UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 5,281,098 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 48,553 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 3,786 (582 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 63
Total UK deaths: 128,593
England Cases per 100,000: 350.3 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.1 to 1.3
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 46,097,464 up to and including 14 July 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 35,341,428
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 26,249
New cases in past 7 days: 1,172 to 12 July
Total deaths: 809
Cases per 100,000: 305.1 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.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
1000 jobs at risk at John Lewis
About 1,000 jobs are at risk at the John Lewis Partnership after the retail business unveiled plans to simplify its management structures in Waitrose and John Lewis. The retail giant, which earlier this year announced plans to close eight of its John Lewis 42 shops, said by reducing the number of layers between its most senior leaders and non-management partners, it would empower front line team members “to deliver what’s best for our customers”. Within Waitrose, many of the managerial posts lost will be replaced by non-management partners. A five-year partnership plan is already in place which requires the business to reduce costs by £300m per year by 2022 to enable investment in the business.
The Balearic Islands will join the list froIKm 04:00 BST on Monday, 15 days after they were moved to the green watchlist. The Scottish and Welsh governments said they will do the same, and Northern Ireland is expected to follow suit. From Monday, only people aged over 18 who are not fully vaccinated will still have to quarantine on returning from an amber list country.
UK job vacancies climb past pre-pandemic levels
The number of job vacancies in the UK surpassed pre-pandemic levels in the three months to June, according to new data. The Office for National Statistics said there were 862,000 jobs on offer between April and June, 77,500 higher than the first three months of 2020. The rise was driven by vacancies in hospitality and retailing.
The number of people on payrolls also grew in June, showing the biggest rise since the start of the pandemic. It increased by 356,000 in June to 28.9 million.
There was a sharp increase in payrolls in both the food and accommodation sectors as more people returned to work, following a further easing of Covid restrictions in England during May that allowed the hospitality industry to reopen.
Traffic light system update for 19 July 2021
Changes to the international travel red, amber and green lists coming into force at 4am on Monday 19 July.
Red, amber and green list rules for entering England
Countries rated as red, amber or green for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the rules you must follow to enter England. Bulgaria and Hong Kong will move to the green list plus Croatia and Taiwan will move to the green watchlist 4am, Monday 19 July. Balearic Islands and British Virgin Islands will move from green to amber list. Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sierra Leone will move from amber to red list.
BBC: How five countries fared after easing Covid restrictions
Israel – by mid-June half the population had been jabbed, all restrictions lifted. Delta variant drove daily cases to 754 this week, serious cases remain low. Wearing of face masks is being reinstated and people arriving in Israel must quarantine.
The Netherlands – reopened in late June since when cases have soared but not led to a rise in hospital admissions. Restrictions have been reimposed, 3 weeks after being lifted and will remain in place until 13th August.
South Korea – Reopened in June; experts claim it dropped ist guard too soon with the majority being unvaccinated. Tighetr restrictions now in force
Sweden – relied mainly on voluntary restrictions with some curbs in place but largely loosened. Cases have fallen since the spring due to rising vaccinations and the weather so more people have been socialising outdoors. Travellers are tested on arrival
Australia – For the past year, restrictions have been largely lifted, no face masks and few cases. In the case of an outbreak, local lockdowns were quickly implemented. Perth shut down for 5 days after finding just a single case. Outbreak of Delta variant in Sydney has forced the city into lockdown until at least the end of July. More than 90% of the population remain unvaccinated, largely due to a lack of supplies, especially the Pfizer vaccine.
Overall, it appears the Delta variant is causing a rise in cases globally but, where a high percentage of the populatuion has been vaccinated, severe cases requiring hospital admissions remains low
Other news headlines from the BBC:
500,000 NHS Covid App pings in one week
Sainsburys & Tesco to encourage mask wearing
UK job vacancies climb past pre-pandemic levels
Nissan: 10% of workforce told to self-isolate
Visitors travelling into Wales must wear masks
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Net Zero North West report highlights £207 billion green investments in region
A prospectus published by Net Zero North West, an industry-led organisation guiding the region towards reducing CO2 emissions, has highlighted green investments into projects in the North West worth £207 billion. The report, produced by Siemens UK analysts, highlights 18 investment cases for projects in the region that demonstrate the North West’s capabilities for spearheading a ‘green industrial revolution.’ Plans aim to allow the North West to be the first UK region to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Projects including a net-zero industrial cluster, and clean energy projects providing tidal power, Liguid-Air Energy Storage and hydrogen production and storage facilities, could also support over 600,000 jobs and add £285 billion to the UK economy.
North West sees rising demand for debt finance
Demand for finance in the North West is strong, reports the British Business Bank, as small businesses continue to ride out pandemic uncertainty and eye future growth.
Council urges residents and businesses to remain cautious after relaxation of restrictions
Delta variant cases are continuing to rise across Cheshire East, recording 305 cases per 100,000 in the latest week 4 July to 10 July.
Face masks to remain mandatory on Metrolink across Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester’s Mayor, Andy Burnham, has announced that face coverings will remain mandatory on the city-region’s Metrolink trams after legal restrictions are lifted on 19th July. Mr Burnham joins other metro-mayors nationwide in retaining mask mandates on city-run public transport.
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 – updated the general list of providers.
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.
CONSTRUCTION:
CLC urges face masks to be worn in canteens and site offices
The Construction Leadership Council is calling on contractors to adopt a consistent approach across the industry in the relaxation of social distancing and wearing face masks. Industry leaders are urging contractors to continue to supply and expect workers to wear face masks in enclosed spaces like welfare facilities, site offices and meeting rooms when people mix with others they don’t normally meet. The official Government position remain that face coverings ‘should’ be worn in crowded and enclosed spaces, such as public transport, when people mix with strangers, but it is not mandatory.
HGV driver shortage hitting construction supply chainBuilders’ merchants are warning that a lack of HGV drivers is hitting construction suppliers and lengthening lead times on site. Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) members are reporting widespread disruption and delays because of a shortfall in drivers able to transport goods across the country. Companies are recruiting and retraining existing staff into driving roles – but are reporting difficulties sourcing new drivers as well as struggling to secure agency cover due to demand. Limited slots are also preventing staff from taking HGV driving tests.
EDUCATION:
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19
Information for parents and carers about attending schools, nurseries and colleges in 2021 – “From 19 July, the government is removing the requirement to wear face coverings in law but expects and recommends that they are worn in enclosed and crowded spaces where you may come into contact with people you don’t normally meet. This includes public transport and dedicated transport to school or college.”
Use of PPE in education, childcare and children’s social care
When to use PPE, including for aerosol generating procedures (AGPs), in education, childcare and children’s social care settings for COVID-19.
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) operational guidance for higher education providers.
EVENTS:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations: guidance from Step 4
Guidance for couples planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England, and venues hosting these events.
Information on the Events Research Programme
Information for attendees and those hosting the Event Research Programme (ERP) pilot events.
Risk management template for event organisers
A resource to help event organisers to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in event settings.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
More than two in three adults receive both doses of vaccine
More than 35 million have now received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine – hitting the Prime Minister’s target almost a week early. Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England): 1 July to 7 July 2021
Experimental statistics on NHS Test and Trace since its launch on 28 May 2020. Includes reports on NHS Test and Trace (people tested and contact tracing) and rapid (lateral flow device) testing for people without symptoms.
Alcoholic liver deaths increased by 21% during year of the pandemic
Increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic, particularly amongst heavy drinkers, is likely driving an unprecedented acceleration in alcoholic liver disease deaths.
Wider impacts of COVID-19 on health monitoring tool
National monitoring tool that brings together metrics to assess the wider impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on health – monthly update to tool (release 35). The indicator update table has now moved to an Excel format within the tool.
Alcohol consumption and harm during the COVID-19 pandemic
A report collating data on alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm in England during the COVID-19 pandemic and comparing it to data from previous years.
LEGAL:
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating – change registration time from 15 weeks to 20 weeks
PROPERTY:
Housing market still hot despite end to Stamp Duty holiday
The housing market across the country shows little or no sign of cooling despite the end of the main stamp duty holiday period. The latest house price index from property website Home shows houses and apartments for sale spending even less time on the market and prices continue their upward march overall, despite a lacklustre London market. The total stock of property for sale continues to dwindle and the supply of property entering the market remains extremely low outside of London.
SCIENCE:
Coronavirus England briefing, 15 July 2021
Latest epidemiological data used by the government to brief MPs on the roadmap out of lockdown and to inform local and national decision-making in response to COVID-19 outbreaks.
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 – updated to remove Stage 5, which has been replaced with the guidance for events and attractions.
TRANSPORT:
Transport to schools and colleges during the COVID-19 pandemic
What those responsible for transport to schools and colleges will need to do during the COVID-19 pandemic – clarified that from 19 July, the government is removing the requirement to wear face coverings in law but expects and recommends that they are worn in enclosed and crowded spaces where you may come into contact with people you don’t normally meet. This includes public transport and dedicated transport to school or college.
TRAVEL:
Quarantine and testing if you’ve been in an amber list country
What to do before and after you arrive in England if you’ve been in an amber list country in the 10 days before you arrive – update to ‘Changes to international travel rules for amber list countries’.
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 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
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.
Small businesses received £21.3 billion in COVID-19 support from local authority grants 
Two year extension announced for Covid Recovery Loan scheme 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market