
UK STATISTICS:
There have been 17.6 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and nearly 157,000 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 65% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 17,607,832 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 88,171 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 14,816 (436 less than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 303
Total UK deaths: 157,730
England Cases per 100,000: 1,062
R number in UK: 0.8-1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 52,385,688 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 84%
Daily 1st doses: 12,466
Daily 2nd doses: 27,274
Daily Booster doses: 39,037
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 0.8 to 1.1 the growth rate range for England is -6% to +1% per day as of 28 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.
Change to metric from 31 January 2022
Cases definition now includes multiple infection episodes. Deaths definition in England updated to align with revised cases.
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 102,116
New cases in past 7 days: 4,099 to 29 Jan
Total deaths: 994
Cases per 100,000: 1,060
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Interest rates rise in bid to cool rising prices
Interest rates have risen for the second time in three months as the Bank of England tries to curb a rapid rise in the cost of living. The hike to 0.5% from 0.25% came as the Bank warned that price rises could speed up. Prices are expected to climb faster than pay, putting the biggest squeeze on household finances in decades.
It comes as the chancellor unveiled a support package to help households cope with a 54% jump in energy bills. Rising gas and electricity costs are the main factors pushing up prices across the economy. Inflation, as measured by the consumer prices index (CPI), is expected to peak at 7.25% in April, and average close to 6% in 2022.
UK approves fifth vaccine
The UK has approved a fifth Covid-19 vaccine, developed by US company Novavax. The vaccine offers up to 89% protection against Covid illness. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has said it is safe as a first and second dose in adults. Millions of doses are currently being manufactured at a plant on Teesside. Health Secretary Sajid Javid says independent scientists on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will now consider its use. The vaccine could then be used immediately as part of the UK vaccination programme.
France- tighter Covid restrictions could hit half-term breaks
Half-term holidaymakers could face another hurdle after France reportedly banned travellers from entering if they received a second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine more than nine months ago. Without a recent jab, France will effectively treat travellers as though unvaccinated and will only allow them to enter with a “compelling reason”, such as on compassionate grounds.
WHO: Europe is entering a ceasefire against Covid
The World Health Organization’s Europe director says the continent could soon enter a “long period of tranquillity” in the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Hans Kluge cited high vaccination rates, the end of winter and the less severe nature of the Omicron variant as reasons for the coronavirus “ceasefire”. Dr Kluge said: “This period of higher protection should be seen as a ‘ceasefire’ that could bring us enduring peace.” He added that some 12 million new virus cases were detected across Europe last week – the highest recorded – but said officials have not seen a significant spike in those needing critical hospital care.
Children’s Mental Health: record numbers referred for specialist care
More children than ever have been referred to the NHS for the most serious mental health problems, the latest figures for England show.
Some 409,347 under-18s were referred for specialist care for issues such as self-harm and eating disorders between April and October 2021. That was 77% higher than the same period in 2019. Head teachers and a children’s charity say they are seeing a rise in other less severe issues, too. The government plans to have 400 mental health teams to support schools by 2023.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
North-west responds to Levelling Up White Paper
Following the publication of the Levelling Up White Paper, setting out the government’s strategy for rebalancing inequalities between the South East and other parts of the UK, political and business leaders from the region have shared their thoughts on the plans.
Political leaders in Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region have decried the lack of additional funding to meet announced goals. Other business leaders have welcomed announcements on innovation and R&D investment for the regions, as well as increased offers of devolution for all areas of England.
Green light for new logistics hub at Manchester Airport
The development of three new logistics units, totalling about 85,000 sq ft, at the World Freight Terminal in Manchester Airport has been given the green light. Manchester City Council has granted planning permission to Columbia Threadneedle Investments for the scheme. The new buildings, measuring about 36,000 sq ft, 27,000 sq ft and 21,000 sq ft, will replace an existing obsolete unit.
It responds to the increasing freight traffic coming through Manchester Airport and providing further opportunities for the regional export market. The increased capacity will also help to serve the booming e-commerce market across the North West and beyond. Once complete, the assets will offer Net Zero carbon, Grade A warehousing facilities, including offices at mezzanine level, loading yards and separate car parks.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch a webinar and sign up for email alerts to learn more about the support available if your business is affected by COVID-19: Links to a video about COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme 2 and to register for a webinar about how to declare your grants on your Company Tax Return have been added.
CARE HOMES:
Throat and nose test (Innova 25) for care home staff: COVID-19 rapid test kit instructions
Step-by-step guide for COVID-19 self-testing for adult health and social care staff. Rapid tests are only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 – updated information about how to get a test kit and get help with doing the test.
Visiting arrangements in care homes
Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents – updated to provide clarification on essential care giver visits during an outbreak
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test kit instructions: SureScreen
How to do a SureScreen rapid nose-only test for COVID-19 and report the results. This test is only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 – updated information about how to get a test kit and get help with doing the test.
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 4 February 2022
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households, and communities in Great Britain.
CONSTRUCTION:
Constructionline to host first live ‘Meet the Buyer’ event in two years
The event at Villa Park on February 15 will be the first in-person Meet the Buyer for nearly two years after the programme was put on hold by the pandemic. A host of big-name contractors will be looking to connect with subbies and suppliers across the Midlands. Contractors offering work will include Balfour Beatty, Kier, Seddon, Amey Defence Services, Engie and GMI Construction Group. Constructionline Managing Director, Stefano Mattiello, said: “Over 500 like-minded businesses from the construction industry will be in attendance, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect, gain insight, build knowledge and grow your business.
EDUCATION:
Ofqual: rolling update
Information on qualifications which have been disrupted by coronavirus (COVID-19) – added information on special consideration for Applied Generals, Tech Awards, Tech Certs and Tech Levels in England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) mass testing funding for schools and colleges
Information about the funding allocations associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) National Testing Programme – updated Coronavirus (COVID-19) mass testing funding for schools and colleges: exceptional costs guidance (updated January 2022) to reflect 1 test per pupil.
Get help with technology: conditions of internet access and device grants
Information about the eligibility criteria and payment process for connectivity and device funding – updated the lists of eligible institutions to clarify that academies must make claims at individual institution level.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Regulatory approval of COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid.
Excess mortality in England: weekly reports
Weekly excess mortality in England – broken down by age, sex, geographical area, ethnic group, level of deprivation, cause of death and place of death.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents.
Weekly Statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England): 20 to 26 January 2022
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.
INVESTMENT:
Chinese buyers increasingly looking for UK investment opportunities
The ‘potent’ mix of the Covid-19 pandemic and the slow demise of the Evergrande Group, one of China’s largest development companies, is driving UHNWIs to seek property investment assets in the UK, with long term value growth.
That’s according to London buying agency Astute Property Search which, since the end of 2021, has seen a marked rise in Chinese nationals searching for properties that provide genuine investment possibilities, as well as potential future primary or second homes.
TRANSPORT:
Confidence in using public transport during coronavirus (COVID-19)
In-depth research, conducted in 2021, into attitudes to public transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU – the following haulier advice sites will close on 8 February 2022 at 10pm: Burtonwood (Merseyside), Cambridge Services, Clacket Lane eastbound, Cobham Services, Doncaster North, Hartshead Moor (Huddersfield), Reading and Rothwell Truck Stop.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus.
Travel behaviour, attitudes and social impact of COVID-19
Study into the travel behaviour of people during and following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
International travel: public attitudes during COVID-19
Public attitudes to international travel during the time of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.