14th July – Coronavirus News Updates

UK DATA:

Total UK Cases: 5,191,459 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 36,660 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 2,731 (564 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 50
Total UK deaths: 128,481
England Cases per 100,000: 328.9 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.1 to 1.3

Vaccine data:

Total 1^st doses given: 45,978,017 up to and including 12 July 2021
Total 2^nd doses given: 34,997,491

Latest Cheshire East data:

Total Cheshire East cases: 25,721
New cases in past 7 days: 1089 to 10 July
Total deaths: 809
Cases per 100,000: 283.5 per 100,000
R number in North West: 1.0 to 1.2

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.

Roadmap out of lockdown.

UK NEWS & HEADLINES:

Government confirms ‘Freedom Day’ 19^th July but with caution
The use of domestic vaccine passports and face masks will be encouraged as ministers set out a cautious approach to England’s “freedom day” on July 19 in response to soaring coronavirus cases. Although most legal restrictions will largely be lifted, hopes of a complete return to normality have been dashed by the spread of the Delta variant. Businesses will be expected to implement a gradual approach to returning to the workplace and the wearing of face masks will be ‘expected and recommended’ in crowded indoor spaces and public transport. Health Secretary Sajid Javid told MPs that it was the “right time to get our nation closer to normal life.” “To those who say ‘why take this step now’ I say ‘if not now, when? There will never be a perfect time to take this step because we simply cannot eradicate this virus.”
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care provides an update on step 4

PM statement at coronavirus press conference: 12 July 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement at the coronavirus press conference. Step 4 of the road map will proceed as planned on Monday 19 July, the Prime Minister has confirmed. Moving to Step 4 is a balance of risks and the public should continue to be cautious. The majority of covid restrictions will end on 19 July and guidance will emphasise personal responsibility. The latest data and modelling show that the government’s “four tests” for easing covid restrictions have been met. The majority of legal restrictions will be removed and people will be expected to protect themselves and others through informed choice. The government expects and recommends that face coverings are worn in crowded and enclosed spaces, such as public transport, when mixing with people you don’t normally meet. While the government is no longer instructing people to work from home, a return to the workplace should be gradual and businesses should follow the published guidance. Organisations and large events will be supported and encouraged to use the NHS COVID Pass in high-risk settings to help limit the risk of infection in their venues.

Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 12 July 2021

London healthtech raises £4.6m to scale “groundbreaking” Covid testing technology
A UK healthtech startup has announced that it has raised £4.6m as it aims to scale its Covid testing technology worldwide. Vatic, based in London, has raised the £4.6m through a seed round led by LocalGlobe and Hoxton Ventures. The company has developed at-home testing technology which identifies infectious viruses by mimicking the surface of a human cell – redesigning how lateral flow tests are built and enhancing their accuracy. It plans to use its new investment to scale globally and deploy its “groundbreaking” technology on a range of other acute diseases.

Early findings bring hope of test for Long Covid
There is no universally agreed definition of Long Covid and it remains somewhat a mystery. But now scientists say they have detected irregularities in the blood of those suffering from the condition, raising hopes this could pave the way for testing for it. There appears to be a pattern of rogue antibodies in the blood of a small number of people with long Covid, researchers at Imperial College London found. This research could lead to a simple blood test within six to 18 months. The early findings are “exciting”, says Dr Elaine Maxwell, from the National Institute of Health Research, but she warns long Covid is a “complex condition”, adding it is important to continue to research.

REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:

Growing firms creating hundreds of new jobs across the North West
With business activity across the North West having come roaring back in recent weeks, firms across the region have made a host of big job announcements as recovery from the Covid pandemic continues. Encirc, McDonald’s, RSM, alldayPA and Home Bargains are among the firms that have made big job announcements in Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and further afield. Read more at Business Live

Infection rates continue to rise across most of Greater Manchester
Infection rates in Bolton and Manchester have fallen while an increase has been recorded all other eight boroughs.

North West businesses show strength in recovery
Business activity across the North West private sector continued its recovery in June, with the pace of growth easing only slightly from May’s record high, latest UK regional PMI data from NatWest has revealed. However, the data shows that the rebound in activity was accompanied by a record increase in average prices charged for goods and services amid soaring cost pressures. The headline North West Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – registered 65.0 last month, down slightly from an all-time high of 66.4 in May. Supporting growth in activity was a sustained upturn in inflows of new work, linked to the reopening of the economy and improved confidence among clients.

Manchester Airport opens flagship Terminal 2 after pandemic forced delay
Manchester Airport has reopened Terminal Two to passengers from Wednesday 14th July. Jet2 and TUI flights will be the first to take-off from the new-look terminal, with other airlines set to join them as the government’s easing of travel restrictions for fully vaccinated passengers comes into play. The extended Terminal Two is the centrepiece of MAG’s £1bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP), which was first announced in 2015. The terminal was originally set to reopen to passengers in the summer of 2020; however, this date was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on international travel.

North West based companies battle through pandemic as insolvency rates fall
The number of North West corporate insolvencies more than halved during the first six months of 2021, according to new data, as the array of government support measures and a supportive lending community helped businesses trade their way through the pandemic. Analysis of notices in The Gazette by Interpath Advisory reveals that 50 companies in the region fell into administration from January to June 2021 – down from 103 in H1 2020 and 125 in H1 2019. The trend mirrors that seen across the UK, with a total of 301 national companies entering administration or receivership during the same period compared to 655 in H1 2020 and 686 in H1 2019.

BUSINESS:    

COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added ‘COVID-19 vaccination: guide for employers’. 

(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
Guidance updated following the announcement of a move to step 4 on 19 July.

DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services – update to processing table.

HMRC can help you, as we understand how challenging it can be for many businesses.
If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs you should call our Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300?? ?322?? ?9434. The helpline is open?? ?from 8am?? ?to?? ?10pm?? ?Monday?? ?to?? ?Friday and?? ?from 8am?? ?to?? ?4pm at?? ?week??ends. You can also send us your questions or webchat.   Other support available includes: HMRC’s YouTube channel where you can watch videos to familiarise yourself with the new customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU. If you buy goods from the EU, or send or sell goods to the EU for your business, our Rules of Origin recorded webinar will help you understand the process and what you need to do. Our live webinars explain existing guidance and give you the opportunity to ask general questions about the content. You can also see responses to other peoples’ questions and the guidance we signpost to for extra help and support. We’re unable to answer questions specific to the items you import or export.
Importing – steps you need to take before making your supplementary declaration: advice on what you need to do to be able to make a supplementary declaration and how intermediaries can help.
Customs Import Declarations: an overview: of the whole declarations process. Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving: covering zero-rated VAT, customs declarations, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: explaining your responsibilities if using an intermediary to complete import or export declarations. There are also webinars and videos from other government departments. There’s also a trader checklist, updated guides and customer forums. TheTrader Support Service is also available if you’re moving goods between GB and Northern Ireland and use their suite of educational products, including online training modules and webinars for support with the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Why not sign up to our weekly email updates on news and information about importing and exporting with the EU, providing hints and tips for businesses like yours, getting used to the new rules for importing and exporting.

COMMUNITY:  

Testing for coronavirus before hospital
Sets out how and when to use a PCR home test kit to test for COVID-19 before a hospital procedure – updated ‘Testing for COVID-19 before a hospital procedure’ attachment to remove the registration step from the instructions relating to the elective care testing service and change instructions on how to return test kits.

COVID-19 Response: Summer 2021
The government has published the ‘Moving to Step 4 of the roadmap’ document. This sets out the essential actions that everybody should take to protect themselves and others while prevalence is high, as we transition towards learning to live with COVID-19. The ‘COVID-19 Response: Summer 2021’ sets out the shape of step 4 of the roadmap – page has been updated to include the ‘Moving to Step 4 of the roadmap’ publication, and update to the ‘Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread from 19 July’ page and a link has been added to the Global Travel Taskforce Report (published 9 April).  

CONSTRUCTION:

Kier operating margin returns to 3%In an end-of-year trading update this morning, Kier said it had turned around the business, supported by £350m from its capital raise and sale of Kier Living. The improvement after several years of losses and rising debt also came from numerous cost savings realised in responding to the reduced volumes caused by Covid. Andrew Davies, chief executive, said the group expects to deliver a full-year 2021 adjusted operating profit margin of 3%, just below its medium-term target of 3.5%.

Construction output predicted to return to pre-Covid levels by 2022
The Glenigan Construction Industry Forecast 2021-2023 shows activity has rallied and is on an upward trajectory since the start of the year. The central predication is that construction output will return to pre-COVID levels by 2022, with underlying starts 3% above 2019 levels. (The data has had projects of over £100m removed to give a clearer view of the UK construction landscape) This forecast provides a comprehensive overview of where the construction industry is, in the here-and-now, combined with considered and fact-based forecasts of how the sector will perform over the next two years.

EDUCATION:     

Get help with technology during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out about the help made available to educational settings and local authorities to support remote and face-to-face education, and access to social care – updated to reflect the new data expiry date for 4G wireless routers.

EVENTS:  

Insider: Return to events and what it means to be back in the room again
Business events – conferences, exhibitions, trade fairs and meetings – and all that comes with them are responsible for generating around £30bn for the UK economy each year (pre-pandemic, of course). “Whilst I firmly believe that the live event experience is truly unique and cannot be replicated like for like, I do think there’s a real opportunity for our industry to embrace our new tech tools to create even bigger, better and more engaging events of the future. There’s an incredible appetite for informed and professionally created content online, especially in the business community. So how do we use this new capability to unlock new commercial opportunities?” Read more at Insider  

HEALTH & WELLBEING:    

COVID-19: guidance on protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from coronavirus (COVID-19) – guidance updated as per government’s advice for clinically extremely vulnerable people to, as a minimum, follow the same guidance as the general population.

Coronavirus and clinically extremely vulnerable people in England: 21 June to 26 June 2021
Analysis of clinically extremely vulnerable people in England during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including their behaviours and mental and physical well-being.

Surge testing for new coronavirus (COVID-19) variants
How ‘surge testing’ and genomic sequencing are being used in locations in England where coronavirus (COVID-19) variants have been identified.

Adult social care extension to Infection Control and Testing Fund 2021
Sets out the measures that the extension to the Infection Control and Testing Fund supports, including distribution of funds, conditions and reporting requirements. We’ve extended the fund until 30 September 2021.

HOSPITALITY:

Better times ahead as the Government confirms nightclubs are back in business
Sajid Javid, health secretary, announced in Parliament today (July 12) that nighttime industries will be allowed to reopen from next week, putting an end to more than a year of closures for some venues. The secretary explained that waiting to lift restrictions could push the virus towards the winter, when it would it be more harmful. He said that this is “the right time to get our nation closer to normal life”, adding that it is the “most responsible decision we can take”.

PROPERTY:

Agents to continue with face masks after 19^th July
New guidance has been issued to agents as the government confirms that most remaining Coronavirus restrictions are to be lifted from July 19, next Monday. However, and perhaps controversially, the guidance recommends continued use of masks and face coverings. The update has come from Propertymark and follows statements from the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Health.

New figures show rental market rising at 8.5% per year
Across Great Britain the pace of rental growth continued to climb in June, with rents rising 8.5 per cent year-on-year. The data comes from Connells-owned agency Hamptons. The firm says four of the 10 fastest months for rental growth over the last decade have been since the onset of the pandemic. Stock scarcity has become a pressing issue, with 46 per cent fewer homes on the market than at the same time two years ago. In rural and suburban areas, the drop in rental homes on the market has been even greater.

RETAIL:  

Hotel Chocolat outlook has “never been better” as revenues climb by 20%
A British chocolatier has announced that its revenues have improved by more than 20 per cent over the past year. Hotel Chocolat reported today that its revenues for this financial year hit £165m, 21 per cent above last year’s figures, and 24 per cent above pre-Covid figures in 2019. The company added that its growth avenues have “never been better” with increased production and sales across the UK.
This comes after it announced the creation of more than 250 jobs across the country with the expansion of its chocolate factory and its distribution centre.

SCIENCE:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19, England: 13 July 2021?
This release provides data about the characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This analysis has been produced in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England, and Wellcome Trust. This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse Laboratories to collect and test samples.

SPORT:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of elite sport
Guidance for elite athletes and coaches on the phased return of elite sport.

TRANSPORT:

Public transport operators to decide whether face masks will remain compulsory
The government has said bus and train companies must decide whether passengers have to wear face coverings on their services from Monday, when Covid rules are relaxed in England. Face masks have been mandatory on public transport for the past year to reduce the spread of the virus. But those rules will be replaced with government guidance advising passengers to wear masks only on busy services.

Transport firms will be left to decide whether to enforce that advice and how.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said masks would still be “recommended” on public transport, but people without a face covering would no longer be fined after restrictions are eased on 19 July.

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

Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF

Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/

Health – Shielding the most vulnerable https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

Travel: https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information

Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit: http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0

Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/

Resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map  Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.