Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 330,368 have tested positive + daily 1,522 new cases
Loss of life: 41,477 across all settings + 12
Cases in Cheshire East: 2,367 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 25 in the last 7 days
Daily reported COVID deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the first laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 0.9-1.1 and the growth rate range is -3% to +1% per day as of 21 August 2020.
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 has been reviewed and updated using a measure based on a 28-day limit between the date of a positive lab-confirmed test and date of death.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 6 August to 12 August 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 11 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus.
UK HEADLINES:
Low-income workers to get self-isolation pay
The Government has announced that low-income workers who are required to self-isolate in areas where there are high rates of coronavirus will be able to claim up to £182 / £13 per day. The scheme will be trialled in Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Oldham where tighter lockdown measures have been introduced after a rise in cases, before a national roll-out.
New payment for people self-isolating in highest risk areas
People on low incomes who need to self-isolate and are unable to work from home in areas with high incidence of COVID-19 will benefit from a new payment scheme.
Travellers from Switzerland, Jamaica and Czech Republic to isolate for 14 days
People planning trips abroad face uncertainty, with the possibility of new countries being added to the UK’s quarantine list. Travellers arriving from Switzerland, Jamaica and the Czech Republic after 04:00 BST tomorrow will now need to quarantine for two weeks when they return to the UK. However, people can now return from Cuba without needing to self-isolate because of a drop in cases there.
Millions have no plans to return to the office
Fifty of the biggest UK employers questioned by BBC have said they have no plans to return all staff to the office full-time in the near future. Some 24 firms said that they did not have any plans in place to return workers to the office. However, 20 have opened their offices for staff unable to work from home. It comes as many employees return to work from the summer holidays with the reality of a prolonged period of home working becoming increasingly likely. The BBC questioned 50 big employers ranging from banks to retailers to get a sense of when they expected to ask employees to return to the office.
The lockdown has affected families in a variety of ways, with nobody impervious to the impact. New research however has identified a growing empathy between parents, as 87% of Brits consider themselves to have been impacted less than their friends during the lockdown. In fact, nearly half (49.8%) admit they are considerably luckier than their friends, according to a new poll.
The research of UK parents who have children currently in school identified a real empathy for friends, with a quarter of Dads feeling they were significantly luckier than their mates, compared to just 14% of mums. But the impact of the lockdown is more significant in older parents, with 71% of parents aged over 55 feeling they were more impacted compared to just 34% of younger parents aged between 18-24. This could perhaps relate to stricter lockdown measures for the older generation, or the impact on their careers as offices and businesses were forced to close.
NHS Test and Trace successfully reaches almost 300,000 people
The latest weekly statistics show that the service has consistently reached the vast majority of those testing positive and their contacts in 3 months of operation.
Coronavirus and the economic impacts on the UK: 27 August 2020
New experimental data on the UK economy detailing the impact on businesses from the coronavirus (COVID-19). Data is from the Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey; a 2-weekly survey designed to estimate the impact over the previous 2 weeks and the expectations for the following 2 weeks.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
New data: Business confidence in the North West increased during August
The latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking shows that companies in the region reported higher confidence in their business prospects month-on-month. When asked about the impact Covid-19 was having on their business, the majority continued to see demand negatively affected during August but with the picture improving month-on-month. Regarding job retention among those with furloughed staff, 31 per cent expect to bring back more than 90 per cent of their staff – the highest proportion of all UK regions. On social distancing measures, 52 per cent said they could, in theory, operate at full capacity.
Council asks parents to keep school gates clear
Cheshire East Council is asking parents and carers to help keep school gates clear of traffic when pupils return to class in September
CEO of Manchester Airport Group criticises Government ‘inaction on airports’
Charlie Cornish, CEO of Manchester Airports Group is calling for an end to “sluggish, illogical and chaotic” approach to quarantine as passenger numbers this Bank Holiday weekend expected to down by 75%. In his statement, Mr Cornish said “Catalonia is closer to Cheshire than it is to Gran Canaria” and repeated calls for a regional approach to travel restrictions ahead of today’s anticipated Cabinet meeting.
The King’s School opens new £60 million campus
The King’s School in Macclesfield has opened its new £60 million campus, which will open to students in September with a number of measures in place to keep students safe from Covid-19.
North of England: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in areas of the north of England including Greater Manchester that are subject to local restrictions.
COMMUNITY:
Face coverings: when to wear one and how to make your own
This page explains when to wear a face covering and how to make one. Also information about penalty fines for not wearing a face covering.
Vulnerable children and young people survey
A summary of local authority survey in England to help understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on children’s social care.
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 – added guidance on face coverings
CONSTRUCTION:
Covid-19 ‘new normal’ could boost productivity
Embedding many working practices born out of the urgent challenges of the pandemic offer an opportunity for long term rises in construction productivity and safety. That is the message from an academic snapshot study of six major construction schemes that successfully adopted to safer distance working.
EDUCATION:
BBC: Schools ready to welcome back pupils
National Association of Head Teachers survey suggests 97% of schools in England and Wales are ready to welcome back young people full-time next week. Schools are staggering lunch, break and start times and stepping up cleaning. Nearly all have created “bubble” groups of pupils, erected signs to direct pupils around the school and installed extra hand washing and sanitisation stations, the survey of 4,000 heads suggests.
£8m programme to boost pupil and teacher wellbeing
Ahead of the full return to education in September, a new training scheme has launched to improve wellbeing and mental health support in schools and colleges. The Wellbeing for Education Return programme will support staff working in schools and colleges to respond to the additional pressures some children and young people may be feeling as a direct result of the pandemic, as well as to any emotional response they or their teachers may still be experiencing from bereavement, stress, trauma or anxiety over the past months.
Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): home test kits for schools and FE providers’ to the ‘Safe working and protective measures’ section.
Further and higher education: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What colleges and universities and other providers need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): home test kits for schools and FE providers’ to the ‘Safe working and protective measures’ section.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): home test kits for schools and FE providers
Guidance for schools and further education (FE) providers on the initial supply of coronavirus (COVID-19) home testing kits for pupils, teachers and staff.
Summary guidance on appeals for GCSE, AS and A level: summer 2020
GCSE, AS and A level grades in England – summary guidance on appeals, malpractice and maladministration complaints.
Changes to the law on education, health and care needs assessments and plans due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance on temporary changes to special educational needs and disability legislation during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated guidance to show that the Amendment Regulations will expire on 25 September 2020.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
CBI findings show how different industries continue to be affected by the pandemic.
Its Industrial Trends Survey showed that manufacturers’ output volumes continued to fall in the three months to August (-46%), albeit at a slower rate than that recorded in July (-59%), and that manufacturers expect a smaller fall in the next three months (-10%). The Distributive Trades Survey found that retail employment fell at the fastest rate since February 2009 in the year to August (-45%) and is expected to fall faster in the next quarter (-52%). Sales were reported as being 27% lower than in ‘normal conditions’ this compares positively to 79% worse in June.
Finally, the Service Sector Survey revealed that employment in business and professional services had fallen by the quickest amount since May 2009 (-32%), but this was expected to slow in the next quarter (to -18%). Consumer services had been hit worse, with a record fall in employment (-63%), though this is set to improve slightly (to -48%).
Five ways to avoid catching coronavirus inside the office
As well as hand washing and social distancing, good ventilation may the key:
1. If it’s stuffy, walk away – according to workplace regulations set up before the pandemic, everyone should get 10 litres of fresh air every second, and that matters more than ever now.
2. Check the air-conditioning unit – is it recirculating cooled air?
3. Check the ‘fresh air ratio’ – is fresh air being pulled in to aid ventilation?
4. Check the filters – this can help to determine whether someone in the room is infected
5. Watch out for draughts and open windows – no one wants to sit downwind of someone infected
HMRC issue briefing: how HMRC will continue to support customers and the economy
This briefing sets out how HMRC will continue to support customers and the economy over the coming months.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 27 August 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. The YouTube video about the extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughing has been updated.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
Distributing vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 and flu
We want your views on proposed changes to the Human Medicine Regulations to help with the safe and efficient distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine and expanded flu vaccine programme in the UK, along with treatments for COVID-19 and any other diseases that become pandemic.
COVID-19: number of outbreaks in care homes – management information
Weekly number and percentage of care homes reporting a suspected or confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 to PHE by local authorities, regions and PHE centres – added explanation of future reporting and confirmation that this report has now ceased.
Organisation testing registration: record of users
Guidance and spreadsheet to record the details of up to 50 people who you’ve tested for coronavirus on that day.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact tracing data in its weekly reports – updated to reflect that: median turnaround times are now reported, the median number of contacts per case is now included, the way in which recent close contacts are identified for complex cases has changed since the beginning of NHS Test and Trace, and the number of non-complex close contacts identified and the number who were reached and asked to self-isolate is also provided for each upper-tier local authority.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 13 August to 19 August 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 12 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).
Experimental survival of SARS-CoV-2 on an insect-repellent-treated surface
Dstl was tasked by MoD Surgeon General to examine the anti-viral activity of Mosi-guard Natural® spray against SARS-CoV-2 virus.
COVID-19: potentially infectious people
How public health officers apply Schedule 21 to the Coronavirus Act 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19: technical summary
A summary of the PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19, outlining what the changes mean and how the data compare to other COVID-19 death data series – updated related deaths time series spreadsheet with latest figures.
HOSPITALITY / LEISURE:
Eat Out to Help Out scheme ends this Bank Holiday Monday
87,000 restaurants across the country have taken part in the scheme which has grown in popularity throughout August. 10.5 million meals were claimed in the first week of August, rising to 35 million by the second. The scheme allows participating restaurants to offer a 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks to customers dining-in, up to a maximum of £10 per head on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August. The final day to take advantage of the discount is the Late Summer Bank Holiday on August 31st. Participating restaurants across Cheshire can be found using the government’s restaurant finder website.
Pret A Manger to cut 3,000 jobs in bid to save business
Sandwich chain Pret A Manger has announced plans to cut a third of its workforce in a bid to save the business. The firm is set to slash 3,000 jobs, primarily store-based roles but also 90 jobs at its support centre. The news comes after it announced earlier this year that it would permanently close 30 of its stores across the country.
Daily Visitors to DCMS Sponsored Museums and Galleries
These experimental statistics show the number of daily visits to DCMS sponsored museums and galleries. For final visitor figures, refer to the monthly report.
JUDICIARY:
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page held a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak. New Manchester Crown Court update added.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus grant funding: local authority payments to small and medium businesses
Local authorities have received and distributed funding to support small and medium businesses in England during coronavirus – updated as of 23 August 2020.
MANUFACTURING:
Rolls-Royce announces job losses as Aerospace market hits downturn
The areo-engine giant is looking to merge two factories into one and is currently consulting with trade unions and employee representatives in a bid to avoid compulsory redundancies
MILITARY:
Council recognised for work with Armed Forces
Cheshire East Council has been awarded a Bronze Award as part of the Ministry of Defence’s employer recognition scheme for its work with Armed Forces and ex-service personnel in the borough.
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2020
A summary statistics on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19.
PROPERTY:
Data suggests a 13 year high for the market.
The average number of sales agreed per estate agent branch stood at 13 in July – the latest data available – following the announcement of a stamp duty holiday.
This is the highest figure recorded since June 2007 when 13 sales were also recorded per member branch. Year-on-year, the number of sales per branch has increased by 44 per cent, rising from nine recorded in July 2019.
In July, eight per cent of properties sold for more than the original asking price, a fall from 10 per cent in June. However, three in five properties sold for less than the original asking price. In terms of demand in July, the number of house hunters registered per estate agent branch rose by 13 per cent, increasing from 379 in June to 428. Year-on-year, housing demand is up by a third, from 316 in July 2019.
Covid-19 impact: Houses selling much faster than flats
Figures from Zoopla quantify how Coronavirus is changing the market, with houses selling significantly faster than flats. The latest market report from the portal states: “Quarantine has galvanised many homeowners and renters into reconsidering their housing requirements, resulting in demand for more space and changing work and commuting patterns.” It says three-bedroom houses remain the fastest selling property on the market, with an average time of 24 days since the lockdown lifted.
RURAL AFFAIRS:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated – RPA helpline bank holiday opening times.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode, published every Wednesday – latest data added.
TRAVEL:
Virgin Atlantic announces new Manchester Airport to Islamabad route
Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to launch a new route from Manchester Airport to Islamabad in Pakistan in December 2020. The new connection aims to meet the growing demand for flights for the Pakistani diaspora in the UK and US, and their friends and family in Pakistan.
Jet2 abandons holiday plans to the Balearics for the rest of the summer
The airline and operator confirmed on Thursday (27 August) it was suspending all remaining flights and holidays to Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca.
However, in a message to agents, customers and partners, Jet2 said that it remained “completely committed” to the Balearic Islands:
“Because of the ongoing uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the current UK government advice, we have taken the difficult decision to suspend flights and holidays to the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca for the rest of summer 2020,” said Jet2.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries and territories from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate – Czech Republic, Jamaica and Switzerland to be removed from the exempt list for arrivals from 4am, Saturday, 29 August 2020.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK
Sets out how to self-isolate when you arrive in the UK. You will not be allowed to leave the place you’re staying for the first 14 days you’re in the UK – clarifies the exceptional circumstances in which a non-exempt international arrival could leave their home while self-isolating.
Useful Links:
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
Cheshire East Council – Discretionary Fund
Businesses that have been unable to access other forms of Covid-19 support can apply for grants from a £4.68 million fund.
http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covidDGS
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.
Cheshire East Council – Business rates grants
https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/business/business_rates/business-rates-relief/coronavirus-covid-19-help-for-business-rates-customers.aspx
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