UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,083,242 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 12,057 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 20,156 (1,531 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 454
Total UK deaths: 119,387
England Cases per 100,000: 137.8 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.7 to 0.9
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 16,423,082 up to and including 18 February 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 573,724
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 19,253
New cases in past 7 days: 470 to 13 February
Total deaths: 754
Cases per 100,000: 122.3 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.7 to 0.9
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:
Study reveals strong decline in coronavirus across England in January
Imperial College London’s React study found infections have dropped by two-thirds across England since lockdown began, with an 80% fall in London.
But virus levels are still high, with one in 200 testing positive between 4 and 13 February. This is similar to levels seen in late September 2020.
Although these are interim findings, based on more than 85,000 swab tests from randomly selected people, they suggest social distancing and restrictions are having an impact. Prof Paul Elliott, director of the programme at Imperial, said the drop in infection rates was “really encouraging”. It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepares to receive new data on the effect of vaccines on the spread of coronavirus, ahead of Monday’s publication of a roadmap for easing the lockdown in England.
February interim findings from COVID-19 REACT-1 study published
Report findings show infections in England have fallen significantly since the last report in January.
First human coronavirus trial gets the go-ahead
A group of volunteers in the UK are going to be deliberately infected with coronavirus in what’s known as a “challenge trial”. It will be the first such trial in Covid anywhere in the world. The study has been given ethical approval and will begin with around 90 people being infected. The volunteers come into hospital and will spend the whole time in a single room, and come into contact only with people running the trial.
On the third day, a small syringe filled with live virus will be squirted up their nose.
They will be monitored in hospital – including regular blood samples – for at least the next two weeks, after which they can go home if they are free of the virus.
The volunteers will continue to be followed up for a year.
Online card retailer a winner in lockdown
An online greeting card platform Moonpig has today announced that it is on track to double its revenue for this year. Moonpig Group, headquartered in London, has predicted that its revenue for the financial year ending 30 April will be approximately £346m, double 2020’s £173m. The company reported a “significant” increase in demand across the first three quarters of the year, and saw its “strongest ever” trading week this month ahead of Valentine’s Day. It said that consumer habits have changed, with more frequent purchases and higher average order costs as customers add gifts to their greeting card orders. Throughout the year, the group has invested in increased marketing spend as well as higher temporary staffing levels to meet demand. Moonpig commented: “The significant increase in demand seen in the first half of the year continued through the third quarter, and last week we saw the strongest ever trading week in the group’s history ahead of Valentine’s Day.
England’s Covid rules and key dates including next review
How long will lockdown last? Next announcement on Monday 22nd February
When are children going back to school? It is hoped from 8th March
What are the lockdown rules?
- Stay at home unless you have a ‘reasonable excuse’ – more here
- Outside of your home, only support bubbles may meet socially
- You may exercise once a day with one other person from another household in a public space
- No travel either around the UK or internationally unless ‘essential’
- Clinically vulnerable should not attend work
- Schools closed except for vulnerable pupils or those of key workers
- Universities teaching online
- Non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues must remain closed
- Pubs and restaurants closed except for takeaway food
People breaking these rules can face fines, including an £800 penalty for those attending house parties of more than 15 people – and a £10,000 fine for the organisers.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Cheshire East businesses thanked for continuing to ‘do the right thing’
Cheshire East Council has thanked businesses for their efforts to comply with Covid-19 restrictions after carrying out spot checks across the borough.
Over a two-week period, officers from the council’s regulatory services team made visits to more than 1,000 retail and town centre businesses to offer them support and guidance to help keep their staff and customers safe. They found that almost all (97 per cent) were fully compliant with the restrictions put in place by government, to control the spread of the virus.
Council agrees budget and priorities for next four years
The council’s plan includes £400 million capital investment in roads and infrastructure to support town centre regeneration, environmental goals and support economic growth.
North West MP leads All Party Parliamentary Group call for more hospitality support
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Night-time Economy, led by Chair, Manchester Withington MP, Jeff Smith, has revealed the impacts of Covid-19 on the sector, and set out a number of recommendations for government in a new report. The group of 40 MPs sought to document the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector in order to make recommendations to government of future support. Prior to the pandemic, the night-time economy generated £66 billion a year for the UK economy, employing 1.3 million workers including many freelancers. However, social distancing and lockdown regulations have prevented much of the sector from opening fully, if at all, since March 2020. Through surveys of businesses and individuals working in the sector, as well as its suppliers, the report described the industry as being ‘on its knees’ as a result of shutdowns and a shortfall in government support. 78% of employees in the industry have been furloughed at some point during the pandemic; only 36% of freelancers and self-employed workers in the industry have been eligible for self-employment income support programmes from government.
ARMED FORCES:
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces
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 – addition of: number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces as of 18 February 2021.
BUSINESS:
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme – updated brand guidelines. They now include a section on brand representation and usage.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus: How to help safely
Across the UK people are playing their part and providing essential support to their friends and family who are in isolation – added ‘1.2 Helping someone who is shielding ’Moved Covid guidance to mainstream page (https://www.gov.uk/volunteering/coronavirus-volunteering) to reduce duplication – updated information on self-isolation in ‘1. Stay safe as a volunteer’
How to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)Advice for everyone to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Community testing
Community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) but do not have symptoms.
Nearest testing site now on average under 2 miles away
The median distance travelled for a PCR test is just 1.9 miles, a record for the service, while 86.9% of cases, and 93.6% of their contacts, are reached this reporting week.
CONSTRUCTION:
Glenigan release video report on status of UK construction
The latest Glenigan Construction Review video reports that planning approvals are up 7% on this time last year, which will come as very welcome news for the industry’s development pipeline at this time. Watch the video now to learn how the sectors and regions you’re working in are performing. See the detail behind the numbers, download the free Glenigan Construction Review now.
EDUCATION:
Remote education research
Ofsted’s summary of findings on remote learning from several strands of research activity that we carried out in 2020 – added YouGov presentation of findings on remote and digital learning in schools.
Data on COVID-19 visits: registered early years providers
Data about Ofsted’s visits to registered early years providers during the interim phase of our return to inspection – published transparency data to 31 December 2020.
Data on COVID-19 inspections: non-association independent schoolsData about Ofsted’s inspections of non-association independent schools during the interim phase of our return to routine inspection – published transparency data to 31 December 2020.
Get laptops and tablets for pupils and students who cannot access face-to-face education due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
How schools, 16 to 19 academies, colleges, and other further education institutions, can access digital devices for pupils and students learning remotely – updated to clarify who is eligible for devices. This includes when devices are available for children in reception, year 1 and year 2, and students over the age of 19 with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) who also receive free meals.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
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 remove methodology information on the NHS Test and Trace app and UK testing as these statistics are no longer published as part of the NHS Test and Trace weekly publication.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines – published latest ADR (adverse drug reaction) data, covering the period up to 7 February 2021.
NHS Test and Trace (England) statistics: 4 February to 10 February 2021
Experimental statistics on NHS Test and Trace since its launch on 28 May 2020. Includes reports on NHS Test and Trace (people tested and contact tracing) and rapid (lateral flow device) testing for people without symptoms.
February interim findings from COVID-19 REACT-1 study published
Report findings show infections in England have fallen significantly since the last report in January.
EACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission: February 2021 final results
Results of real-time assessment of community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) during February 2021.
NHS entitlements: migrant health guide
Advice and guidance for healthcare practitioners on the health needs of migrant patients – updated links to COVID-19 migrant health guidance, dental health, and access to healthcare for migrant and/or undocumented children
COVID-19: migrant health guide
Advice and guidance for healthcare practitioners on the health needs of migrant patients.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 17 February 2021
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority (LTLA) in England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – the following sections have had new links added:Housing, public health, local government finance and funding, schools and education, social care. testing, and other.
Get help with laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers received from DfE during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for local authorities, trusts, schools, colleges and other further education institutions on managing DfE devices provided for children and young adults most in need – updated to clarify who is eligible for devices. This includes when devices are available for children in reception, year 1 and year 2, and students over the age of 19 with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) who also receive free meals.
PROPERTY:
Good news for first time buyers as lenders allow smaller depositsFirst time buyers with just a 10 per cent deposit – for long almost excluded from the mortgage market – now find many more lenders competing for their business. Independent mortgage market monitor Moneyfacts says the number of mortgages overall available at 90 per cent Loan To Value has risen by 29 in the first two weeks of February alone. This follows 88 additional products coming on to the market in January. The current total is 277 and while a long way off the 776 deals available a year ago, it’s well above the low of 44 deals offered in early September when worries about the pandemic caused lenders to tighten their belts.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus: driver and rider trainer guidance
How driving instructors and motorcycle trainers should work safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), business support, and restrictions on driving lessons.
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
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