UK DATA
Total UK Cases: 3,892,459 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 20,634 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 31,670 (2,375 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 915
Total UK deaths: 110,250
England Cases per 100,000: 260.6 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.7 to 1.1 as of 29 January
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 10,490,487 up to and including 3 February 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 501,957
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 18,223
New cases in past 7 days: 756 to 30 Jan
Total deaths: 697
Cases per 100,000: 196.8 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.9 to 1.2
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK. The way deaths are reported is based on a 28-day limit between the date of a positive lab-confirmed test and date of death.
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:
More than 10 million people receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in UK
Significant milestone reached as almost 1 in 5 adults in the UK get the vaccine
- 9 in 10 of those aged 75 and over in England have received their first dose
- vaccines offered to all elderly care home residents and staff in England and Wales
More than 10 million people in the UK have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, marking a significant milestone for the largest vaccination programme in British history. Figures out today show the NHS vaccinated a total of 10,021,471 million people between 8 December 2020 and 2 February 2021, including 9 in 10 people aged 75 and over in England. This is equivalent to vaccinating the total capacity of 111 Wembley stadiums in just 8 weeks and is an important step towards hitting the Prime Minister’s target of offering vaccines to the top 4 priority groups by the middle of February. These top 4 groups account for 88% of COVID deaths, which is why the vaccines will play such a crucial role in saving lives and reducing the demand on the NHS.
Trial to mix Covid vaccines
Could mixing different Covid vaccines provide as good – or even better – protection than two shots of the same drug? That’s exactly what a UK trial aims to find out, with more than 800 volunteers over the age of 50 in England to be given the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab followed by the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine – or vice versa – four or 12 weeks apart. Other vaccines may be added as they are approved by regulators.
International arrivals of UK residents face 10 days quarantine
From 15th February, arrivals from Covid variant hotspots will have to stay in a hotel for 10 nights. The hotel quarantine requirements are being introduced in an effort to control the spread of new variants of coronavirus first identified in South Africa and Brazil, which scientists believe may be more infectious and may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. The rules affect UK residents and Irish nationals travelling from 33 countries on the “red list” – which covers much of South America, southern Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Portugal.
Government confirms mandatory hotel quarantine to be introduced from 15 February
From 15 February anyone travelling to the UK from a country on the UK’s travel ban list will be required to quarantine in a government-approved facility for 10 days.
World-first COVID-19 alternating dose vaccine study launches in UK
The study will examine whether different vaccines can safely be used for 2-dose regimes in the future.
Coronavirus England briefing, 4 February 2021
Epidemiological data and hospitalisation metrics used by the government to brief MPs on local restriction tiers.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Lockdown disputes lead to rise in child arrangement cases, reports SAS Daniels
While children all allowed to move between homes where separated parents share childcare, many parents are unclear about how lockdown rules apply.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 4 February 2021
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.
Ask HMRC not to publish your Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme claim details
Find out what to do if you are an employer and publishing your claim details could leave individuals at risk of violence or intimidation.
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out what steps you need to take before you calculate how much you can claim for furloughed and flexibly furloughed employees.
HMRC: Deadline to claim for January furlough scheme 15th February
You have until 15?? ?February to claim under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for pay periods in January?? ?2021. For the latest information watch the live Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar Register here looking at:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to calculate what you can claim
- how to make a claim.
HMRC are also running monthly webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Register herefor information on:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more.
During these interactive webinars you can ask questions using the on-screen text box and download handouts giving detailed examples and links to more information. Afterwards HMRC also send you a link to a video recording of the webinars, in case you’d like to see any of it again and we will continue to update webinars to reflect the latest information as it becomes available.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
Updated ‘Guidance on choosing a Kickstart gateway’ PDF and HTML documents because employers no longer need a minimum of 30 job placements to apply directly. They can choose to apply online themselves or through a Kickstart gateway already working with the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme: promotional materials
Use these materials to promote the Kickstart Scheme to employers and potential job placement participants – updated the employer guide PDF because you no longer need a minimum of 30 job placements to apply directly. Employers can choose to apply online themselves or through a Kickstart gateway already working with the scheme.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing
Advice and information on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added section on support for students. Restructured and updated other information.
CONSTRUCTION:
Main contractor payment terms improve during Covid
The country’s main contractors improved payment times in the last six months dispelling fears the industry would be hit by Covid-related payment delays. On average the 32 leading contractors paid subcontractors within 35 days, 10 days quicker than when the trade body Build UK first started collating payment data in July 2018. Vinci, Morgan Sindall, Sir Robert McAlpine and Sisk now rank as the promptest payers managing to pay faster than the Government target of 30 days.
71 projects in first wave of schools rebuild programme
The Government has kicked off the £1bn first wave of its 10-year school rebuilding programme with 71 new projects. The first round will include 50 school rebuilding projects plus 21 new free schools. Over the next decade the Government has pledged to deliver 500 projects as part of the programme. The schools include primary, secondary and specials as well as a sixth form college in West Yorkshire, with more than 70% of the schools in the North and Midlands.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care
Funding and financial support available for education, childcare and children’s social care organisations – updated the guidance on supply teachers and other contingent workers in state-funded schools.
Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Supplier relief for schools’.
Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated the guidance on rapid asymptomatic testing to include changes to daily contact testing advice, information on the rollout of testing to primary school staff and further guidance on the different approaches to testing.
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges
Information for parents and carers about attending schools, nurseries and colleges in the spring term 2021 – updated sections on attending nursery, school and college, remote education, exams, asymptomatic testing and lateral flow tests, Ofsted inspections, entry tests for selective schools, food, and EHC plans.
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY:
Coronavirus: Environment Agency update
The Environment Agency’s priority is to protect people and the environment, and to support those we regulate during the coronavirus pandemic – applying for a permit and Our waterways sections updated.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
NHS Test and Trace (England) statistics: 21 January to 27 January 2021
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 35 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.
More than 10 million people receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in UK
Significant milestone reached as almost 1 in 5 adults in the UK get the vaccine.
Nearly all in-person test results returned next day by NHS Test and Trace
NHS Test and Trace has recorded another record-breaking week, with turnaround times for most testing routes returning to levels not seen since the middle of 2020.
Community testing
Community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) but do not have symptoms.
COVID-19 vaccination: information for healthcare practitioners
Guidance for healthcare practitioners about the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
May 2021 polls delivery plan
The May 2021 polls will take place in a similar way to previous polls, but there will be differences as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 4 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 been updated: Business and charity support; Housing; National restrictions; Public health; Schools and education; Social care; Testing; Vaccines; and Other.
MINISTRY of DEFENCE:
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2021
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 as of 4 February 2021.
PROPERTY:
BTR set to double by 2025 and new collective co-living
Build to Rent (BTR) specialist Ascend Properties has forecast that completions in the sector will double by 2025, as the fast-growing sector continues to boom.
BTR properties are usually owned by funds, institutional investors and real estate investment trusts (REITs), and unlike regular types of housing are designed and built specifically for tenants. Typically, schemes include features like free WiFi, communal spaces, remote working facilities, rooftop gardens and on-site gyms and cinemas, as well as incentives such as no deposits, fixed long-term tenancies and bills inclusive
Extending Stamp Duty Holiday top of 10 demands in Chancellor’s March budget “We’re particularly concerned about the impact of the stamp duty holiday ending with a cliff edge in March as this could cause thousands of sales to fall at the final hurdle and have a knock on and drastic effect on the housing market which has recovered well from the Covid-19 slump” explains Mark Hayward, chief policy adviser at the organisation. The full 10 demands are:
1. Extend the cut to Stamp Duty Land Tax
2. Expand Help to Buy to the second-hand homes market
3. Establish a mortgage guarantee scheme for key workers
4. Restart the empty homes community grants programme
5. Provide a financial support package for the private rented sector
6. Raise local housing allowance
7. Ensure universal credit is adequate and more effective
8. Reopen courts to deal with the backlog of housing cases
9. Support investment in the private rented sector
10. More social housing
Agents urge for ‘tapered end’ to Stamp Duty Holiday
Estate agents have kept up the pressure on the Westminster government to consider some kind of tapered ending to the stamp duty holiday. Earlier this week a virtual debate amongst MPs showed a substantial number from both main parties advocating some sort of phased extension, purely for those buyers already part way through transactions.
SPORT:
County onside to keep Stockport safe
Stockport County have joined One Stockport’s efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic in the town and Keep Stockport Safe. Since coming under the ownership of businessman Mark Stott, Stockport County have showed great commitment to the local community through raising over £200,000 in their Food for Christmas appeal. Now the team are keen to support One Stockport’s ambition to create better connected communities and promote health & wellbeing. Where better place to start than with the players themselves!
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.
Useful Links:
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