
UK STATISTICS
There have been more than 10 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly nearly 145,000 people have died, government figures show. Nearly 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 31% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 10,228,772 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 39,716 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,631, 221 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 159
Total UK deaths: 144,969
England Cases per 100,000: 447
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,963,718 – 89% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 81%
Daily 1st doses: 22,391
Daily 2nd doses: 26,092
Daily Booster doses: 318,671
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 57,412
New cases in past 7 days: 1,503 to 25 Nov
Total deaths: 904
Cases per 100,000: 388.7
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:
Face coverings to become mandatory in shops and on public transport
From 4am tomorrow, Tuesday 30 November, face coverings will be compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport.
Government takes decisive action against new COVID-19 variant
From Tuesday 30 November, face coverings will be mandatory in shops and on public transport and all travellers returning to the UK will require PCR testing. From 4am Tuesday 30 November face coverings will be compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport unless individuals are exempt from doing so. All travellers arriving to the country from 4am on Tuesday 30 November will be required to take a PCR test on or before day 2 and self isolate until they have received a negative test result. These PCR tests can be purchased from private providers. Free NHS tests are not valid for this purpose. Under the UK presidency an urgent meeting of G7 health ministers will also be convened on Monday 29 November to discuss the developments on Omicron. This update adds to the measures rapidly implemented earlier this week to prevent the spread of the new variant including travel restrictions and meaning all close contacts of anyone who has tested positive for the Omicron variant are required to isolate for 10 days regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.
England’s Covid rules strengthened amid concern over the Omicron variant.
What are the new measures?
- From Tuesday, face coverings will once again be compulsory in shops and on public transport
- All contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be required to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of a person’s vaccination status
- From 04:00 GMT on Tuesday, anyone entering the UK will require a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival and will need to self-isolate until they have a negative result
- Pupils at secondary schools are being “strongly advised” to wear face coverings in communal areas. The guidance also applies to staff and visitors at all schools and childcare settings.
- The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – the UK’s vaccine advisory body – is to announce whether the booster vaccines should be rolled out “to as wide as group as possible”, and whether to reduce the time between the second dose and booster
- The PM said the new rules were temporary and would be reviewed after three weeks.
TSB closing 70 branches affecting 150 jobs
TSB has confirmed plans to close 70 branches across the UK next year in a move which will affect 150 jobs. It said the closures are in response to falling branch use and an increase in customers using digital services. They will take place between April and June 2022. Affected staff are to be offered alternative roles at the company. The bank closed 164branches last year
UK Inflation: Rising costs could push family spending up £1,700 per year
A typical UK family will spend £1,700 more per year on household costs in 2022, according to a forecast for BBC Panorama. The analysis, conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), projected the inflation rate would rise to 4.6% by Christmas. This rise is mainly due to higher fuel and energy prices.
Analysts say the full extent of rising costs is not yet being passed on to customers by supermarkets. They say supermarkets are trying to keep prices constant over the festive period, even if this means absorbing some of the costs, because they don’t want to risk losing customers at their busiest time of the year. Compared with December 2020, the typical UK family of two adults and two children is predicted to spend £33.60 more per week, due to inflation, adding up to £1,700 per year.
All adults to be offered COVID-19 boosters by end of January
Almost 7 million extra over 40s now eligible for booster programme in England as gap between doses is halved
PM urges best defence against omicron is vaccination and boosters
“Right now, our single best defence against Omicron, is to get vaccinated and get boosted.” In addition to offering a second dose to all 12 to 15 year olds, boosters will be offered to everyone over 18; the minimum gap between a second dose and a booster has been halved from six months to three months – over 14 million more adults will be offered a booster in England by the end of January. The NHS will contact people in turn, moving down the cohorts with more than 1,500 community pharmacy sites vaccinating people. At least 400 military personnel will assist the efforts of our NHS alongside volunteers.
Health and Social Care Secretary statement 30 November
The government held a COVID-19 press conference, during which the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care delivered a statement on booster rollout.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Council leaders urge residents to ‘do the right thing’ with new Covid threat
Cheshire East Council leaders are asking residents to do the right thing and keep Covid safe with the threat of the new Omicron variant of concern.
Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “Getting vaccinated is the very best thing any of us can do to protect ourselves against Covid-19 and to boost our own natural defences against this new variant.
“Early indications suggest this variant may be more transmissible than the Delta variant and if for whatever reason you have not had your first, second or booster jab yet, then please get yourself booked in without delay.
“It’s also critical that anyone with Covid-19 symptoms, however slight, self-isolates and gets a PCR test immediately.”
First 100 businesses benefit from Digital Cheshire programme
Focusing on themes including, digital marketing, data protection, SEO and digital accountancy, the programme helps businesses make the most of the ‘digital revolution’.
Macclesfield logistics firm gives boost to HGV driver recruitment efforts
Kinaxia Logistics hope to address driver shortages by attracting new entrants to the sector and offering its own warehousing team the chance to switch careers.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS & ECONOMY:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace – shops, branches, and close contact services – Information added on new measures introduced in response to the Omicron variant. See ‘What’s changed’ for details.
Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Return to your claim for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
You can no longer update your bank details in the online service.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: booster dose resources
Information on the booster dose for eligible individuals – added COVID-19 vaccination: a guide to booster vaccination for individuals aged 18 years and over.
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 – information box added on new measures (face coverings, self-isolation and testing after international travel) because of the Omicron variant. Face coverings are legally required indoors in shops, personal care services and public transport in England, from 4am Tuesday 30 November. Further information on these measures will be added shortly.
Moving home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for those working within the home buying and selling process and those moving home – updated to reflect new rules in response to Omicron variant.
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.
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.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) workforce fund for colleges
Funding to support colleges and special post-16 institutions with the costs of staff absences from 22 November to 31 December 2021 – updated guidance following the reintroduction of the COVID-19 workforce fund for colleges.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) workforce fund for schools
Funding to support schools facing significant staff absences and financial pressures with the costs of staff cover for the period from 22 November to 31 December 2021 – updated guidance following the re-introduction of the coronavirus (COVID-19) workforce fund.
Initial teacher training (ITT): criteria and supporting advice
Mandatory guidance on the criteria that organisations must meet to provide initial teacher training (ITT) until 31 August 2024.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 variants identified in the UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK.
COVID-19: guidance for ambulance services
This guidance is for ambulance sector settings to use in preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other seasonal respiratory infections during winter 2021 to 2022 – title updated to reflect IPC advice for seasonal respiratory infections including COVID-19.
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19 – updated guidance for people identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Includes updated advice on PCR testing.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID-19 business grant funding schemes: guidance for local authorities
Guidance for local authorities on paying grants to support businesses during national lockdown periods and periods of local restrictions – published guidance on assurance and debt recovery, returning reclaimed grants and referring outstanding debts to the government.
MANUFACTURING:
Unclear outlook for Hornby as Christmas looms
Model railway company Hornby believes it is “as well placed as we can be” but admits that it is “hard to tell” what the outcome will be for its full-year results.
The company was looking ahead on the back of reporting its half-year results, with revenue for the six months to 30 September 2021 up from £21.1m to £21.8m. However, it slipped from a statutory pre-tax profit of £17,000 to a loss of £700,000. Hornby noted that it had been a challenging time, with Covid-19’s economic fallout impacting its supply chain costs. It also experienced delays and difficulties in shipments to the EU during Q1. While it stabilised as systems and processes improved, the model railway specialist is anticipating challenges ahead, albeit “nothing like we experienced in the first months of this year”.
PROPERTY:
Understanding the possession action process: guidance for landlords and tenants
Guidance for landlords and tenants in the private and social rented sectors to explain the possession action process in the county courts in England and Wales – updated to reflect changes to the court process for possession introduced by the judiciary relating to COVID-19 case marking, review appointments and priority cases.
RETAIL:
Downing Street hosts Christmas Market to boost F&D sectors
The UK Prime Minister has hosted a festive food and drink market at Downing Street today to showcase British businesses. He was joined by Cabinet Ministers including, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, Food and Agriculture Secretary George Eustice, Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan as well as Minister for Exports Mike Freer to support businesses who are seizing opportunities for growth by exporting their goods internationally. Twelve businesses held market stalls in Downing Street to showcase their products including Snowdonia Cheese, a Welsh cheese company; Tayto, a Northern Irish snack company; Loch Fyne Oysters, a Scottish seafood company; and Montezuma’s, an English chocolate company. Those invited to the event also include the co-founder of Fever-Tree Drinks, the soft drinks company established in 2004. The firm now exports to over 80 countries worldwide and selling more than 500 million bottles in 2020.
SPORT & LEISURE:
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 – information box added on new measures (face coverings, self-isolation and testing after international travel) because of the Omicron variant. Face coverings are legally required indoors in shops, personal care services and public transport in England, from 4am Tuesday 30 November. Further information on these measures will be added shortly.
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.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and developing faster indicators of transport activity
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.
TRAVEL:
Omicron: What are the new Covid rules for travelling to the UK?
New rules around international travel follows concerns about the newly identified Omicron variant of Covid, which has also led to quarantine being reintroduced for travellers from some African countries.
- Every traveller entering the UK now needs to take a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival
- If you are entering the UK from a foreign country (apart from Ireland), you have two days to take a PCR test – a lateral flow test will no longer be accepted
- The PCR test must be booked before you travel and bought privately from a government-approved list of providers. Free NHS tests are not valid for this purpose
- While you are waiting for a result, you must self-isolate – whether or not you have been vaccinated. You can stop self-isolating if your test is negative.
- Ten southern African countries have been added to the UK’s travel red list, because of fears about Omicron
- These are South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini Angola, Namibia, Mozambique and Zambia.
- The only people allowed to enter the UK from these countries are UK or Irish nations, or UK residents.
- All contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be required to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of a person’s vaccination status
- They will have to pay for and self-isolate in a pre-booked government-approved hotel for 10 days
- Rates are:
- 10 days (11-nights) for one adult – £2,285
- Additional adult (or child over 11) – £1,430
- Children aged five to 11 – £325
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