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26th May – Coronavirus News Updates

CORONAVIRUS LATEST NEWS UPDATES

UK DATA:

Total UK Cases: 4,467,310 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,493 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 916 (123 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 15
Total UK deaths: 127,739
England Cases per 100,000: 22.5 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.1

Vaccine data:

Total 1st doses given: 38,192,417 up to and including 24 May 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 23,228,511

Latest Cheshire East data:

Total Cheshire East cases: 21,139
New cases in past 7 days: 60 to 20 May
Total deaths: 800
Cases per 100,000: 15.6 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.9 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.

Revision to historical case data in England
The introduction of a new system disrupted the removal of cases where a positive rapid lateral flow test (LFD) was followed by all negative laboratory (PCR) tests taken within 3 days. Therefore 4,776 additional cases have been removed today (19 May). Regions and local authorities do not show the actual number of new cases reported. UK and England numbers of newly reported cases have been adjusted and correctly reflect new cases reported. 

Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus

COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated with latest global case numbers.

Roadmap out of lockdown.

UK NEWS & HEADLINES:

Thousands of UK jobs on the horizon as government invests £166m into green tech
The government has today announced that it is investing more than £166m into green technology that it says will create thousands of jobs.
The £166.5m funding package will be awarded to businesses and innovators across the UK, developing technologies in climate control and polluting sector decarbonisation. More than a third of the funding – £60m – will go towards the development of low carbon hydrogen in the UK, and to identifying and scaling up more efficient solutions for producing clean hydrogen from water.
This portion of the funding is expected to create around 8,000 hydrogen jobs. Greenhouse gas removal methods will also be tackled by the funding package, with £37.5m going towards new designs and projects.

Over 60 million vaccine doses administered in the UK
Health services across the UK have now administered a total of around 60.6 million vaccines since 8 December, including around 37.9 million people with their first dose (72%) and 22.6 million with both doses (43%), ensuring they have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19 from a second dose. This comes as new real-world data shows the vaccines are reducing hospitalisations and deaths, saving more than 13,000 lives and preventing 39,100 hospitalisations in England by 9 May. The government met its target of offering a vaccine to the most vulnerable by 15 April and remains on track to offer a first dose to all adults by the end of July. NHS England are sending texts inviting people to book a vaccination to those aged 32 and 33.

Vaccine status drives over one million new users to the NHS app
Over 1.3 million new people have registered to use the NHS App since the addition of COVID-19 vaccine status was announced on 7 May. The app allows easy access to coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status for travel and wider NHS services. Over 11,000 people have registered their preference for organ donation via the app in 4 days, 10 times more than average for that time. 90,000 people have ordered repeat prescriptions, saving clinicians and patients, valuable time. The app, which now has over 4.8 million registered users, is one of the first internationally compliant systems in the world to demonstrate vaccine status. The COVID-19 vaccine status service allows users easily to show their proof of vaccine, if required for international travel, and has been designed in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) interim guidance. As well as accessing COVID-19 vaccine status, people can use a wide range of personalised services, including GP appointment booking, ordering repeat prescriptions, and viewing GP and hospital records.

Vaccines highly effective against B.1.617.2 variant after 2 doses
A new study by PHE shows for the first time that 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against the B.1.617.2 variant first identified in India.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 88% effective against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 variant 2 weeks after the second dose, compared to 93% effectiveness against the B.1.1.7 variant. 2 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were 60% effective against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 variant compared to 66% effectiveness against the B.1.1.7 variant. both vaccines were 33% effective against symptomatic disease from B.1.617.2, 3 weeks after the first dose compared to around 50% effectiveness against the B.1.1.7 variant  

Saturday Economist: Shoppers are back and driving recovery
Retail sales jumped by over 9% in April as masked shoppers returned to the high street. Sales were up 40% compared to April last year. Sales were up by 12% compared to pre-pandemic levels in the months of 2019.
Clothing stores were major beneficiaries. Sales volumes increased by 70% compared to prior month. Household goods sales jumped 10%. Furniture sales leapt by 30% as showrooms reopened. Electricals were up by 29%. Sales of cosmetics were up by 25%.  DIY and garden centre sales were down. Shoppers had other things on their mind as the high street moved back into business.
Salvation for the high street? More of a respite perhaps. Online sales increased by 32% year on year. Clothing sales were up by over 80% year on year. Household goods sales were up by almost 30%. As a proportion of all retail sales, online slipped to 30% of all retail. This was in line with our 30% forecast for the second quarter, as more options open for retail traffic.

Testing and sequencing of sewage ramped up to help tackle COVID-19 outbreaksThe innovative programme to test wastewater for traces of coronavirus (COVID-19) has ramped up sequencing capacity to support variant detection.

Self-isolation buddy support high Covid infection areas
“Buddying” services for people needing mental health support, alternative accommodation for those in overcrowded homes and translation services are some of the things being offered to help people self-isolate in a new pilot.Nine areas in England with higher coronavirus infection rates will be offered the additional help in a bid to bolster testing and self-isolation, if needed. No further financial support will be available to people who need to self-isolate in those areas – which includes most of north-west England, Newham and Hackney in London, Yorkshire and Humber and Somerset – however those areas will receive a share of £12m.
Government launches new pilots to further support people to self-isolate

Step 3 COVID-19 restrictions posters: 17 May 2021
A poster displaying information about COVID-19 restrictions in England from 17 May.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES: 

Increased Covid-19 cases in Handforth
Cheshire East Council is aware of an increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Handforth area. This is a contained outbreak and local health authorities are carrying out additional testing in the area.

Latest milestone reached for Poynton Relief Road
The first precast concrete beams of a road bridge over Chester Road are now in place as work progresses on the £53 million Poynton Relief Road.

World-first COVID-19 vaccine booster study launches in Stockport
Volunteers from Stockport will soon be able to receive a third ‘booster’ COVID-19 vaccine through a new clinical trial launching this week, the Health Secretary has announced. The Cov-Boost study, backed by £19.3 millions of government funding through the Vaccines Taskforce, will be run at Stepping Hill Hospital and is being led by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.  It will be the first in the world to provide vital data on the impact of a third dose on patients’ immune responses.  It will give scientists from around the world and the experts behind the UK’s COVID-19 vaccination programme a better idea of how effective a booster of each vaccine is in protecting the individual from the virus.

BUSINESS:    

Understanding the business impacts of local and national restrictions: May 2021
Experimental estimates from the voluntary fortnightly business survey (BICS), for single site businesses only, on topics such as trading status, financial performance, workforce and business resilience. Geographical breakdowns include country, regional and local authority levels.

COMMUNITY:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care
Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak.  

How to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Advice for everyone to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to include information on reducing the risk when meeting friends and family.   

COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
Guidance to provide advice on how places of worship can open, for limited permitted activities, in a manner that is safe and in line with national lockdown restrictions.  

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.   

CONSTRUCTION:

Helical predicts ‘hotelification’ of office market post-CovidGerald Kaye, chief executive of Helical said the office sector was on the cusp of considerable change. Helical has identified four key drivers that will shape the use of offices going forward. He said property investors like BlackRock had already remarked on a tectonic shift in the reallocation of investment to sustainable assets which Kaye said would drive future new building and refurbishment activity.

Kaye said: “Tenants will want to occupy the most sustainable and environmentally favourable buildings to achieve both their own net zero carbon targets and those of their stakeholders.

“For the same reasons, investors will actively seek to acquire these buildings. We believe there will be a “green” rental and yield premium for the most sustainable assets.”

EDUCATION:    

Special schools and other specialist settings: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We have converted the guidance to HTML to make it easier to read. We have not changed any of the guidance from the update on 10 May.  

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We have converted the guidance to HTML and moved some of the paragraphs within the attendance section around to make it easier to read. We have not changed any of the guidance from the update on 10 May.

Student guide to awarding: summer 2021
A guide for students on how GCSEs, A levels, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2021.

HEALTH & WELLBEING:

COVID-19: impact on vaccination programmes
Reports assessing the impact of COVID-19-related physical distancing measures on delivery of childhood vaccination programmes in England.

HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:

Cine group ready for recovery following “strong” UK opening weekend
Cinema giant Cineworld is optimistic about its recovery following COVID-19 after a “strong” opening weekend. The group has reported that its opening weekend in the UK went “beyond expectations”, led by the release of Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway and strong concession income. The brand, which closed its UK cinema network during the pandemic, hopes that the strong performance continues – with customers returning to the big screen as restrictions continue to ease. Mooky Greidinger, Cineworld CEO, commented: “We are thrilled to have our cinemas back in business in the…UK and to welcome movie fans back to the big screen for an exciting and full slate of films. We are especially pleased with the warm welcome our employees have received, and the positive feedback from returning guests. 

COVID-19: guidance for food businesses
Advice for food businesses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK – added text confirming that guidelines including social distancing requirements are still in place after 17 May.

LOCAL AUTHORITY:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): local death management
Statutory guidance for local authorities in England on Schedule 28 to the Coronavirus Act, which provides powers to support local and national death management.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children.

PROPERTY:  

Record number of homes sell above asking price
An all-time record high of one in three properties sold for more than the original asking price last month. This is according to the latest market snapshot from NAEA Propertymark, released this morning. The exact proportion – 32 per cent – is twice that proportion recorded a month earlier and is the highest figure on record for the organisation, beating the previous all-time high of 19 per cent back in May 2014.
The Propertymark stats also suggest that the average number of house hunters registered per estate agency branch was 427 in April, an increase from 409 in March – and the highest figure for the month of April since 2004. 

Possession cases fallen during pandemic
Official figures show that far from seeing a rise during the pandemic, there has been what the government calls “a massive drop” in possession cases in recent months. Lord Stephen Greenhalgh – a minister of state at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – has told a House of Lords debate on the sector that those groups claiming there would be a surge in cases and evictions, and a build-up in the courts because of Coronavirus restrictions, the reverse appeared to be the case. 

‘Transform home buying for good’ – goal of new strategic partnership
Digital marketing agency Angels Media and digital platform Gazeal have announced an exclusive strategic partnership to help improve and speed up the homebuying and selling process. Angels Media – publisher of Estate Agent Today and owner of PropTech platform The ValPal Network – has endorsed Gazeal as the best way of driving the market to change for good, by helping to increase the use of upfront information and reservation agreements.

Protecting the homeless and the private rented sector: government response to the Select Committee report
Government response to the HCLG Select Committee’s report on Government’s actions to support the homeless and private rented sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RETAIL:

Mothercare reveals predictions for 2021 profit despite 40% sales dip
A parenting retail brand has predicted that it will see a profit in 2021 despite a 40 per cent sales decrease. Mothercare, which has more than a thousand franchisees, saw retail sales dip to £326m, down by £216m from the previous year’s results. It said that as well as the closure of stores, sales were impacted by restrictions on its manufacturing partners. However, the company’s debt has reduced to £12.1m, and it is now expecting to report an EBITDA profit for the year.

Deadline looms for acquisition of Arcadia Group brand assets
Firms interested in acquiring the intellectual property assets of a major fashion empire have just 48 hours to make their offers.
Companies interested in acquiring the assets will need to register their interest by the deadline of 4pm on May 26. The Arcadia Group was the parent company of brands such as Outfit, Burton, British Home Stores (BHS), Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Topman, Topshop, Wallis and Warehouse. The offerings are the latest in a series of asset sales relating to Arcadia by Hilco Valuation Services, the European arm of Hilco Global, a global specialist in asset valuation, monetisation and advisory solutions.

TRANSPORT:

Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU – the haulier advice and information site at Watford Gap southbound has closed.

TRAVEL:    

Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status when travelling abroad
How to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status to show that you have had a full course (2 doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine and access this status when travelling abroad – added link to easy-read version of the COVID-19 post-vaccination confirmation letter.

What are the rules for travelling abroad?
The government’s traffic light system is designed to protect people traveling abroad and to protect the UK residents from visitors traveling into the UK and is advising people not to travel abroad unless their destinations are included in the ‘green’ list. Holidaymakers need to check whether their holiday destination is admitting tourists. The government says this is the responsibility of travellers.

For example:

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 (no earlier than 21 June):

  • 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

Media and Marketing:

Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries

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.

Souter PR Wilmslow
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