10th September – Coronavirus News Updates

UK STATISTICS

Total UK Cases: 7,132,072 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 38,013 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,085 , 151 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 167
Total UK deaths: 133,841
England Cases per 100,000: 330.7
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1

Vaccine data:

Total 1^st doses given: 48,344,566 – 88.9% of UK aged 16+
Total 2^nd doses: 43,708,906 – 80.4%
Daily 1^st doses: 25,131
Daily 2nd doses: 87,960

Latest Cheshire East data:

Total Cheshire East cases: 35,988
New cases in past 7 days: 1,437 to 5 Sep
Total deaths: 829
Cases per 100,000: 371.6 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.9 to 1.1

Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK. The way deaths are reported is based on a 28-day limit between the date of a positive lab-confirmed test and date of death.

Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus

COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated with latest global case numbers.

UK NEWS UPDATES:

Mandatory jabs for health staff being considered in consultation

Compulsory Covid and flu jabs for frontline NHS and care workers in England are being considered in a government consultation.

How do I get the vaccine and will I need a booster?
Over-12s with severely weakened immune systems should be given a third Covid vaccine, experts say.

Consultation on mandatory vaccination for frontline health and care staff

A consultation will be launched today on protecting patients by mandating vaccination for frontline health and social care staff in England.

Boris Johnson concerned over unvaccinated hospital patients

Three quarters of those hospitalised had not had a Covid jab, with a “higher proportion” of younger people now being affected, he said.

Application deadline extended for Queen’s Awards for Enterprise
Small Business Minister, Paul Scully extended the deadline to 22nd September to give more businesses opportunity to apply ahead of the Platinum Jubilee year.

REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:

Council shortlisted for 2021 Health Service Journal awards

Cheshire East Council has been shortlisted in the 2021 Health Service Journal awards for its involvement in the Cheshire and Merseyside Social Value Partnership.

Data protection reforms announced to boost innovation and growth

Following Brexit, the government has launched a consultation on data protection reforms, including how the Wilmslow-based regulator, the ICO, is governed.

Saudia plan return of direct Manchester to Jeddah flights

Jeddah is a key gateway for those on Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca as well as one of Saudi Arabia’s most popular tourist destinations, with the route serving 97,000 passengers in 2019.

COVID VIEWS FROM IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON

UK on the road to normalcy but with difficult weeks ahead
Professor Ferguson, Director of the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and the Jameel Institute, spoke about the future of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:

BUSINESS:

First speakers revealed for Disruptors North

Disruptors North will showcase the businesses already leading the charge and the next generation of entrepreneurs and companies that are aiming to transform the regional, national and global economy.

Landmark conference will shine light on Greater Manchester’s ambitions

As the workforce returns and professional visitors converge across Greater Manchester once again, there is a sense that a growing number of businesses are switching focus to opportunity and growth.

Hallidays share latest HMRC changes in financial news bulletin
Stockport accountancy practice, Hallidays, have shared the latest changes by HMRC to late payment rules, and reporting rules for digital marketplaces in the firm’s latest financial news bulletin for businesses.

HMRC outlines changes to late payment penalty regime
HMRC has published a policy paper outlining the forthcoming changes to the penalties for late payment and interest harmonisation for taxpayers.
Click here for the full story

Support schemes available as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs.

This includes a reminder of the 14?? ?September deadline for submitting your August Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) claims, and information to help you prepare for the scheme closing on?? ?30?? ?September. To find out what other financial support may be available for you and your business during this time, search ‘find coronavirus financial support’ on GOV??.UK.

Submit your CJRS claims for August
Preparing for the end of the CJRS – frequently asked questions
A word about scams

Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Claim for some of your employee’s wages if you have put them on furlough or flexible furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – info updated in section ‘When the government ends the scheme’.

COMMUNITY:

Private providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
Lists of and information about private providers who have self-declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer.

NHS COVID Pass
How to get the NHS COVID Pass and demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at events and venues in England.

EDUCATION:

Record numbers of UK students head for university
Record numbers of 18-year-olds in the UK have accepted university places this year, according to updated figures from the Ucas admissions service.

School budget fears as departments asked to find ‘at least’ 5% savings
The Department for Education has been asked to find savings of “at least” 5 per cent as part of the spending review.

School suspensions and permanent exclusions
Guidance on the suspension and permanent exclusion of pupils from local-authority-maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units.

Responsibility for exams
Guidance for schools, colleges and exam centres on who should enter students for exams, the health arrangements for exams and the support DfE is providing.

EVENTS:

The UK’s top ten event job hotspots revealed
Which UK city has the most event job prospects available right now?

Live Events Reinsurance Scheme
The headline scheme rules have been published by DCMS.

HEALTH & WELLBEING:

Coronavirus and self-isolation after being in contact with a positive case in England: 9 to 16 August 2021
Behaviour of individuals required to self-isolate after being in contact with a positive case of COVID-19, from the COVID Test and Trace Contacts Insights Survey. Includes information on the impact of self-isolation on well-being and finances. Experimental Statistics.

Managing clinical trials during Coronavirus (COVID-19)
How investigators and sponsors should manage clinical trials during COVID-19

Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK – updated ‘COVID-19 test approval – step 2: process for desktop review’ to explain the use of the full dynamic range data for the regulation assessment and add an email address to request TVG data.

MOTORS:

August sees sales boost for LCV market
The new light commercial vehicle market reported its second-best August on record in 2021, according to new figures. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that 20,582 units were registered during the eighth month of the year. Compared to the pre-pandemic five-year average, the industry recorded a 21.1 per cent increase in new registrations.

PROPERTY:

The legacy of Covid – high house prices here to stay
The lifestyle changes triggered by the pandemic are likely to have a lasting effect on the housing market, pushing property prices permanently higher. That’s the view of the Halifax; its latest index shows that average home now costs £262,954, up 0.7 per cent from July and 7.1 per cent over 12 months. The typical home is now £23,600 more expensive than a year ago. Halifax managing director Russell Galley says these prices are here to stay: “Much of the impact from the stamp duty holiday has now left the market, as highlighted by the drop in transaction numbers compared to a year ago.”

RETAIL:

“Staycation trends” drive double digit growth for Halfords
Motor and cycling retailer Halfords has reported double digit growth despite “hugely challenging conditions”. In its results for the 20 weeks ending August 2021, the firm saw a 10.5 per cent growth in revenue. The company has attributed the growth to a rise in domestic holidays in the UK, and has seen a rise in demand for its mobile car servicing offering.

TRANSPORT:

Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.

Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.

TRAVEL:

Traffic light system could be ditched to simplify holidays
The traffic light system could be scrapped next month in favour of rules based on the Covid-19 vaccination status of travellers in a bid to simplify holidays. According to The Telegraph, the move will likely see the creation of a two-tiered system, with the amber and green lists merged to create a single category, and red to remain in place with travellers still required to quarantine in hotels on returning from high-risk destinations. It will mean that for fully vaccinated travellers, visiting amber or green countries will be the same, requiring only pre-departure tests and a PCR test within two days of returning to the UK.

Useful Links:

Coronavirus Roadmap out of lockdown – what and when?

From 29 March:

People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the “rule of six”, including in private gardens
The stay at home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible
Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts, and formally organised outdoor sports can restart
Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances

Stage two (no earlier than 12 April):

All shops allowed to open, along with close-contact services, including hairdressers and beauty salons (including in people’s homes)
Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
Members of the same household can take a holiday in the UK in self-contained accommodation
Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place

Stage three (no earlier than 17 May):

People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
Six people or two households can meet indoors
Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
Up to 30 people can attend weddings or other life events, like christenings
Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open
Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
International leisure travel may resume
Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart

Stage four (expected 19th July):

All legal limits on social contact will be removed
No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events
Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen

Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV.UK.

Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten yearsBusinesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:

1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;

2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;

3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.

COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.

Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31^st October, would now be extended until December.

Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.

Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31 January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15 February and 31 March.

Become a Green Homes Grant Supplier II – Trustmark and PAS 2030The new Green Homes Grant will give over 600,000 homeowners in England up to £10,000 to install insulation, heat pumps, draft proofing and more to help households cut energy bills.

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.

Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law

NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24^th September

Claim money back through the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Find out how to claim the reimbursement for discounts given to diners with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme closed on 31 August 2020 – the page updated with removal of registration links.

Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.

Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.

Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.

Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July

Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures

Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.

Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.

Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11^th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.

Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.

Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business

Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business

Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open

Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool

Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support

Government – Financial Support: HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.

Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19

Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding

Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses

Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility

Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub