Friday 21st January – Coronavirus News Updates

UK STATISTICS

There have been more than 15.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 150,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 52 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 91% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 84% have had their second and 64% have had a booster.

Total UK Cases: 15,506,750 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 108,069 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 18,979 (496 fewer than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 359
Total UK deaths: 152,872
England Cases per 100,000: 906
R number in UK: 1.1 – 1.5

Vaccine data:

Total 1^st doses given: 52,151,643 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2^nd doses: 84%
Daily 1^st doses: 18,032
Daily 2nd doses: 29,434
Daily Booster doses: 75,008

The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 1.1 to 1.5 the growth rate range for England is +3% to +6% per day as of 14 January 2022.

COVID-19: estimated administrative vaccine uptake for people aged 18 and over
Daily percentage of the UK population aged 18 and over who have received a first dose, second dose, or third or booster dose to date.

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.

Latest Cheshire East data:

Total Cheshire East cases: 88,887
New cases in past 7 days: 4,131 to 13 Jan
Total deaths: 952
Cases per 100,000: 1,068

UK NEWS UPDATES:

Health Secretary statement from COVID-19 press conference
“We cannot eradicate this virus, and its future variants. Instead, we must learn to live with COVID, in the same way that we’ve learnt to live with flu, and we’ll be setting out our long-term plan for living with COVID-19 this Spring.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid’s statement from Downing Street press conference – 19 January 2022

From Thursday 27 January:

Venues and events will no longer be required by law to use the NHS Covid Pass. The NHS Covid Pass can still be used on a voluntary basis as was previously the case in Plan A.
Face coverings are no longer required by law in any setting. Public health guidance will remain in place, suggesting individuals should continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
The Department for Education will remove national guidance on the use of face coverings in communal areas, with local Directors of Public Health able to recommend the use of face coverings in education settings across their area only where the department and public health experts judge the measure to be proportionate due to specific health concerns. This is a temporary measure and Directors of Public Health continue to advise individual settings experiencing outbreaks.
Any local introduction of face coverings must be subject to routine review and removed at the earliest opportunity.

England to return to Plan A following the success of the booster programme
Plan B measures will be removed following millions getting the booster, which gives strong protection against Omicron

Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 19 January 2022
Slides on coronavirus presented at the press conference on 19 January 2022.

Made in Chelsea stars call on nation to Get Boosted Now
Julius Cowdrey and Miles Nazaire, are calling on the nation to get boosted as the easiest New Year’s health resolution you can make

REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:

North-west based bar group: government was “overly cautious” implementing Plan B
The Manchester group behind the Revolution and Revolucion de Cuba brands blamed the government’s “overly cautious” response to Omnicron for the cancellation of Christmas parties during the festive season. Revolution Bars Group said sales over the Christmas period were impacted by the move to ‘Plan B’ including the return of ‘Work from Home’, the implementation of Vaccine Passports for late night bars and government messaging which it says “unhelpfully encouraged the limiting of social interactions.” The impact of this was most felt in the cancellation of office parties with pre-booked revenue down by 39% for the 6-week period to the 1 January 2022 when compared to 2019/20.

SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:

BUSINESS:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for pregnant employees
Advice for pregnant employees on risk assessments in the workplace and occupational health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated to reflect current guidance on work arrangements and face coverings.

Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ Statutory Sick Pay related to COVID-19.

Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Find out how apprenticeships will continue during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated to reflect the fact that the government is no longer advising people to work from home if they can and to reflect the ending of the temporary suspension of the requirement for level 2 apprentices to attempt level 2 FSQs.

CARE:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in adult care homes
How to access test kits and step-by-step guides on how to use PCR and rapid lateral flow test kits for regular and outbreak testing of residents, staff and visiting professionals – updated to reflect removal of confirmatory PCR after a positive LFT – and updated advice on testing within 90 days of a positive result. Removed ‘COVID-19 testing schedule for a suspected or confirmed outbreak in a care home’ guidance.

COMMUNITY:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations
People with COVID-19 can now end their self-isolation on day 6, if they test negative for COVID-19 on 2 consecutive days. The first test should not be taken before day 5. The government has announced that the measures put in place under Plan B in England will be lifted.

Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The government has announced that the measures put in place under Plan B in England will be lifted.

COVID-19 vaccination: guide for adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination.

Moving home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for those working within the home buying and selling process and those moving home.

How to do a coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow test
Find out how to do a rapid lateral flow test for COVID-19 and report the results. Rapid tests are only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19.

EDUCATION:

Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) operational guidance for higher education providers.
Updated ‘Higher Education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)’ to align with yesterday’s Plan B announcement. This includes the removal of the recommendation to wear face coverings in teaching settings and communal areas, that mandatory certification will no longer be in place and that people are no longer advised to work from home if they can.

Responsibility for exams
Guidance for schools, colleges and exam centres on who should enter students for exams, the health arrangements for exams and the support DfE is providing – updated the ‘Public health guidance to support exams for 2021 to 2022’ to align with the Plan B announcement on 19 January 2022. This includes the removal of the recommendation to wear face coverings in communal areas from 27 January. We have also made housekeeping changes to streamline the guidance.

HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer public places – managing public outdoor settings
Guidance for local authorities, owners and operators to support the safe use and management of outdoor public places while the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains.

Prove your coronavirus (COVID-19) status to work at venues or events operating COVID-19 status checks
Guidance on proving your coronavirus (COVID-19) status if you work at venues or events, and where this is advised – updated ‘What to do if you get a positive test result’ section to reflect change in self-isolation rules – people who test positive can stop self-isolating on day 6 if they have negative rapid lateral flow test results on days 5 and 6. Added a reference to the change in rules on 27 January, when it will no longer be mandatory for venues to check the COVID-19 status of attendees as a condition of entry.

JUDICIARY:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals guidance
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be updated when new advice is available – updated previous references to the government’s Plan B

PROPERTY:

COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

SPORT:

Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for grassroots sport participants, providers and facility operators
This guidance sets out information for the public and sport providers on how to organise and participate in grassroots sport and physical activity as safely as possible – added information on the lifting of Plan B measures.

Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for elite sport
This guidance sets out information for elite sport organisations on how to reduce the risk from COVID-19. This includes guidance on domestic and cross-border competitions.

TRAVEL:

Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England
How to use the NHS COVID Pass to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at venues and settings in England – updated ‘What to do if you get a positive test result’ section to reflect change in self-isolation rules – people who test positive can stop self-isolating on day 6 if they have negative rapid lateral flow test results on days 5 and 6. Added a reference to the change in rules on 27 January, when it will no longer be mandatory for venues to check the COVID-19 status of attendees as a condition of entry.

Switzerland set to further ease Covid-19 entry restrictions
Form Saturday (22 January), fully vaccinated international arrivals or those who have recovered from the virus will no longer be required to present a negative test before entering the country. However, those who are not vaccinated or who have not recovered from Covid will still have to take a PCR or rapid antigen test prior to arrival. Due to limited testing capacity, travellers will also no longer be required to take follow-up tests four to seven days after entry. A passenger locator form will only have to be completed by those travelling to Switzerland by plane or on a long-distance bus service.

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 31^st 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 24^th 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 – 11^th 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