![Coronavirus Latest News Updates](https://marketingwam.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Coronavirus-Latest-News-Updates-780x400.png)
UK STATISTICS
There have been nearly 11 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 146,000 people have died, government figures show. More than 51 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 89% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 81% have had their second and almost 42% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 10,932,545 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 59,610 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,672
New deaths across UK: 150
Total UK deaths: 146,627
England Cases per 100,000: 519
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,183,457 – 89% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 81%
Daily 1st doses: 19,671
Daily 2nd doses: 29,407
Daily Booster doses: 513,722
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 61,120
New cases in past 7 days: 1,728 to 10 Dec
Total deaths: 913
Cases per 100,000: 446.9
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 10 December 2021.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Booster demand calls for more volunteers as 500,000 book booster in one day
There have been queues of up to five hours outside walk-in vaccination centres, while the NHS website crashed as bookings for booster jabs opened to people aged 30 and over. But the prime minister says more than half a million people still booked appointments on Monday, describing it as an “incredible feat”. He’s now appealing for volunteers to help meet demand, while No 10 says in the next week “hundreds more sites, mobile units and pop-ups will be springing up across the country” – including at football stadiums, shopping centres and racecourses. People aged 18 to 29 will be able to book their booster jabs online from Wednesday. But senior health sources tell us they may not be able to meet a target of offering boosters to all adults by the end of the month.
Javid: Need for international travel minimised
Javid said the justification for having the rules had been “minimised” given the new strain was “fast becoming the dominant variant in our capital city and spreading rapidly throughout the country. This is something that I have already raised with my colleagues in the Department for Transport, and I hope that we can act quickly,” he added.
NEW – Covid pass required to enter nightclubs and large events
Adults in England must now show a Covid pass to enter nightclubs, big sports matches and other large events. The new rules – which kick in today – require proof of double-vaccination, or a recent negative test, to enter certain venues.
MPs approved the measure in Tuesday’s vote on England’s new Covid rules.
The Commons also backed the continuation of mandatory mask-wearing in most indoor settings, and compulsory vaccination for NHS workers in England.
The scrapping of self-isolation for fully vaccinated Covid contacts – in favour of daily lateral flow tests – passed unanimously without a vote.
From today: Booster jab for over 18s
In line with the government’s aim to offer all adults booster jabs before the end of the year, those aged 18 and over can now book their third dose of the Covid vaccine. People are eligible for a booster three months after a second jab, but they can book after two months. So far, more than 24 million booster doses have been administered across the UK, with 513,722 booster and third doses given on Monday.
On Tuesday, the UK recorded 59,610 new Covid cases, the highest number since January, along with 150 deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test.
The UK Health Security Agency said 633 further UK Omicron cases were reported on Tuesday, taking the total number of confirmed cases of the variant to 5,346.
Suspension of the 15-minute wait for vaccination with mRNA vaccine for COVID-19: UK CMOs’ opinion
UK Chief Medical Officers’ and lead Deputy Chief Medical Officers for vaccines’ opinion on the 15-minute wait after vaccination with mRNA vaccine for COVID-19.
Health and Social Care Secretary Oral statement on COVID-19
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, Oral statement to Parliament on COVID-19
All 11 countries on UK red list removed from today
South Africa, and the 10 other southern African countries currently on the UK’s red list, were removed from 4am today, Wednesday (15 December), health secretary Sajid Javid has confirmed.
Chief Medical Officer launches advertising campaign to promote boosters
Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty is calling on the public to get a booster vaccination, in a nationwide advertising campaign launched to further galvanise the booster programme. This comes as a total of 24 million boosters and third doses have now been administered in the UK. 75% of over 50 year-olds across the UK have had their booster or third dose and over 1 million people have booked a booster vaccination appointment since the National Booking Service opened on Monday to people aged over 30 in England. The booking service expanded to all adults in England today.
The COO Imperative: How do you ensure your workplace is still the right place
To retain talent and drive transformation, Chief Operating Officers must build a mutually beneficial relationship with their evolving workforce.
Today’s workers are sending a message to COOs – don’t just give us a job, understand our motives, give us the skills and meet our aspirations.
COOs face intense pressure to reduce costs and increase productivity, while navigating disrupted markets. By meeting the aspirations of your workers and adopting a talent ecosystem approach, you create a winning balance of job satisfaction, productivity and agility. Read more
Defence steps up support to vaccine programme
More than 750 Armed Forces personnel will be administering Covid-19 vaccines and helping with planning to maximise the effectiveness of the booster rollout
Proposal for mandatory COVID certification in a Plan B scenario: call for evidence
The government invites responses to the detail on the proposed certification regime which could be introduced as part of Plan B. This opportunity for engagement will enable the government to take into account relevant comments and views, and make any warranted revisions.
Nationwide passes Bank of England Solvency Stress Test
Yesterday, on December 13, the Bank of England issued the results of its Solvency Stress Test 2021 (SST). The specified hypothetical scenario provided by the Bank of England for SST represented a severe stress in the initial years with a GDP trough 19 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, house price falls of 33 per cent peak-to-trough and a peak unemployment rate of 11.9 per cent. Notwithstanding this, there was a strong economic recovery thereafter with both GDP and HPI, in particular, recovering quickly.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Airport operator calls for government to remove double testing requirements to support aviation sector
Passenger numbers at MAG airports fell by more than a quarter in the two weeks since enhanced testing requirements were reintroduced.
Deadline extended for Cheshire East businesses to apply for Business Interruption Fund grants
The Business Interruption Fund and Recovery and Growth Grant scheme will remain open to applications until February 2022 in light of measures to impede Omicron variant spread.
AstraZeneca gives backing to local food bank
Silklife has seen an 87% increase in the numbers reaching out for support in Macclesfield, with the coronavirus pandemic exacerbating demand.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BREXIT:
If you move goods between Great Britain (GB) and countries in the European Union (EU), you might be affected when full customs controls come into effect on 1??? January??? ?2022.
If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs |
Call HMRC 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 weekends. You can also send us your questions or contact us by webchat. |
The Export Support Service is a new helpline for UK businesses to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. The service is a ‘one-stop shop’ and brings together UK government information, making it easier for exporters to access advice and support. |
HMRC’s YouTube channel has videos and recorded webinars about customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU. |
Watch our Rules of origin recorded webinar to understand the process and what you need to do if you buy from, send or sell goods to the EU. |
Register now for HMRC’s live webinars |
We’ll explain existing guidance and answer general questions about the content. We’re unable to answer questions specific to the items you import or export on the webinars: |
Importing – steps you need to take before making your supplementary declaration – get advice on how 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 – your responsibilities if using an intermediary to complete import or export declarations
Importing food and drink, and animal products from the EU to Great Britain – DEFRA webinars about upcoming changes and how to register and use the import system IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System).
You can also find webinars and videos from other government departments about trading with the EU.
BUSINESS:
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services.
CARE:
COVID-19: provision of night shelters
Operating principles for commissioners and providers of night shelters for people experiencing rough sleeping.
COMMUNITY:
Moving home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for those working within the home buying and selling process and those moving home – updated to reflect Plan B COVID-19 response measures.
Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)
This guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic. Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make one
This page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering.
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 – updated the general list of providers.
COVID-19: arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event
Guidance for arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
For contacts of a person with a positive test result for COVID-19 who do not live with that person – updated with advice for contacts who are not legally required to self-isolate to take 7 LFD tests. Removed legal requirements relating to contacts of someone infected with the Omicron variant
EDUCATION:
Awarding of functional skills in 2021
Details, by awarding organisation, of the different assessment options available for functional skills in 2021 – updated the table, under ‘The options available’, that shows what assessment options each awarding organisation offers.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March 2020 and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020.
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) operational guidance for higher education providers – updated to reflect that daily rapid testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus pandemic
Find out what you’ll need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to maintain provision – updated to reflect that daily rapid testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated to reflect that daily rapid testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Protective measures for providers of community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings offering provision to children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to reflect that daily rapid testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
EMPLOYMENT:
Coming to England for seasonal agricultural work, poultry work or pork processing
Advice for seasonal agricultural workers, seasonal poultry workers and pork butchers coming to England to work on farms or processing sites or at slaughterhouses, and their employers.
EVENTS:
Carrying out mandatory COVID-19 status checks at your venue or event
Guidance for organisations setting out which venues and events must use the NHS COVID Pass, or equivalent proof of vaccination or testing, as a condition of entry, and how to operate the scheme.
Prove your coronavirus (COVID-19) status to work at venues or events operating COVID-19 status checks
Guidance on proving your coronavirus (COVID-19) status if you work at venues or events, and where this is advised.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: stepdown of infection control precautions and discharging patients to home settings
Advice on appropriate infection prevention and control precautions for stepdown in hospital or discharge to home or residential settings for COVID-19 patients.
COVID-19 variants identified in the UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK.
COVID-19 test validation approved products
Find out which COVID-19 test products have been approved – updated “COVID-19 test validation approved products.”
Access Consortium statement on COVID-19 medicines
The medicines regulators from Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (Access Consortium) have discussed the continued need for COVID-19 medicines that are safe, effective and of high quality
Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 3 December 2021
Provisional counts of the number of deaths registered in England and Wales, in the latest weeks for which data are available.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace: Hotels and guest accommodation – Minor amendment to information box, to update information on COVID status checks and add a link to the guidance for organisations.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace: Restaurants, pubs, bars, nightclubs and takeaway services – From 15 December, certain venues and events will be required by law to check the COVID status of customers.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer public places – managing public outdoor settings
Guidance for local authorities, owners and operators to support the safe use and management of outdoor public places while the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains.
SPORT:
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for grassroots sport participants, providers and facility operators
This guidance sets out information for the public and sport providers on how to organise and participate in grassroots sport and physical activity as safely as possible.
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for elite sport This guidance sets out information for elite sport organisations on how to reduce the risk from COVID-19. This includes guidance on domestic and cross-border competitions.
TRAVEL:
Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England
How to use the NHS COVID Pass to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at venues and settings in England – added guidance on new mandatory certification rules on visiting certain venues and events coming into force on Wednesday 15 December if approved by Parliament.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing before you travel to England
You need proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England from abroad. People who arrive in England from Ethiopia after 4am Thursday 16 December will need proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
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 31st 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 24th 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 – 11th 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