UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,375,841 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,472 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 2,537 (230 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 23
Total UK deaths: 127,123
England Cases per 100,000: 27.4 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 32,250,481 up to and including 12 April 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 7,857,396
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 20,751
New cases in past 7 days: 61 to 8 April
Total deaths: 799
Cases per 100,000: 15.9 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.7 to 1
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK. The way deaths are reported is based on a 28-day limit between the date of a positive lab-confirmed test and date of death.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated with latest global case numbers.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
Step 2: Non-essential retail and pub gardens open
More businesses have reopened this week, but indoor settings should be visited alone, or with household groups. Outside, six people or two households can meet.
- All shops allowed to open
- Hairdressers, beauty salons and other close-contact services can open
- 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 England in self-contained accommodation
- Non-essential journeys between England and Wales are allowed
- Weddings – up to 15 people
- Funerals – up to 30 people, with 15 at wakes
- Children will be able to attend any indoor children’s activity
- Care home visitors will increase to two per resident
- Driving lessons can resume, with driving tests restarting on 22 April
Over 50s vaccine target hit 2 days early
All over-50s and those in high-risk groups in the UK have been offered a first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, in time for Thursday’s target, according to the government. It is, says Boris Johnson, “another hugely significant milestone”. The prime minister says the programme will now prioritise second doses, a record 475,230 of which were administered on Saturday to bring to 7.6 million the number of people fully vaccinated.
Government hits vaccination target as PM praises “precious protection” offered by jabs
Coronavirus and the impact on output in the UK economy: February 2021
An analysis of monthly growth for the production and services industries between January 2021 and February 2021, highlighting the impact from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Government hits vaccination target as PM praises “precious protection” offered by jabs
All adults over 50, the clinically vulnerable and health and social care workers have now been offered a life-saving Covid-19 jab.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Test and Trace pilot launches to stay ahead of local outbreaks in Cheshire East
As workplaces, shops and hospitality begin to reopen, Cheshire East Council and the national Test and Trace service have launched a pilot programme to speed up contact tracing.
Cheshire East libraries reopen after lockdown
Cheshire East Council’s libraries reopened on Monday in line with the next stage of the government’s roadmap.
Don’t miss out on having your say on 6 May
Cheshire East Council is urging people to ensure they are registered to vote by 19th April so they don’t miss out on having their say in the local elections on 6 May. Cheshire East residents will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire. There will also be a small number of local council by-elections and neighbourhood planning referenda that also take place.
North West Revolution Bars ‘excited to bounce back’
Half-year sales have taken a significant hit at Revolution Bars Group, while pre-tax losses have also widened on the back of a difficult period. However, the hospitality business now believes it is ready to “maximise our future performance and capitalise on growth opportunities”. Despite pre-tax losses, the bar business is “excited and ready to bounce back”, with 20 bars already trading again and the remainder opening from 17 May.
Step 2: How the North West reacted to easing of lockdown
Shops, hairdressers, outdoor hospitality and gyms finally reopened on Monday to mark a moment hoped to be a major step in the economic recovery from the pandemic. Early signs on Monday across the North West pointed to a pent-up demand particularly for retail as long queues formed at shopping centres across Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire. It came after the Prime Minister echoed North West leaders’ calls last week for caution as businesses finally welcomed back customers. The TUC North West urges business not to drop guard on workplace safety as huge queues at shopping centres
An upcoming virtual event is to discuss Greater Manchester’s expertise in advance materials and how they could shape our cities in the future.
The event, hosted jointly by Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership, inward investment agency MIDAS and the University of Manchester, Material Gains: Building cities that are better for people and the planet will take place online on Monday 19 April (2pm to 3pm).
BUSINESS:
Business leaders warn retailers to “remain vigilant” as high streets reopen
Retailers and hospitality venues across the UK have reopened today as coronavirus restrictions lift. The change in rules today (12 April) has meant that non-essential retailers, hairdressers, pubs and restaurants have been allowed to reopen their doors after being closed for the majority of the last year. Experts and business leaders from across the country have commented on the changes.
Step 2 COVID-19 restrictions posters: 12 April 2021
A poster displaying information about COVID-19 Restrictions in England from 12 April.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – shops and branches – Non-essential retail can reopen.?
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Guidance for people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England – updated in line with new guidance on 12 April.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely
Advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus – updated with what you can and cannot do from 12 April.
Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This guidance applies to people moving into homes in England, whether as owner-occupiers, private or social renters – updated to reflect Step 2 of the Roadmap out of lockdown.
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Guidance for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings – updated to reflect Step 2 of the Roadmap out of lockdown.
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for people in England with animals
Advice for pet owners and livestock keepers on looking after the welfare of animals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This advice applies to England only – updated with new guidance from April 12th
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care
Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to reflect that changes to the coronavirus restrictions came into effect on 12 April.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated both lists of providers.
EDUCATION:
Laptops, tablets and connectivity data as of 13 April 2021
How many laptops, tablets and routers we’ve delivered to help disadvantaged children and young people access remote education.
Laptops, tablets and connectivity progress data during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Information about how many laptops, and tablets and 4G routers we have delivered or dispatched to local authorities, and academy trusts and FE colleges.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting
Information on the benefits and risks of the COVID-19 vaccination – added updated leaflet.
Priority groups for phase 2 of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme: advice from the JCVI
Final statement from the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation (JCVI) on the groups that should be prioritised for vaccination in phase 2 of the programme – added ‘JCVI final statement on phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme: 13 April 2021’.
PPE deliveries (England): 5 April to 11 April 2021
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Designated venues in certain sectors must have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus – updated the ‘Information to collect’ section to give clarity on how venues should ensure that a customer has checked in.
PROPERTY:
Stamp duty boom goes on as index shows market resurgence
The Chancellor’s decision to extend the stamp duty holiday has “put a spring in the step” of the housing market according to the Halifax. The lender – Britain’s largest – says there’s been a “resurgence” in market activity in recent weeks, with the average house price 6.5 per cent higher than a year ago and a typical home valued at £254,606 in March. Russell Galley, managing director at the Halifax, says: “A year on from the early days of the first national lockdown, March’s data shows that house prices rose by 6.5% annually, or £15,430 in cash terms.”
Two-tier rental market: London rents fall while rest of UK rises
The scale of the London-rest of Britain divide is shown by Hamptons’ data showing the average rent on a newly let home in March stood 4.4 per cent higher across Britain – but if London is excluded, that figure booms to 6.8 per cent annually. London rents have started to fall again – just as every other region of Britain is showing significant annual increases. Figures for March from Hamptons lettings agency show rents in the capital falling 2.1 per cent annually; this is the second month in a row that rents have fallen. Inner London rents dropped 17.1 per cent, the 13th consecutive month that rents have decreased.
RETAIL:
JD Sports scores 85% net cash increase with “significant” retention of profitability
A UK sports fashion retailer has announced an 85 per cent increase in net cash as it reports “significant” retention of profitability through the pandemic. JD Sports announced today (13 April) that its net cash levels rose by 85 per cent, building 2020’s £429.9m up to £795.4m. The company also reported an increase in revenues for the year, growing to £6,167.3m up from last year’s £6110.8m. This comes after the brand’s opening of its first flagship store in Times Square, New York.
SPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of elite sport
Guidance for elite athletes and coaches on the phased return of elite sport – updated to include changes to requirements to enter England (testing)
TRAVEL:
Self-isolation compliance checks after international travel
Information on the self-isolation compliance checks carried out by the government on people who have entered England following international travel.
Providers of day 2 and day 8 coronavirus testing for international arrivals
Information on the 2 tests you must book, pay for and take during your mandatory 10-day quarantine period after arriving in England, including how to book.
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:
Travel: https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit: http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Small businesses received £21.3 billion in COVID-19 support from local authority grants 
Two year extension announced for Covid Recovery Loan scheme 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market