includes childcare bubbles.

Meeting others and care - You can leave home to visit people in your support bubble ( if you are legally permitted to form one), to provide informal childcare for children under 14 as part of a childcare bubble (for example, to enable parents to work, and not to enable social contact between adults), to provide care for disabled or vulnerable people, to provide emergency assistance, to attend a support group (of up to 15 people), or for respite care where that care is being provided to a vulnerable person or a person with a disability, or is a short break in respect of a looked-after child.

Exercise You can continue to exercise alone, with one other person or with your household or support bubble. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area. You should maintain social distancing. See exercising and meeting other people.

Medical reasons - You can leave home for a medical reason, including to get a Covid-19 test, for medical appointments and emergencies.

Harm and compassionate visits - you can leave home to be with someone who is giving birth, to avoid injury or illness or to escape risk of harm (such as domestic abuse). You can also leave home to visit someone who is dying or someone in a care home (if permitted under care home guidance), hospice, or hospital, or to accompany them to a medical appointment.

Animal welfare reasons you can leave home for animal welfare reasons, such as to attend veterinary services for advice or treatment.

Communal worship and life events - You can leave home to attend or visit a place of worship for communal worship, a funeral or event related to a death, a burial ground or a remembrance garden, or to attend a wedding ceremony. You should follow the guidance on the safe use of places of worship and must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble when attending a place of worship.Weddings, funerals and religious, belief-based or commemorative events linked to someones death are all subject to limits on the numbers that can attend, and weddings and civil ceremonies may only take place in exceptional circumstances.

There are further reasonable excuses. For example, you may leave home to fulfil legal obligations or to carry out activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property, or where it is reasonably necessary for voting in an election or referendum.

Exercising and meeting other people

You should minimise time spent outside your home.

It is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. You can only leave your home to exercise, and not for the purpose of recreation or leisure (e.g. a picnic or a social meeting). This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

You can exercise in a public outdoor place:

by yourself

with the people you live with

with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)

in a childcare bubble where providing childcare

or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household

Public outdoor places include:

parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests

public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them)

the grounds of a heritage site

Playgrounds

Outdoor sports venues, including tennis courts, golf courses and swimming pools, must close.

When around other people, stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household - meaning the people you live with - or your support bubble.

Where this is not possible, stay 1 metre apart with extra precautions (eg wearing a face covering).

You must wear a face covering in many indoor settings, such as shops or places of worship where these remain open, and on public transport, unless you are exempt. This is the law. Read guidance on face coverings.

Support and childcare bubbles

You have to meet certain eligibility rules to form a support or childcare bubble. This means not everyone will be able to form a bubble.

A support bubble is a support network which links two households. You can form a support bubble with another household of any size only if you meet the eligibility rules.

It is against the law to form a support bubble if you do not follow these rules.

You are permitted to leave your home to visit your support bubble (and to stay overnight with them). However, if you form a support bubble, it is best if this is with a household who live locally. This will help prevent the virus spreading from an area where more people are infected.

If you live in a household with anyone aged under 14, you can form a childcare bubble. This allows friends or family from one other household to provide informal childcare.

You must not meet socially with your childcare bubble, and must avoid seeing members of your childcare and support bubbles at the same time.

There is separate guidance for support bubbles and childcare bubbles.

Where and when you can meet in larger groups

There are still circumstances in which you are allowed to meet others from outside your household, childcare or support bubble in larger groups, but this should not be for socialising and only for permitted purposes. A full list of these circumstances will be included in the regulations, and includes:

for work, or providing voluntary or charitable services, where it is unreasonable to do so from home. This can include work in other peoples homes where necessary - for example, for nannies, cleaners, social care workers providing support to children and families, or tradespeople. See guidance on working safely in other peoples homes). Where a work meeting does not need to take place in a private home or garden, it should not for example, although you can meet a personal trainer, you should do so in a public outdoor place.

in a childcare bubble (for the purposes of childcare only)

Where eligible to use these services, for education, registered childcare, and supervised activities for children. Access to education and childcare facilities is restricted. See further information on education and childcare.

for arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents or guardians

to allow contact between birth parents and children in care, as well as between siblings in care

for prospective adopting parents to meet a child or children who may be placed with them

to place or facilitate the placing of a child or children in the care of another by social services

for birth partners

to provide emergency assistance, and to avoid injury or illness, or to escape a risk of harm (including domestic abuse)

to see someone who is dying

to fulfil a legal obligation, such as attending court or jury service

for gatherings within criminal justice accommodation or immigration detention centres

to provide care or assistance to someone vulnerable, or to provide respite for a carer

for a wedding or equivalent ceremony in exceptional circumstances and only for up to 6 people

for funerals - up to a maximum of 30 people. Wakes and other linked ceremonial events can continue in a group of up to 6 people.

to visit someone at home who is dying, or to visit someone receiving treatment in a hospital, hospice or care home, or to accompany a family member or friend to a medical appointment

for elite sportspeople (and their coaches if necessary, or parents/guardians if they are under 18) - or those on an official elite sports pathway - to compete and train

to facilitate a house move

Support groups that have to be delivered in person can continue with up to 15 participants where formally organised to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support - but they must take place at a premises other than a private home.

Where a group includes someone covered by an exception (for example, someone who is working or volunteering), they are not generally counted as part of the gatherings limit. This means, for example, a tradesperson can go into a household without breaching the limit, if they are there for work, and the officiant at a wedding would not count towards the limit.

If you break the rules

The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines (fixed penalty notices).

You can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of 200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of 6,400. If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of 10,000.

Protecting people more at risk from coronavirus

If you are clinically vulnerable, you could be at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus. There is additional advice for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable should not attend work, school, college or university, and limit the time you spend outside the home. You should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential.

Travel

You must not leave your home unless you have a reasonable excuse (for example, for work or education purposes). If you need to travel you should stay local meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live and look to reduce the number of journeys you make overall. The list of reasons you can leave your home and area include, but are not limited to:

work, where you cannot reasonably work from home

accessing education and for caring responsibilities

visiting those in your support bubble or your childcare bubble for childcare

visiting hospital, GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health

buying goods or services that you need, but this should be within your local area wherever possible

outdoor exercise. This should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel a short distance within your area to do so if necessary (for example, to access an open space)

attending the care and exercise of an animal, or veterinary services

If you need to travel, walk or cycle where possible, and plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. This will allow you to practice social distancing while you travel.

Avoid car sharing with anyone from outside your household or your support bubble. See the guidance on car sharing.

If you need to use public transport, you should follow the safer travel guidance.

International travel

You can only travel internationally or within the UK where you first have a legally permitted reason to leave home. In addition, you should consider the public health advice in the country you are visiting.

If you do need to travel overseas (and are legally permitted to do so, for example, because it is for work), even if you are returning to a place you've visited before, you should look at the rules in place at your destination and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice.

UK residents currently abroad do not need to return home immediately. However, you should check with your airline or travel operator on arrangements for returning.

Foreign nationals are subject to the Stay at Home regulations. You should not travel abroad unless it is permitted. This means you must not go on holiday.

If you are visiting the UK, you may return home. You should check whether there are any restrictions in place at your destination.

Staying away from home overnight

You cannot leave your home or the place where you are living for holidays or overnight stays unless you have a reasonable excuse for doing so. This means that holidays in the UK and abroad are not

allowed.

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What you can and can't do under the new Lockdown 3 rules in England the FULL list - Swindon Advertiser

HEREFORDSHIRE will move into Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions by midnight tonight.

After just a week under Tier 1 restrictions, Herefordshire was placed back into the stricter Tier 2 from Boxing Day as the Government said the picture in Herefordshire had "deteriorated", with case rates in all ages increasing by nearly 80 per cent in the week before the review on December 23.

It has now been decided that Herefordshire will be moved into Tier 3 restrictions from midnight.

RELATED NEWS:

The number of coronavirus cases reported in Herefordshire has risen by 84 over the past 24 hours, latest official figures show.

What will close:

Bars/eating in restaurants

Hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha bars), pubs, cafes, restaurants, and social clubs must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services. This includes restaurants and bars within hotels or members clubs.

Entertainment venues

indoor play centres and areas, including inflatable parks and soft play centres and areas (other than for people who have a disability)

trampolining parks (other than for elite athletes, people with a disability, supervised activities for children and for formal education or training purposes)

casinos

bingo halls

bowling alleys

indoor skating rinks (other than for elite athletes, professional dancers and choreographers, people with a disability, supervised activities for children and for formal education or training purposes)

amusement arcades and adult gaming centres

nightclubs and adult entertainment venues

laser quests and escape rooms

cinemas, theatres concert halls other than drive-in events, broadcasting performances, training or rehearsal

circuses

snooker and pool halls (other than for elite athletes)

What will remain open

outdoor tourism and entertainment venues can remain open subject to following the relevant rules and guidelines

outdoor cinemas, theatres and concert venues can remain open for drive-in only, but must close at 11pm, other than for the purposes of concluding a performance which began before 10pm

outdoor events, such as funfairs can continue to happen in line with COVID-secure guidance other than large outdoor performance events (performances, shows and screenings), which must be drive-in only

leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes (including fitness and dance) should not go ahead

retail premises may open, other than shops situated inside closed premises that cannot be accessed directly from the street retail premises within accommodation may also stay open

personal care and close contact services such as hairdressers and barbers, beauty salons, tattoo parlours, nail salons, spas and beauty services, saunas, steam rooms, massage parlours and tanning salons can remain open

community centres and halls, and libraries can remain open. Group events should not take place, unless theres a specific legal exemption to the social contact rules e.g. support groups, supervised activities for children

recycling and waste centres, car parks, and public toilets may continue to stay open

Meeting others

Meeting indoors

You must not meet socially indoors with anybody you do not:

live with

have a support bubble with

Meeting outdoors

You must not meet socially (in a private garden or at most outdoor public venues),

However, you can see friends and family you do not live with (or do not have a support bubble with) in some outdoor public places, in a group of up to 6. This limit of 6 includes children of any age.

These outdoor public places include:

parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests

public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them)

allotments

the grounds of a heritage site

outdoor sports courts and facilities

playgrounds

Travel

Where possible, you should stay local and avoid travelling outside your local area, meaning your village or town, or part of a city. People should continue to travel for reasons such as work, education, medical attention or if they have caring responsibilities.

You can still travel to venues that are open, or for reasons such as work or education, but you should reduce the number of journeys you make wherever possible.

You should still avoid travelling outside your tier 3 area other than for the reasons such as those above.

More here:
What Tier 3 restrictions in Herefordshire mean - Hereford Times

Los Angeles Unsure whether he could hold a funeral for his grandmother who succumbed to COVID-19, the man turned to Tiffany Mitchell for another way to memorialize her.

He couldnt just get the phone call and go, OK, shes dead and just leave it at that and do nothing at all, said Mitchell, who owns Black Raven Tattoo in Torrance. For a lot of people, a tattoo is one of the only outlets they have to honor somebody.

With a whirring tattoo gun, she emblazoned the words Grandma RIP on his forearm.

This was during a brief window beginning in October, when Los Angeles County tattoo parlors opened after being shuttered for the second time by coronavirus restrictions. A state order that went into effect earlier this month brought about a third wave of closures across most of California.

Tiffany Mitchell poses for a portrait at Black Raven Tattoo on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 in Torrance, CA.(Photo: Kent Nishimura, TNS)

Mitchell and two other Southern California tattoo parlor owners have sued Gov. Gavin Newsom over the mandated closures. On Wednesday, a federal judge denied their request to temporarily lift the restrictions.

For public health purposes, the state lumps tattoo parlors into the personal care services category that includes nail salons and barbers all requiring prolonged, close contact with clients.

But unlike nail and hair styling, tattoos are considered a form of constitutionally protected free speech in some jurisdictions.

About a decade ago, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers California and other western states, ruled in a case involving an Hermosa Beach shop that a tattoo itself, the process of tattooing, and even the business of tattooing are purely expressive activity fully protected by the First Amendment.

In his Wednesday ruling, U.S. District Judge Dale Fischer said that state officials did not specifically target the speech expressed by the tattooing. The states public health interest in containing the coronavirus trumps the tattoo parlors free speech interest, he said.

While their stores are closed, Fischer said in his order, tattoo artists can plan future designs or create temporary tattoos for clients.

Robert Moest, an attorney for the tattoo artists, said Fischers suggestions show a misunderstanding of the art form.

If you put Mom on your arm in magic marker, it might not be as meaningful to Mom, said Moest, who won free speech protections for tattoos in the Hermosa Beach case and others.

Tattoo artists say they undergo rigorous annual training that covers blood-borne pathogens and contamination risks. Getting inked during a pandemic is safe, they say.

We have the same practices and procedures, say, a dentist would have, Mitchell said.

Recalling a recent trip to a crowded Target, tattoo artist Glenn West said his business is much safer. West, who owns Palace Art Tattoo in Thousand Oaks, is a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

Not all health experts are on board. Natascha Tuznik, UC Davis Health associate professor of infectious disease, called tattooing one of the riskiest services you can get, in a Q&A published in June.

She said the close physical contact, coupled with piercing the skin, means elevated risk, regardless of sterilization techniques.

Amid the health and constitutional debates, the artists say theres an urgent issue at stake: Theyre trying to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Its a painful refrain echoed by business owners across many sectors struggling during the pandemic.

West said he has burned through savings and a government loan.

That covered the first shutdown. Like, what now? said West, who has three children. Four other tattoo artists in his shop are also suffering from the closure, he said.

Mitchell, who has a young daughter, said shes also fighting to keep the lights on. Early in the pandemic, she took out a small business loan for nearly $90,000 and is facing mounting debt as interest racks up.

Mitchell and West both owe their tattoo parlors existence to battles against bans in their respective cities, with Moest as their attorney.

Now theyre grappling with whether to push forward with their coronavirus lawsuit after the judge ruled against them this week.

Im not one to give up. I never have been, really, West said, adding that he still needed to confer with his co-plaintiffs.

During the few weeks his shop was open, there was a steady stream of requests for pandemic-related tattoos.

He has inked cartoon versions of the spiky virus on people, with facial features and sometimes the year 2020 written alongside.

One client asked for a tattoo of himself sitting on the couch playing video games his quarantine hobby.

West anticipates that similar requests will roll in when he is able to reopen.

People are going to want to forget about it but also remember it, he said.

Read or Share this story: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2020/12/26/tattoo-shops-claim-covid-exemptions-free-speech/115222026/

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Are tattoos free speech that should override coronavirus restrictions? - The Detroit News