UK STATISTICS
There have now been 9.7 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 143,000 people have died, government figures show. More than 50.5 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, nearly 88% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. About 80% have had their second and 24% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 9,721,916 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 46,807 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,174, 260 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 199
Total UK deaths: 143,559
England Cases per 100,000: 410
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,679,073 – 88% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 80%
Daily 1st doses: 33,092
Daily 2nd doses: 22,120
Daily Booster doses: 384,421
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 54,789
New cases in past 7 days: 1,516 to 13 Nov
Total deaths: 888
Cases per 100,000: 392
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:
Government announces rail investment in North but removes HS2 plans for Leeds
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced an integrated rail plan he insists is an “ambitious and unparalleled programme” to overhaul inter-city links across the north and Midlands. The Department for Transport (DfT) said its Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) – revealed in the House of Commons today – will feature £96bn of investment in the Midlands and the North. But the plans, many of which have already been revealed – have already been criticised by business leaders and politicians in the Midlands and the North as they downgrade the earlier HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail high speed plans. The Transport Secretary told the Commons: “This new blueprint delivers three high-speed lines. First, that’s Crewe to Manchester. “Second, Birmingham to the East Midlands with HS2 trains continuing to central Nottingham and central Derby, Chesterfield and Sheffield on an upgraded mainline. And third, a brand new high-speed line from Warrington to Manchester and to the western border of Yorkshire – slashing journey times across the north.”
Losses widen at Jet2 but future bookings look promising
Losses have widened in the interim results for listed travel group Jet2 but bookings for the summer of 2022 are said to be “encouraging”. The company reported a pre-tax loss of £205.8m for the half year ended 30 September 2021, compared to £119.3m in 2020. However, revenue increased to £429.6m from £299.9m the year before. Jet2 said that, while seat capacity for the period increased by 86 per cent to 2.68 million, average load factor fell to 57.3 per cent from 69 per cent. This was put down to reduced load factors to destinations on the government’s Amber list, with customers said to be anxious they could quickly be changed to Red. Fragile consumer confidence also meant that bookings were significantly closer to departure than normal.
Germany in grip of fourth wave
Germany is in the grip of a “dramatic” fourth Covid wave, Chancellor Angela Merkel has said on the eve of a crisis meeting with regional leaders.
Daily infections hit a new German record of 52,826 on Wednesday as European governments responded to a surge on much of the continent.
Belgium announced a series of measures in an attempt to avoid a lockdown.
FOI responses released by MOD: week commencing 15 November 2021
Ministry of Defence (MOD) Freedom of Information (FOI) responses released during the week commencing 15 November 2021.
Key questions – mandatory Covid-19 vaccination, legal pitfalls and employee rights
The Government has announced mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations for frontline NHS staff in England, with a deadline of April 1 for both doses. Care home workers in England have already been told they must be fully vaccinated by the deadline of November 11. It would mean only those who are fully vaccinated, unless medically exempt, could be deployed to deliver health and care services. And those that don’t could be forced to take desk jobs instead. The Government has previously said all staff in registered care homes in England must be vaccinated against Covid-19 from November 11, unless medically exempt. Latest figures from NHS England show that almost a quarter (23.3%) of staff working in younger adult care homes and domiciliary care providers have not been reported as having had both jabs as of October 31. This is a total of 116,871 staff.
Covid case rates in England are now highest among children aged five to nine, latest weekly surveillance figures reveal.
The data, up to 14 November, shows this younger age group has overtaken older, secondary school aged children for the first time. In recent months, the 10 to 19 age group maintained the highest rate of infections per 100,000 tested. It is too soon to say what is behind the change and if it will continue. In recent weeks, children aged 12 and over have started being offered Covid jabs. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) report shows 723 cases recorded per 100,000 among children aged five to nine. That’s up week-on-week from 484.5 per 100,000. The rate for 10 to 19-year-olds is 694.2, up from 571.7.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
UK prices soar at fastest rate for almost ten years
The cost of living has surged at its fastest pace in almost 10 years, hitting 4.2% in the year to October. It is mainly due to higher fuel and energy prices but the cost of second-hand cars and eating out also rose, the Office for National Statistics said.
Inflation is up sharply since Covid restrictions ended this year and the economy reopened. The Bank of England says it may have to raise interest rates in the “coming months” to tackle rising prices. October’s reading is far higher than the 3.1% rise recorded in the year to September and more than double the Bank’s target of 2%. Inflation outstripped forecasts and surged above 4 per cent last month to hit its highest level in almost a decade as spiralling energy prices pushed up the cost of living
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): EU Settlement Scheme – guidance for applicants
Guidance for EUSS applicants in or outside the UK who have been affected by restrictions associated with coronavirus – overview updated as the continuous residence provision has been added to the Immigration Rules.
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.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus – guidance updated to reflect the move from recommending twice-weekly lateral flow testing to a risk-based approach.
How to do a coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow test at home
Find out how to do a rapid lateral flow test for COVID-19 and report the results. Rapid tests are only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Children asked to delay jab until 12 weeks after infection
Healthy children aged 12 to 17 are being advised to wait 12 weeks after a coronavirus infection before having a Covid jab in the UK. Previously the advice was to leave a four-week gap. The UK Health Security Agency said the change was a precaution against the small risk of heart inflammation. UK vaccine advisers recommended a 12-week gap between doses when they gave a green light on Monday for 16 and 17-year-olds to get a second jab. Evidence is emerging that this length of gap may reduce the already low risk of heart inflammation after a vaccine in children whose risk from the virus is also very low.
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.
Coronavirus and behaviour of the vaccinated population after being in contact with a positive case in England: 25 to 30 October 2021
Behaviour of fully vaccinated individuals not required to self-isolate after being in contact with a positive case of COVID-19, from the COVID Test and Trace Contacts Behavioural Insights Survey. Experimental Statistics.
PPE procurement in the early pandemic
Information about the government’s procurement exercise to secure critical personal protective equipment (PPE) during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Guidance for contacts of a person with a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) who do not live with that person.
UKHSA updates clinical guidance on vaccinations for 12 to 17 year olds
Following a review of evidence by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), advice on second doses for young people aged 16 to 17 was issued earlier this week.
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people
Information for eligible children and young people on COVID-19 vaccination – updated COVID-19 vaccination: a guide for eligible children and young people aged 16 to 17 and information for children and young people on what to expect after COVID-19 vaccination.
Vaccination status of deaths and hospitalisations
Information on the vaccination status of COVID-19 deaths and hospitalisations
PROPERTY:
Market to get tougher despite upbeat house price increases
The prospect of higher mortgage interest rates mean the housing market may get tougher soon despite another set of upbeat house price figures. The average house price has hit a record £270,000 after surging by £28,000 over the past year, figures from the Office for National Statistics show. Across the UK, prices rose 11.8 per cent over the year to September, accelerating from 10.2 annual growth in August.
Miles Robinson of mortgage broker Trussle has responded by saying: “The Stamp Duty Holiday incentivised buyers to accelerate their moving plans in order to save up to £15,000 in costs. As such, house price growth leading up to September was incredibly strong.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus.
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