How ITV Granada Reports has covered the coronavirus pandemic in the North West

Since the UK went into lockdown, ITV News has continued with its full output of programmes and digital news service.

In the period from March 23 to the last day of May, ITV News and Current Affairs programmes reached 44 million people - that's 72% of the UK population.

In a special film released by ITV News, viewers can see see how teams across the country have worked in new and innovative ways to provide its audience with essential viewing during a pandemic.

Presented by Julie Etchingham, and produced by the award winning Tonight programme production team, it captures work done by the national and regional teams across the country.

Director of News and Current Affairs, Michael Jermey, said:

Across all of ITV News, national and regional programmes continue to provide viewers with clear public health information and accurate and impartial news.

At Granada Reports, colleagues both on and off screen have continued to adapt their ways of working - many from home - in order to remain on air and bring local stories to air which reflect communities across the North West and Isle of Man.

  • Inside Granada Reports during lockdown: Video report by Victoria Grimes

Lucy West, Head of News at ITV Granada reports, said:

And for those who are unable to tune into the programme and bulletins, Granada Reports make sure its audience is provided with the latest information on the coronavirus pandemic online.

Below is a selection of stories brought to light by the ITV News Granada Reports team during lockdown:

  • Chris Hall rallies together viewers and familiar faces of Granada Reports to join voices and show NHS staff the North West will be forever grateful and stand by them.

  • Sarah Rogers speaks to The Caribbean and African Health Network who called on the government to recognise systemic racism in the fight to protect Black, Asian and other minority Ethnic groups from coronavirus.

  • Emma Sweeney reports on the rise in domestic violence as financial pressures and people being cooped up together can lead to violent and abusive behaviour.

  • Mel Barham reports on the death of 17-year-old Beth Palmer, who had a promising singing career ahead of her. Beth took her own life and her family blame the lockdown for accelerating her mental health.

  • Hannah Miller reports on the anger and confusion for those who work in warehouses and say social distancing is impossible.

  • Anna Youssef reports on one carer, who is one of many of tens of thousands looking after a loved one at home during lockdown.

  • Líse McNally reports on the LGBT community who are being urged not to suffer in silence if lack of access to safe spaces is putting their health at risk.

  • Andy Bonner reports from one recovery centre who warn there may be a surge in requests for help fighting drugs and alcohol addiction as restrictions are eased.

  • Tim Scott reports on the opening of the emergency Nightingale hospital in Manchester.

  • Ashley Derricott looks at how funerals have dramatically changed and how saying goodbye to loved ones who have died has new challenges.

  • Teresa McMahon reported on two sisters who died a century apart. Hilda Churchill lost her life to coronavirus in March; Beryl May died 102 years ago from the Spanish Flu.

  • Rachel Townsend meets the family in Lancashire doing their bit to help families struggling to grieve.

  • Elaine Willcox reports on fears that families of key workers who have died with Covid 19 may be prevented from finding out the full facts about their deaths.

  • Ann O'Connor reports on the fears that primary schools won't be ready to re-open on Boris Johnson's hoped-for date of June 1st.

  • Joshua Stokes reports on the the day the Isle of Man became 'Covid-free'.

  • Caroline Whitmore finds out how Bolton comedian Paddy McGuiness and wife Christine have been turned into cartoon characters for Autism Awareness week, with the help of Salford's Jason Manford.

  • Victoria Grimes meets the little boy who hoped for a special birthday during lockdown.

  • David Chisnall finds out how one North West football club turned its stadium into an emergency food hub.

  • Zoe Muldoon shares the story of Lillian, a resident at a Lancashire care home who won the heart of the popular TV chef James Martin.

  • Mike Hall went to meet the sports commentator who has found a new outlet for his talent - while never leaving his house.

  • Rob Smith speaks to two backpackers from Lancashire who find themselves locked down in Thailand, after cycling around the globe to raise money for cancer research.

  • Paul Crone finds out how video conference and party calls have become a vital part of keeping in touch - including one novel way of adding entertainment.