12th November – Coronavirus News Updates

UK STATISTICS

There have been more than 9.4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly more than 142,000 people have died, government figures show. More than 50 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, around 87.5% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. Nearly 80% have had their second and 19% have had a booster.

Total UK Cases: 9,448,402 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 42,408 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,767
New deaths across UK: 195
Total UK deaths: 142,533
England Cases per 100,000: 346.5
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1

Vaccine data:

Total 1^st doses given: 50,296,735 – 87.7% of UK aged 12+
Total 2^nd doses: 45,873,038 – 79.9%
Daily 1^st doses: 119,188
Daily 2nd doses: 47,766
Daily Booster doses: 532,238 (11,452,654 total booster doses)

Latest Cheshire East data:

Total Cheshire East cases: 53,210
New cases in past 7 days: 1,478 to 6 Nov
Total deaths: 883
Cases per 100,000: 382.2

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.

The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 0.9 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 5 November 2021.

UK NEWS UPDATES:

UK could create up to 700,000 new green jobs by 2030
The Local Government Association has called on government to recognise the role of local councils in ensuring growth in green jobs can benefit all parts of the UK as local leaders from around the world converge on Glasgow for the COP26 climate summit.

First UK Covid case in dog confirmed by vet
A dog has tested positive for Covid – the first documented case of its kind in the UK – officials have confirmed. They believe the pet, who is recovering at home, caught it from its owner. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says cases like this are extremely rare and there is no strong evidence to suggest that dogs, cats or other pets are passing on the virus to humans.

Owners and people who work with animals should wash their hands regularly though for good hygiene.

UK Airport urges government to reassess COVID testing to aid sector recovery
According to Heathrow, relaxation of travel rules ahead of half-term increased demand, with close to 100,000 travellers a day, up 144 per cent compared with the same time last year. Despite signs of recovery, passenger levels remain 56 per cent down on pre-pandemic levels. According to a statement issued by Heathrow airport:
“With air travel at other major European airports recovering faster, Ministers should reassess testing requirements for fully vaccinated passengers and the Passenger Locator Form at the next Global Travel Taskforce review, to ensure the UK is aligned with its European competitors.”

UK fashion brand recovers as revenues returns to pre-Covid levels
Burberry has announced its interim results for 26 weeks ended 25 September and said it is maintaining its medium-term guidance for high single-digit top line growth. The luxury British retailer said it is comfortable with current year market expectations after seeing its revenues for the first half of the year rise to pre Covid-19 levels, driven by strong growth in mainland China, South Korea and the United States.
The fashion giant has shown strong signs of recovery in its interim results with a 37 per cent boost in retail store sales from last year.

REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:

Manchester – Tunisia flghts resume as Covid rules relaxed
Tunisian airline, Nouvelair, has announced plans to resume flights from Manchester Airport to the North African country, following the relaxation of Covid-19 travel rules by both the governments of the UK and Tunisia. While flights had started in July 2021, they were suspended after travel restrictions were first imposed by the UK government. With a fleet of 10 Airbus A320s, Nouvelair will operate two weekly services from the Northern hub, on Wednesdays and Sundays from 29th March 2022, with flights to the Tunis, the country’s capital. Nouvelair will be the exclusive carrier between Manchester Airport and Tunis, with onward connectivity for tourists travelling to holiday resorts in Tunisia, with flights resuming in time for the Easter Holiday break.

Don’t miss your chance to share your business success and enter first ever Marketing WAM Business Awards
There is still time to submit your business’ entries across all five award categories, with winners announced in a mini-ceremony in January.

SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:

BUSINESS:

Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – the state aid limits section has been updated since 1 January 2021 EU state aid rules no longer apply in the UK, except for aid in-scope of the Northern Ireland Protocol and Structural Funds.

Measuring monthly and quarterly gross domestic product in the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
An explainer on how we produce monthly and quarterly estimates of UK GDP.

CARE:

Adult social care in England, monthly statistics: November 2021
Experimental statistics on a range of topics including infection control measures, COVID-19 vaccinations, flu vaccinations and testing for COVID-19 in adult social care settings – updated details to reflect that the monthly bulletin now includes data on booster doses of COVID-19 vaccinations and flu vaccinations.

COMMUNITY:

Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need.

CONSTRUCTION:

Construction output clicks back into growth but orders soften
Monthly construction output grew 1.3% in volume terms in September, ending the bumpy decline that started after June. The welcome return to growth of both new work and repair and maintenance still left industry new work 3.5% below the pre-pandemic February 2020 benchmark for output. The latest batch of new orders and materials price data also point to challenges ahead.

EDUCATION:

Contingency arrangements: GCSE, AS, A level, Project and AEA
Consultation proposals for contingency arrangements for the award of GCSE, AS, A level, Project and AEA qualifications in 2022 – this page has now been updated with contingencies decisions and response analysis.

HEALTH & WELLBEING:

Monthly statistics for adult social care (England)
Experimental statistics on a range of topics including infection control measures, COVID-19 vaccinations, flu vaccinations and testing for COVID-19 in adult social care settings – updated to reflect that the monthly bulletin now includes data on booster doses of COVID-19 vaccinations and flu vaccinations.

Monthly statistics for adult social care (England)
Experimental statistics on a range of topics including infection control measures, COVID-19 vaccinations and testing for COVID-19 in adult social care settings.

Vaccine uptake guidance and the latest coverage data
Information for health professionals and immunisation practitioners – added 3 seasonal flu vaccine uptakes (monthly data, 2021 to 2022): ‘children of school age’; ‘GP patients’ and ‘frontline healthcare workers’.

RETAIL:

B&M reports strong sales and profit growth
B&M has reported “strong sales and profit growth” in the first half of its latest financial year and said it is “fully stocked heading into the Golden Quarter”. The discount retailer posted group revenues of £2.3bn in the 26 weeks to 25 September 2021 compared to £2.2bn in the prior period. The group, which has headquarters in Liverpool, saw revenues rise in the UK and France, although they dipped at Heron Foods, in which it said they had experienced “more challenging trading conditions”. Statutory profits before tax also rose from £235.6m to £241.4m.

TRAVEL:

Battery trial planned to reduce emissions on Transpennine route
Trains in the North could reduce their emissions if a trial to retrofit batteries proves successful. Transpennine Express is working with Hitachi Rail and Angel Trains to install battery technology trains used across the North with the aim of cutting carbon emissions by at least 20%. In the trial, Transpennine’s Nova 1 fleet of 19 trains will have their diesel engine replaced by batteries, allowing the trains to run solely on battery power when travelling in and out of station areas, cutting noise pollution and helping to improve air quality.

Useful links:

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