
UK STATISTICS
There have been more than 10 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 145,000 people have died, government figures show. More than 51 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 89% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 81% have had their second and 33% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 10,329,074 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 53,945 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,644, 221 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 141
Total UK deaths: 145,281
England Cases per 100,000: 438.3
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,020,285 – 89% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 81%
Daily 1st doses: 26,028
Daily 2nd doses: 32,356
Daily Booster doses: 407,851
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 57,939
New cases in past 7 days: 1,491 to 27 Nov
Total deaths: 905
Cases per 100,000: 385.6
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 202
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 26 November 2021.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Government to buy 114 million additional vaccine doses for 2022 / 2023
The government has signed new contracts to secure the supply of our vaccine stock to future proof the country’s vaccine programme. The new contracts with Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna were accelerated in as part of the ongoing efforts to ensure the government is doing everything it can while scientists across the world learn more about Omicron. These future supply deals include access to modified vaccines if they are needed to combat Omicron and future Variants of Concern, to prepare for all eventualities. The agreements will see the government procure a total of 114 million additional doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for 2022 and 2023. This is in addition to the 35 million additional doses of Pfizer/BioNTech ordered in August for delivery in the second half of next year, and the 60 million Novavax and 7.5 million GSK/Sanofi doses expected in 2022.
Pfizer: Annual jabs for years to come
BBC: Annual Covid vaccinations are likely to be needed for many years to come, according to Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla. He thinks this is needed to maintain a “very high level of protection” and says the jabs had helped save millions of lives during the pandemic. Mr Bourla was speaking to the BBC one year on since the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved in the UK. The UK has since signed contracts to buy 114 million additional Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna doses for 2022 and 2023.
Scientists uncover trigger for rare blood clots in AZ vaccine
Scientists believe they have found “the trigger” that leads to extremely rare blood clots after the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine.
The team – in Cardiff and the US – have shown in exquisite detail how a protein in the blood is attracted to a key component of the vaccine. They think this kicks off a chain reaction, involving the immune system, that can culminate in dangerous clots.
The vaccine is thought to have saved about a million lives from Covid.
However, concerns about rare blood clots shaped how the vaccine has been used around the world including an alternative being offered to the under-40s in the UK.
These clots, known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, have been linked to 73 deaths out of nearly 50 million doses of AstraZeneca given in the UK.
£500m of new investments from life science sector announced
The Prime Minister welcomes nearly £500m of new investment from the Biopharmaceutical sector today. The investment aims to create at least 420 high-skilled jobs and drive economic prosperity across the UK. Also, the Prime Minister will today convene the Biopharmaceutical CEO Roundtable of global industry leaders – including AstraZeneca, GSK and Pfizer. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“With scientists around the world working tirelessly to learn more about the Omicron variant, we have never been more indebted to the extraordinary power of Life Sciences. Today I am bringing global industry leaders together to discuss our renewed efforts against Covid-19, while ensuring we are better equipped to tackle future healthcare challenges.
“As we press ahead with our goal to become a science superpower, the new investments made today will help us forge life-changing breakthroughs against other diseases, such as cancer and dementia, while creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs across the country.”
UK marks one year since approving COVID-19 vaccine with Boost Day
The UK is marking one year since it became the first country in the world to approve Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine with a “Boost Day” call. The one-off event to mark the milestone will see a series of adverts on major TV and radio stations. Partnerships with leading brands, including Uber, Red Driving School and Neighbourhood Watch, will encourage eligible people to get their top-up jabs to protect themselves and their loved ones ahead of Christmas, including through support for boosters on social media.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Cheshire and Merseyside public health leads issue joint statement on Omicron variant
Directors of Public Health from across Cheshire and Merseyside’s nine local council areas have issued a joint statement to advise businesses and local residents on what the Omicron Covid-19 variant may mean for them.
MAG to host virtual ‘Runway to Recovery’ event for SMEs local to its airports
SMEs can learn more about how they could become a supplier to the UK’s largest group of airports at a ‘Runway to Recovery’ virtual event for businesses local to its three airports: Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands.
Aer Lingus takes off on first direct flight Manchester to New York
Irish airline, Aer Lingus, has celebrated the launch of its first direct flight from Manchester to New York JFK Airport as the airline expands its direct transatlantic services from the UK. Aer Lingus will launch a second direct route to the USA from Manchester, with its inaugural Orlando flight taking off for Florida on 11th December. The two new routes form part of an ambitious plan for the airline to expand its schedule in 2022, with the airline having launched its first direct transatlantic link from a UK airport earlier this year.

Small Business Saturday takes place on 4th December – Find out all the ways you can get involved on Small Business Saturday website. This year HubSpot are supporting Small Business Saturday – to aid in helping as many businesses as possible to achieve their dreams and accelerate businesses growth. To do this, they have created a one-stop shop for everything small businesses to get your business online. In Essential Resources to Digitalise your Business, you can access 15+ resources to aid in growing your marketing, sales and customer service efforts, all for free.
Are you a big business and interested in supporting Small Business Saturday? If so, please do get in touch.
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.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is required to self-isolate. This includes being contacted by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolation rules and financial support – updated with guidance on Omicron variant.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for pregnant employees
Advice for pregnant employees on risk assessments in the workplace and occupational health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated to reflect changes around face covering guidance.
CARE:
COVID-19: stepdown of infection control precautions and discharging patients to home settings
Advice on appropriate infection prevention and control precautions for stepdown in hospital or discharge to home or residential settings for COVID-19 patients – updated guidance for contacts of people identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and on PCR testing.
COMMUNITY:
Hardship arrangements for those unable to pay for managed quarantine or testing
Details of financial support if you can’t afford the managed quarantine and testing fees associated with travel. Find out who is eligible and how to apply – added another example of what counts as ‘essential travel’ (if you travelled to a country abroad before it was added to the red list and now need to return to the UK).
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people
Information for eligible children and young people on COVID-19 vaccination – updated COVID-19 vaccination: a guide to a second dose for young people aged 16 to 17.
COVID-19 vaccination: booster dose resources
Information on the booster dose for eligible individuals – COVID-19 vaccination: a guide to booster vaccination for individuals aged 18 years and over and those aged 16 years and over who are at risk.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): student sponsors, migrants and short-term students
Guidance for student sponsors, migrants and short-term students on temporary concessions in response to the coronavirus pandemic – updated “Coronavirus (COVID-19): student sponsors, migrants and short-term students” to reflect changes to the rules – see the “Changes since last publication” section for a complete list. Added accessible version of the document.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read leaflets
Easy-read guides providing information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and vaccination – updated easy-read guide to the COVID-19 booster vaccination.
MHRA approves Xevudy (sotrovimab), a COVID-19 treatment found to cut hospitalisation and death by 79%
This monoclonal antibody – the second to be authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency – is for people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of developing severe disease.
COVID-19 variants identified in the UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK – added breakdown of cases by local authority to latest update.
Prevalence of ongoing symptoms following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the UK: 2 December 2021
Estimates of the prevalence of self-reported “long COVID” and associated activity limitation, using UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey data.
NHS Test and Trace: what to do if you are contacted
An overview of NHS Test and Trace, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
COVID-19 vaccination: for people with a weakened immune system
Information on the third dose for people with a weakened immune system – updated the COVID-19 vaccination guide for people with a weakened immune system.
Vaccination status of deaths and hospitalisations
Information on the vaccination status of COVID-19 deaths and hospitalisations
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer public places – managing public outdoor settings
Guidance for local authorities, owners and operators to support the safe use and management of outdoor public places while the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains – updated to reflect new rules in response to Omicron variant.
COVID-19: guidance for providers of accommodation for asylum seekers
Guidance aimed at all staff involved in the support of asylum seekers in all accommodation settings.
PROPERTY:
House prices hit 10% annunal growth
Annual house price growth hit 10.0 per cent last month – and is now tracking close to the level seen before the 2007 crash. Prices rose 0.9 per cent in month-on-month terms, after taking account of seasonal effects, says the Nationwide. As a result, house prices are now almost 15 per cent above the level prevailing in March last year when the pandemic struck the UK. Although the Nationwide added that there have been some signs of cooling in housing market activity in recent months. For example, the number of housing transactions was down almost 30 per cent year-on-year in October.
RETAIL:
Bensons for Beds buck trend with eight new stores
North-West based Bensons for Beds is forging ahead with its expansion and transformation plans by opening eight new stores this month. The nationwide bed and mattress retailer is opening three brand new stores and relocating another five into state-of-the-art premises. The new openings mark another big step in the transformation of Bensons for Beds which restructured to become a standalone company in June 2020, after receiving new investment.
TECHNOLOGY:
Get help with technology: conditions of internet access and device grants
Information about the eligibility criteria and payment process for connectivity and device funding – updated the Get help with technology: conditions of internet access grants page.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators and people who work in or from vehicles
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations, and people who work in or from vehicles, including couriers, mobile workers, lorry drivers, on-site transit and work vehicles. The public must wear face coverings when travelling inside a public transport vehicle and when in indoor transport hubs in England, unless they are exempt or have a reasonable excuse.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): taxis and PHVs
Actions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus. You must wear a face covering when travelling in taxis and private hire vehicles in England, unless you are exempt or have a reasonable excuse.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – face covering guidance for England updated.
PM rejects Commons call for tighter travel restrictions
During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (1 December), the SNP’s leader at Westminster, Ian Blackford, said: “We find ourselves at another very difficult moment in this pandemic”, adding leaked advice from Sage, the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, suggested current international travel restrictions would identify “significantly fewer cases”.
US set to tighten travel rules
The US government is poised to tighten its travel rules to guard against the spread of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, according to reports in the US press. Changes would apply to all prospective arrivals, vaccinated and unvaccinated, regardless of point of departure. It is also reported that travellers could be required to be re-tested for Covid-19 three to five days after their arrival.
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.
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